State Primaries

Jessica Ramos

Can New York’s Politics Finally Be As Progressive as Its Voters? Can New York’s Politics Finally Be As Progressive as Its Voters?

Republican-allied “Independent Democrats” face serious primary challenges from newly energized, activist candidates vowing to move the state party closer to its leftist base.

Sep 12, 2018 / Sean McElwee

Catalina Cruz

Catalina Cruz Dreams Big in Queens Catalina Cruz Dreams Big in Queens

Cruz wants to make New York State a progressive model for the rest of the country when it comes to immigrants’ rights. But there’s a catch: Many of the people she’s speaking to can...

Sep 5, 2018 / Raina Lipsitz

Ayanna Pressley Wins a Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party

Ayanna Pressley Wins a Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party Ayanna Pressley Wins a Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party

An insurgent with a clear vision for a more urgent and aggressively progressive politics defeats a 10-term incumbent in Massachusetts.

Sep 4, 2018 / John Nichols

Julia Salazar

Can Alessandra Biaggi and Julia Salazar Unseat the GOP in Albany? Can Alessandra Biaggi and Julia Salazar Unseat the GOP in Albany?

Forget the mythical Bernie Bro: New York has a brigade of Red Rosas ready to take on the establishment. 

Aug 9, 2018 / Raina Lipsitz

Ignore the Media Hype: Progressives Won Big Tuesday Night

Ignore the Media Hype: Progressives Won Big Tuesday Night Ignore the Media Hype: Progressives Won Big Tuesday Night

This week’s primaries were won by both democratic socialists and progressive democrats. Who didn’t win? Centrists.

Aug 9, 2018 / Joan Walsh

Bill Schuette Winning the Michigan Governor Nomination

An Enemy of Civil Rights Just Won the GOP Nomination for Governor of Michigan An Enemy of Civil Rights Just Won the GOP Nomination for Governor of Michigan

As governor, Bill Schuette would follow in the footsteps of his backer, Donald Trump.

Aug 8, 2018 / Joseph Hogan

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the campaign trail

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Wins as a Democratic Socialist With a 21st-Century Vision Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Wins as a Democratic Socialist With a 21st-Century Vision

With a values-based campaign that championed Medicare for All and the abolition of ICE, the 28-year-old Latina beat a top Democratic incumbent.

Jun 27, 2018 / John Nichols

Ben Jealous in West Baltimore

Ben Jealous Shakes Up Maryland Politics Ben Jealous Shakes Up Maryland Politics

The former head of the NAACP is running for governor on a progressive platform that’s won endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and The Baltimore Sun.

Jun 25, 2018 / John Nichols

Stacey Abrams Makes History

Stacey Abrams Makes History Stacey Abrams Makes History

Meanwhile, it’s yet another good night for women in Democratic primaries across the country.

May 23, 2018 / Joan Walsh

Pete Ricketts

In Nebraska, a House Undivided May Fall In Nebraska, a House Undivided May Fall

How Governor Pete Ricketts took over Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature.

May 14, 2018 / Ross Benes

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