Ross Barkan

Ross Barkan is a Nation contributing writer. He also writes a column on national politics for The Guardian and is a contributing writer at New York magazine.

Dan Goldman marching at NYC Pride with his daughter. He's holding a pride flag and wearing a rainbow lei. His daughter holds a sign reading

A Disunited Left Clears the Field for a Moderate in NY 10 A Disunited Left Clears the Field for a Moderate in NY 10

A congressional primary spanning swaths of Manhattan and Brooklyn proves that you can have too many progressive candidates.

Aug 19, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Kathy Hochul, in red, waves a Pride flag.

How Many Battalions Does the Left Have in New York State? How Many Battalions Does the Left Have in New York State?

After a disastrous showing in last week’s Democratic primary, the state's institutional left looks weak and inconsequential.

Jul 7, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Bill De Blasio grooves in front of drummers dressed in red.

What Makes Bill de Blasio Run… for Congress? What Makes Bill de Blasio Run… for Congress?

He’s the obvious favorite. But in an exclusive interview with The Nation, the former mayor recognizes that his road to political redemption might not be all downhill.

Jun 17, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Two congresspeople sit next to each other during President Biden's State of the Union address.

The Latest Act in New York’s Redistricting Circus Is a Killer The Latest Act in New York’s Redistricting Circus Is a Killer

For national Democrats counting on the state’s redistricting to help hold the House, the latest electoral maps, which pit progressives against each other in several districts, are ...

May 27, 2022 / Ross Barkan

New York’s Redistricting Chaos Is Now the Nation’s Problem

New York’s Redistricting Chaos Is Now the Nation’s Problem New York’s Redistricting Chaos Is Now the Nation’s Problem

National Democrats were counting on the state’s redistricting to help hold the House. That’s now very much in doubt.

May 6, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Brian Benjamin’s Resignation Is a Gift to New York Progressives

Brian Benjamin’s Resignation Is a Gift to New York Progressives Brian Benjamin’s Resignation Is a Gift to New York Progressives

With New York’s lieutenant governor out of action, the path to power for veteran activist Ana María Archila just got a lot easier. But only if supporters can raise the funds that w...

Apr 15, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Highmark Stadium

New York’s Billion-Dollar Stadium Boondoggle New York’s Billion-Dollar Stadium Boondoggle

Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget includes an enormous giveaway to the owners of the Buffalo Bills.

Apr 12, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Kathy Hochul Is About to Break Ranks With Progressives

Kathy Hochul Is About to Break Ranks With Progressives Kathy Hochul Is About to Break Ranks With Progressives

Her proposed legislation on cash bail will please Mayor Eric Adams and alienate leftists.

Mar 25, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Ana María Archila poses for a photograph.

New York’s Lieutenant Governor’s Race Has a New Addition: Competition New York’s Lieutenant Governor’s Race Has a New Addition: Competition

Though the role has little power, in recent years the state’s governors-in-waiting have often moved up. Can Ana María Archila make the road from activist to statewide office?

Mar 15, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Will New York’s Redistricting Be Enough to Save the Democrats?

Will New York’s Redistricting Be Enough to Save the Democrats? Will New York’s Redistricting Be Enough to Save the Democrats?

The state’s proposed maps could add at least three blue seats.

Feb 2, 2022 / Ross Barkan

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