Politics
Polarized politics has changed the dynamics of legislation and policymaking at the state and local level. Political parties with supermajorities are increasingly in control in many states and cities. These stories explain what that means for legislators, governors and mayors and how politicians can navigate this new political landscape.
Girmay Zahilay is the first new executive of King County, Wash., in 16 years. His restructure of the executive office sprouted rumors he "fired everyone" — but Zahilay says he's just organizing his office around his campaign promises.
At a historic low for divided government, thousands of state lawmakers are on the ballot, and control of some statehouses hangs in the balance.
Her poll numbers mean down-ballot Democrats have more hope than they would have under President Joe Biden. Democrats will also be supporting abortion ballot measures in at least eight states.
As surveys old and new show, support for it falters when it comes to speech that goes against people’s values or beliefs. But the First Amendment was intended to protect unpopular speech.
They personify the misinformation inundating the political system, targeting Democrats and Republicans alike and reaching tens of millions of people. There doesn’t seem to be much that can be done about them.
The “top-down” system will unify and streamline the state’s voter registration lists and allow for real-time checks on Election Day. If someone tries to vote in two counties, “we’re going to know right away,” says Elko County Clerk Rebecca Plunkett.
Americans used to split their votes between parties a lot more than they do now. There are a lot of reasons things have changed, particularly growing cultural tribalism. Can we ever regain a bipartisan consensus?
Gun rights groups spent a total of $33.2 million in the 2020 election to re-elect Trump; the NRA alone spent more than $16 million. Gun control groups also spent $23.5 million in 2020 to boost Democrats.
At least 19 states have declared that fetuses at some stage of pregnancy are people. These statutes could be used to restrict or ban in vitro fertilization by classifying the destruction of embryos as the death of a child.
No Republican in Congress voted for an environmental law called the Inflation Reduction Act. Now that its tax credits are spurring manufacturing in their districts, they warn against rolling it back.
Current and former employees of Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto say she’s snooped in their emails or retaliated against them for highlighting problems.
As many states move to dismantle their diversity, equity and inclusion programs and politicians turn the term into an insult, we need to keep sight of these efforts’ potential for good.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long had been the favorite to win the Delaware governor's race but violated campaign finance law. In two other states, primaries on Tuesday probably determined who will be the new governors.
The Democrats’ new vice presidential pick has one of the most progressive records of any current governor. He also has some history that Republicans are likely to exploit.
The glitch would have allowed anyone to submit a voter registration cancellation request for any Georgian using their name, date of birth and county of residence — information that is easily discoverable online.
About 57 percent of Hispanic households in Nevada are middle class, more than any other state. Many are shifting to the GOP due to the high cost of living and illegal immigration.
Kansas and Missouri are spending millions of dollars in a bidding war to win over major sports teams. The fallout could be detrimental for the losing metro area.
Something positive does seem to be happening in many of the places that have been losing jobs and people for a long time. The gains may be modest, but they’re worth paying attention to.
The state’s primary elections were originally scheduled for Aug. 6 but were moved up a week as part of a law signed earlier this year. Voters will decide seats in the state Senate, House and a couple battleground districts.
Back to back earthquakes in the presidential race are likely to have spillover effects in state and local politics. Plus, New Jersey loses a senator and total recall in the Bay Area.
In 1976, Coloradans dismantled Denver’s Olympic torch before it could be lit. With the 2024 Summer Olympic Games now underway in Paris, it seems like a top-of-mind moment to revisit a hard lesson in the complex politics of growth.
As he approaches the end of his mayorship, Francis Suarez seems to be laying the groundwork for his next political office. Yet it is uncertain if Suarez has enough political pull for a statewide office, despite his strong local support.
As the Missouri attorney general continues against those with innocence claims, critics are wondering if Andrew Bailey, who is currently up for re-election, has crossed moral lines and damaged the credibility of the office.
Tom Perez, the White House intergovernmental affairs director, looks to states and localities to carry out much of the administration’s agenda.
Joe Biden’s letter announcing his departure from the presidential race is just the latest example of a form of discourse that’s been shaping our politics and society since before our revolution. It still can.
Few states have laws and guidelines for such an apparent conflict of interest. A new report provides a framework for decision-making and legislation.
Red states are leaving the long-established Electronic Registration Information Center for a new system launched by Alabama. It’s about voter suppression, not election integrity.
After President Biden's withdrawal over the weekend, the vice president may tap a state executive as her vice presidential pick.
In a post-pandemic world, public health has become more politicized than ever. And as state surgeons general take on more political roles, some worry about bias in the health care decisions they oversee.
If a presidential nominee drops out, there are wildly different answers to what happens across the nation. Experts say it’s likely the Supreme Court would settle the resulting mess.
The state now has signs that welcome visitors to “The Free State of Florida” at 24 locations along highways and two welcome centers. The slogan has been used in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign since at least 2022.
