State and Local Elections

Justin Jones raises his arms

What Happened in Tennessee Proves That We Need a Third Reconstruction What Happened in Tennessee Proves That We Need a Third Reconstruction

The ousting of two Black Democrats from the Tennessee House of Representatives makes clear that the US urgently needs to salvage and rebuild a true multiracial democracy.

Apr 17, 2023 / Mondaire Jones

Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson

Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson

The Windy City's first movement mayor faces a formidable array of challenges, testing him and the coalition that brought him into office.

Apr 13, 2023 / Barbara Ransby

Scott Walker campaigning for Senate candidate Leah Vukmir in 2018

Wisconsin Is Finally Coming Out of Its Scott Walker Nightmare Wisconsin Is Finally Coming Out of Its Scott Walker Nightmare

The ex-governor seems terrified that the state’s recent elections could threaten the conservative domination he helped create—and he should be.

Apr 11, 2023 / John Nichols

Election 2023 Chicago Mayor

How the Midwest Was Won How the Midwest Was Won

Pundits write off the region as a vast expanse of red states. But recent progressive victories show there's more to it than that.

Apr 10, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Rep. Summer Lee at House Oversight and Accountability Committee organizing meeting

We Need to Talk… About AIPAC—and Develop a Strategy to Defeat the Lobby Too We Need to Talk… About AIPAC—and Develop a Strategy to Defeat the Lobby Too

Summer Lee’s victory in PA is a road map for how progressive Democrats can unite to elect candidates whose values will be consistent at home and abroad.

Apr 10, 2023 / Alexandra Rojas and Waleed Shahid

Senator Megan Hunt

Democrats Can Win on Trans Issues—but Only if They Fight Democrats Can Win on Trans Issues—but Only if They Fight

Though culture war bigotry loses at the ballot box, centrist Democrats have been too quick to surrender.

Apr 7, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Brandon Johnson celebrates at podium

The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago

Backed by the powerful Chicago teachers Union, he waged an unapologetically progressive campaign and saw off a “law and order” opponent. Now comes the hard part.

Apr 5, 2023 / Micah Uetricht

Judge Janet Protasiewicz onstage

Wisconsin Chooses a Progressive Justice in the Most Important Election of 2023 Wisconsin Chooses a Progressive Justice in the Most Important Election of 2023

Janet Protasiewicz’s victory matters not just for Wisconsin but for any American who cares about democracy, fair elections, voting rights, and much more.

Apr 5, 2023 / John Nichols

Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas at ABC7 studios in downtown Chicago

Trump’s a Major Issue in the Chicago Mayoral Race Trump’s a Major Issue in the Chicago Mayoral Race

Progressive Brandon Johnson is ripping rival Paul Vallas for once dismissing accountability for Trump as a “witch hunt.”

Apr 4, 2023 / John Nichols

California Representatives Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna

The Senate Doesn’t Need More Senior Citizens The Senate Doesn’t Need More Senior Citizens

California is one of the most progressive states in the union. It shouldn’t have one of the oldest senators.

Apr 3, 2023 / Sasha Abramsky

x