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.
Thirty-six states will hold gubernatorial elections this year, with at least 21 incumbents term-limited or not running for another term.
Several Democratic governors have threatened to leave the National Governors Association, a 117-year old bipartisan group, amid tensions over the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic cities.
The life of the former Atlanta mayor, congressman and U.N. ambassador hasn’t been without its contradictions, but today’s leaders can learn a lot from his decades of courageous leadership.
Sandy Stimpson is retiring as mayor of Mobile, Ala., after 12 years. He has helped stabilize the city’s finances and coordinate major infrastructure and economic development projects.
The state remains the only one in the nation where governors are explicitly barred from vetoing electoral maps — a legacy of 1990s reforms and now shaping partisan battles.
A new law in New Jersey requires cities to plan for a share of the state’s housing needs. The Republican candidate for governor is tapping into local frustration about it.
As Trump’s influence looms large over Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, the outcomes may determine who leads the Republican Party into the post-2028 era.
State and local governments are considering how they can help federal workers and how long they can afford to continue social safety net programs and infrastructure projects.
States and localities rely on the regularity and reliability of federal data. Disrupting it undermines everything from pensions to budgets and threatens public trust in government.
People get the kind of politics they demand, if not what they deserve.
Democratic Attorney General William Tong has earned bipartisan admiration from his peers even as he takes on the Trump administration and major corporate interests.
A new national study finds that people believe state and local governments can make their communities better — and they want to help.
A look back at nearly 150 years of deployments shows the guard responding to labor strikes, riots, protests and pandemics, but never under federal orders.
There were plenty not that long ago. We could use some of their pragmatism now.
The Oregon legislature passed a funding bill during a special session to prevent layoffs at the Department of Transportation. Lawmakers on both sides say it’s a short-term fix.
Fewer people are visiting Las Vegas than last year thanks to travelers’ economic concerns and federal immigration policies. The city’s new mayor, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, has no doubt it’ll bounce back.
American politics have reached a point where a radical solution may be needed. It’s worth thinking about, anyway.
Many of our deepest political problems have the same surprising source.
Columbus, Ohio, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, its economy driven by an unusual culture of cooperation led by Mayor Andrew Ginther.
This shutdown could last for a while, leaving states short of funds for a variety of programs. There’s no guarantee this time that they’ll be reimbursed in the end.
Gov. Abbott has his critics but there's no denying Texas' economic success during his time in office. The state's GDP has increased 60 percent on his watch.
Even in the days leading up to her assassination, Hortman offered an example of political bravery and smarts.
Ryan Walters departs amid clashes with the governor, controversies over TV displays and academic battles.
Democrats' hold on the state is at risk due to taxes and other costs. Separately, recall efforts are targeting politicians from Kansas City to California.
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer beat his party's favored candidate in last year’s primary. He’s still finding his footing with the Democratic legislature.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and ex-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan take opposite paths — one doubling down on the GOP, the other switching parties.
The Department of Justice has requested Nevada’s voter roll data and other election-related information, like the current voter registration list. It sent similar requests to about two dozen states.
Newsom’s redistricting proposal links rural, conservative Modoc County with liberal Marin — two regions with starkly different economies, cultures and political priorities.
More than a dozen members of Congress are giving up their seats to run this fall or next year.
Two big political blocs have different ideas when it comes to health.
A proposed map would converge three congressional seats at one Kansas City intersection, raising fears of diluted urban representation and legal battles ahead.
