John Nichols

Executive Editor

@NicholsUprising

John Nichols is the executive editor of The Nation. He previously served as the magazine’s national affairs correspondent and Washington correspondent. Nichols has written, cowritten, or edited over a dozen books on topics ranging from histories of American socialism and the Democratic Party to analyses of US and global media systems. His latest, cowritten with Senator Bernie Sanders, is the New York Times bestseller It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism.

Francesca Hong at a primary election night watch party at Atwood Music Hall in Madison, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Francesca Hong: “Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn’t Done” Francesca Hong: “Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn’t Done”

More than 300,000 Wisconsin voters backed a democratic socialist’s gubernatorial bid. That’s the measure of the strength of a new kind of politics.

Aug 13, 2026 / John Nichols

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong speaks during a campaign rally on August 2, 2026, in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Socialists Have a Proud History in the Democratic Party Wisconsin Socialists Have a Proud History in the Democratic Party

Long before Francesca Hong’s current bid for governor, the party was revitalized when it nominated a Milwaukee “sewer socialist” for governor.

Aug 11, 2026 / John Nichols

Is 2026 the Year of the Independent?

Is 2026 the Year of the Independent? Is 2026 the Year of the Independent?

An unprecedented number of candidates in this year’s midterms are running outside of the two-party system. What’s more, a lot of them could win.

Aug 11, 2026 / Feature / John Nichols

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

Insurgents Are Revitalizing the Democratic Party Insurgents Are Revitalizing the Democratic Party

And despite all the establishment pushback, voters know it.

Aug 10, 2026 / Katrina vanden Heuvel, John Nichols for The Nation

Abdul El-Sayed speaks during a news conference at the Spirit of Detroit shortly after winning the Democratic nomination for US Senate in Michigan, Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Detroit.

Abdul El-Sayed: “The Power of Our Many Is Greater Than the Power of Their Money” Abdul El-Sayed: “The Power of Our Many Is Greater Than the Power of Their Money”

The lessons from a primary win that can be applied to defeat a Republican in November.

Aug 5, 2026 / John Nichols

Abdul El-Sayed speaks at The People v. the Powerful rally at the Detroit Opera House on July 18, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.

Abdul El-Sayed Knows Just How to Beat Billionaire-Funded Republicans Abdul El-Sayed Knows Just How to Beat Billionaire-Funded Republicans

His ability to hit hard against powerful moneyed interests makes him electable.

Jul 31, 2026 / John Nichols

Francesca Albanese, United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, attends the presentation of the book “The Light of Awakening. From Palestine to the Entire World, a Manifesto of Resistance“ and freedom at Spirit de Milan in Milan, Italy, on May 27, 2026.

Francesca Albanese Won’t Back Down Francesca Albanese Won’t Back Down

Talking to the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian Territories about genocide, standing up to the hatred of the establishment, and ending war.

Jul 22, 2026 / Q&A / Katrina vanden Heuvel and John Nichols

Nancy Pelosi puts her ballot envelope in a ballot box during the Get Out the Vote rally in San Francisco, California, on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Even Nancy Pelosi Is Voting to Cut Aid to Israel Now Even Nancy Pelosi Is Voting to Cut Aid to Israel Now

Yet Democrats such as Haley Stevens, Angie Craig, Wesley Bell, and Greg Stanton are still voting for blank checks. Their primary rivals have something to say about that.

Jul 17, 2026 / John Nichols

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, right, joined by US Senator Lindsey Graham, speaks to reporters on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Columbia, SC.

South Carolina’s Primary Process to Replace Lindsey Graham Is What Democracy Should Look Like South Carolina’s Primary Process to Replace Lindsey Graham Is What Democracy Should Look Like

The Palmetto State will let primary voters nominate Graham’s successor. Maine, on the other hand, is letting a party convention pick Graham Platner’s replacement.

Jul 13, 2026 / John Nichols

Francesca Hong speaks on stage during Wisconsin Democrats 2026 Convention on June 14, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Can a Democratic Socialist Win Wisconsin? Fran Hong Says “Yes!” Can a Democratic Socialist Win Wisconsin? Fran Hong Says “Yes!”

Amid all the talk of “electability,” a Midwestern state’s radical history points to what’s possible.

Jul 2, 2026 / John Nichols

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