state-politics5.3 min read
Colorado Democrats censure Polis over Tina Peters clemency decision
5 days ago•Source: Politico
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4.825 min•12 days ago
New York lawmakers mull multiple redistricting amendments as session winds down
Democratic New York lawmakers are weighing several state constitutional amendments to overhaul the redistricting process, aiming to keep options open as the session ends June 4 and the June 23 primary approaches. They may pass multiple versions for a second passage next year, with any change requiring voter referendum. Proposals range from minor tweaks to potentially scrapping the map-drawing commission entirely, while Republicans push for independent redistricting in line with broader national debates after a Virginia court ruling.
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Blakeman’s uphill bid: NY GOP trails Hochul despite Zeldin near-win precedent
Politico•2 months ago
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Washington OKs 9.9% tax on millionaires to fund schools and services
Politico•2 months ago
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Ferguson signals signing updated millionaire tax plan with family and small-business relief
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson says he will sign the latest version of the proposed millionaire income tax, which would levy 9.9% on earnings over $1 million and redirect revenue to benefits like a expanded Working Families Tax Credit, free school meals for all students, OTC medicine sales-tax exemption, and childcare accounts, aiming to bolster families and small businesses; Democrats praise the changes while Republicans push back, and the bill still must pass both the House and Senate before signature.
Florida's 2026 Capitol Chaos: Budget Gridlock and GOP Fallout
With seven days left in Florida's 60-day 2026 session, a budget stalemate between the House and Senate and simmering tensions with Gov. Ron DeSantis threaten to derail top priorities (including AI regulation) as lawmakers prepare for redistricting and a looming property-tax special session; even as some bills pass, the session is expected to end without major agreements, highlighting ongoing divisions and affordability concerns for residents.
Donalds Holds Front-Runner Status as Florida GOP Governor’s Race Sees Scramble for No. 2
Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by President Trump, leads Florida’s GOP gubernatorial primary with seven months to go, turning the contest into a race for second as DeSantis’ endorsement remains uncertain. High-profile rivals like Jay Collins and Paul Renner have entered the field but polls still show them in single digits, while hypothetical matchups with Florida’s first lady suggest Donalds would win decisively. Donalds’ fundraising (~$45 million), name ID, and a strong campaign team bolster his front-runner position, though opponents argue the race could tighten and scrutinize Donalds’ finances, his wife’s charter-school business, and past associations. DeSantis allies are divided on endorsements, with some suggesting Renner as a credible alternative; the dynamic remains fluid as campaigns eye late developments and potential new entrants into the race.
Virginia court derails Democrats' midterm redistricting push
A Virginia circuit court blocked Democrats’ plan to redraw the state’s congressional map this year, ruling they bypassed proper procedures to approve a constitutional amendment and failed to meet notice and voting requirements in a special-session move; the ruling, if upheld on appeal, could prevent the mid-decade redistricting and potentially cost Democrats up to four seats in the 2026 midterms; Republicans hailed it as upholding the rule of law, while Democrats pledged to appeal and press ahead with map changes.
Sherrill takes New Jersey helm, pledges affordability and a stand against Trump
Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor and immediately issued executive orders to curb rising utility costs and expand energy supplies, framing her term as a push for affordability and a bulwark against Trump-era policies. The former congresswoman also faces a looming budget deficit of more than $1 billion as she charts a course with running mate Dale Caldwell, who was sworn in as secretary of state, with the inauguration held in Newark to emphasize outreach to diverse communities.
Spanberger Breaks Virginia's Glass Ceiling as First Female Governor
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia's first female governor, signaling a new Democratic era in the commonwealth as Hashmi and Jay Jones were sworn in as lieutenant governor and attorney general, while Democrats gained seats in the House of Delegates and pledged to redraw the state's congressional map ahead of midterms.
Californian wealth tax roils the Democratic coalition
A proposed one-time wealth tax on California billionaires is squeezing the state’s Democratic coalition, straining unions and top donors while pitting Gov. Gavin Newsom against the measure. Some prominent Democrats and labor leaders back the idea as a tool to curb inequality, while others fear economic disruption and political backlash that could affect national and 2028 races. The proposal faces signature collection for the November ballot amid warnings of capital flight and revenue shortfalls, underscoring a high-stakes fight over how far the party should go to tax the ultra-wealthy.
DeSantis’ Florida finale teeters on a turbulent legislative sprint
With Gov. Ron DeSantis’ eight-year tenure ending, Florida’s closing legislative session looks likely to be messy as House–Senate clashes complicate an ambitious agenda: pushing a multibillion-dollar property-tax overhaul onto the November ballot, pursuing mid-decade redistricting in a special session, and advancing AI guardrails along with vaccine-mandate rollbacks—all of which could shape his legacy and his near-certain 2024 presidential bid amid a shifting GOP power dynamic.
Texas Compiles Transgender List via Driver's Licenses
The Texas Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of over 100 transgender individuals who attempted to update their gender on driver's licenses between August 2024 and August 2025, raising concerns about privacy and potential impacts on transgender rights amid recent restrictive laws in the state.
Pennsylvania Approves $50.1 Billion Budget and Exits RGGI
Pennsylvania's lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have approved a $50.1 billion state budget, ending a four-month impasse. The budget, the largest in state history, includes increased funding for public schools, investments in education, and the end of efforts to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, with bipartisan support. However, it does not fund mass transit, and the delay has impacted counties, schools, and nonprofits.