Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

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.

A 21st-century president and a revolutionary-era rascal have something in common: the Insurrection Act.
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.
Charlie Kirk's murder is part of a thread that runs through American politics today, as well as much of the nation's history.
States introduced far more bills and passed many more into law than Congress has, acting in key areas such as tech, finance and health.
In a heavily Republican area of Missouri, residents credit him for changing the country’s direction.
President Donald Trump's declaration of a crime emergency for Washington, D.C., ends Wednesday. But a city Council member warns that the occupation will not end.
Democrats have put a measure on the November ballot that puts GOP seats at risk. Republicans complain the move is anti-democratic but haven’t settled on messaging yet.
Burton was an influential figure in Democratic circles for decades as a member of Congress and state legislator.
Having so many senior politicians is off-putting to many voters, particularly the young. There is a solution.
In a special session focused on redistricting, Gov. Mike Kehoe wants legislators to create a requirement for ballot measures to pass in every congressional district, rendering most future initiatives toothless.
Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, has presided over major changes in areas including education, taxes, immigration and economic growth. He discusses his legacy even as he gears up for a fourth term.
An analysis of 11 million vehicle records shows Teslas and imports dominate in Democratic areas, while Ford trucks and other American brands lead in Republican strongholds.
From Omaha to Orange County, Democrats and Republicans face off in districts with margins of less than one point, where even small shifts could decide control.
Seattle looks likely to reject a mayor yet again, while San Francisco voters are poised to recall a local supervisor.
More than 50 lawmakers fled to block GOP maps, building a legal record and national momentum. But the redistricting plan still moved ahead.
Trump’s vow to get rid of mail voting may be aimed at blue states, but it’s been gaining popularity among GOP voters. And it would almost certainly be unconstitutional.
From serious discussions about crime and transit to acting silly with kids, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther spent a day doing outreach and learning.
Armed with a massive campaign war chest, Greg Abbott is using aggressive tactics against Democrats and fellow Republicans to cement conservative priorities in Texas.
There was a time when mid-decade redistricting was common. Such efforts often backfired, which is why the practice remains rare.
The bill, requested by Trump, is designed to boost GOP control in 2026 but faces stalled action in the House due to a quorum break.
It’s happening more and more. But while the initiative process could use some reforms, it's a legitimate element of the democratic process.
Despite their obvious differences, legislators are able to work across the aisle on issues of shared concern such as transportation and housing, says the head of NCSL.
Once seen as a strong favorite, Bruce Harrell now faces an uphill general election fight against Katie Wilson, his highly progressive challenger.
A dozen years after bankruptcy, Detroit is in better shape than almost anyone could have imagined. But too much of the city remains poor, says Mary Sheffield, the probable next mayor.
A month after she was sworn in, Cara Spencer had to deal with a devastating tornado.
Democrats face financial and political risk in their bid to block the GOP plan.
The mayor is facing a more than $1 billion budget deficit and has already disavowed a property tax hike.