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.
Monique Limón, a Santa Barbara Democrat, was chosen to serve as the next president pro tem of the California state Senate. A former educator, she’s the first woman of color to serve in the role.
Many voters are switching party allegiances during the Trump era, but the parties aren't changing in ways that reflect their preferences.
A Medicaid work rule tucked into the sweeping law is now being cast as a liability for Republicans in competitive districts.
Facing a push by Texas Republicans to redraw congressional maps, California’s governor is weighing a special-election effort to override the state’s independent commission and protect Democratic seats.
The power of legislatures has waxed and waned over the centuries. It's been on an upswing during the 50 years since the founding of NCSL.
Virginia has the nation’s oldest legislature. It’s also arguably the most powerful.
New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee has idealism and charisma. If he wins, he’ll need someone with a deep understanding of how a city works to translate passion into governance. There’s an obvious candidate.
Some Republicans have expressed concern that the National Education Association has veered into partisan politics and no longer merits federal endorsement.
The organization has shaped state laws for 50 years. It may be at the height of its influence.
Ideas are now flowing down from Washington into the states, rather than the other way around.
Daniel Perez, the Florida Speaker, has been combatting the governor over various proposals and personal ambitions all year.
Urban Democrats and state-level Republicans have long been at odds. Could what’s happening in Charlotte signal a ceasefire?
Political experts see no upside for Texas Republicans in an effort Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday.
Its ideals, expressed by New York’s Democratic mayoral nominee, have seen plenty of success around the world. Maybe it’s time for a third party that would unapologetically stand for working- and middle-class Americans.
Supporters of vouchers and other funding for private schools are on a winning streak.
Andrew Cuomo avoided the mistakes that kept his father from reaching his full potential. But then he found other mistakes to make.
Lawmakers approved numerous bills to help his companies, including a shield against shareholder lawsuits and changes to highway and airspace usage around his SpaceX facility.
The congressman, who would be the first Black GOP governor since Reconstruction, is the frontrunner to succeed Ron DeSantis. In an interview, he says he would not shift policy much.
Threats down to the local level have grown more pervasive. Party officials worry that recent shootings could have a deterring effect on some prospective candidates.
A slew of measures that passed the Senate failed to come up for a vote in the Assembly. Advocates blame Speaker Carl Heastie, who says they’ve failed to build up support for legislation.
Ruthzee Louijeune is the city’s first Haitian American City Council president. Now she’s fighting the Trump administration on immigration.
Mamdani intends to freeze rent and offer free bus service and child care. Although a Democratic socialist, he insists he will be pragmatic in office.
Threats and harassment are on the rise, but strategies exist to bring down the temperature and reduce the likelihood of deadly outcomes.
The package will offer more support for ROTC, increase scholarships, guarantee in-state rates for ROTC participants and give early access to registration for students in military-related programs.
A provision in the federal budget bill would bar states from taking any action on AI. This would derail careful legislation designed to promote the technology while offering needed safeguards.
Just what is the military allowed to do in dealing with local disturbances? We’re finding out.
Madigan, 83, who for years was widely hailed as the most powerful politician in the state, was convicted on bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was shot and killed on Saturday. She had previously spoken with Governing about the challenges of leading in difficult times.
A statue in Times Square depicting an ordinary Black woman has held up a mirror to people's attitudes about race and celebration.
Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard against anti-deportation protesters is sadly familiar after other attacks on the First Amendment.
