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Armed man disrupts Amy Acton campaign appearance at Ohio Canfield Fair
1 month ago•Source: Politico
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3.36 min•2 months ago
Whitmer backs Stevens in Michigan’s Senate primary
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters, signaling a mainstream-leaning lane in a high-profile intra-party clash with Abdul El-Sayed, who has energized progressives. Stevens also has tacit support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, highlighting a centrist endorsement as the race unfolds.
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Colorado Dems Bracing for Anti-Establishment Shake-Up in Key Primaries
Politico•3 months ago
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Oklahoma candidates push to rein in rising home-insurance costs
Politico•3 months ago
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Arizona lawmakers push GOP-backed measures to ballot as session ends in a marathon night
Arizona’s 2026 legislative session closed after a four‑day sprint in which Republicans advanced a slate of ballot referrals—ranging from election overhaul to DEI restrictions and school‑funding changes—bypassing Gov. Hobbs by putting measures directly on the November ballot. The late‑night votes drew clashes between parties, and critics warned the moves could produce a longer, riskier ballot. The session set a record with about 2,190 proposed bills, and only a handful of GOP‑backed measures ended up becoming law, with Democrats noting many were blocked or stalled before finally being sent to voters.
New York eyes year-long pause on giant data centers
The New York Legislature appears poised to pass a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers (over 20 MW), halting DEC permits while regulators develop guardrails and rate protections. If Gov. Hochul signs, New York could become the first state with a statewide data-center ban. The bill, S10642/A11560, would give time to craft energy rules to protect the grid and ratepayers, and includes a new rate, energy efficiency mandates, renewable requirements, and labor standards. Opponents from tech and business groups warn the measure could stunt economic development; lawmakers plan votes this week before leaving Albany, with Hochul's stance still under review.
Colorado Democrats censure Polis over Tina Peters clemency decision
Colorado Democrats censured Gov. Jared Polis for granting clemency to Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk convicted of enabling unauthorized access to voting equipment; Polis shortened her nine-year sentence to 4.5 years (not a pardon), sparking criticism that the move undermines trust in elections. Peters’ case has become a rallying point for election-denial voices, while Polis’ allies argue the decision was based on the facts of the case and the process, with critics including Sen. Michael Bennet suggesting it could threaten Polis’ political prospects.
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.
New York’s redistricting stays cautious as Democrats shield minority protections
New York Democrats are moving forward with a 2028 redistricting plan but are unlikely to mimic the aggressive gerrymandering seen in GOP-led states, kept in check by Voting Rights Act protections and political pressure to preserve minority districts. A constitutional amendment may guide the process, and while Democrats could expand their margin from 19-7 toward roughly 22-4 or 23-3, leaders say they will not roll back minority protections, a stance likely to face civil rights scrutiny and public pushback even as the Democratic edge grows.
Blakeman’s uphill bid: NY GOP trails Hochul despite Zeldin near-win precedent
Bruce Blakeman trails Gov. Kathy Hochul by double digits as fundraising gaps, a late campaign start, and ties to Trump complicate the NY GOP’s bid to replicate Zeldin’s near-win; Democrats have launched a seven-figure ad campaign and seek to deny public matching funds, while Hochul builds a robust campaign infrastructure in a deeply blue state.
Washington OKs 9.9% tax on millionaires to fund schools and services
Democrat-led Washington state Senate approved a 9.9% income tax on residents earning over $1 million to fund education, prisons, universal school lunches and other programs, with Gov. Ferguson expected to sign. Supporters cite budget pressures and public sentiment, while critics warn about potential business impact and legal challenges, including a ballot repeal effort and constitutional questions around how income is treated.
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.