The California Democratic Party will hold its midterm convention at Moscone Center in San Francisco this weekend, and while there's not a whole lot of suspense, it's always an opportunity to see which way the party is leaning in a crucial election year. The message so far: Don't talk about economic inequality-and don't mention the billionaire tax. All the candidates for governor, and all the candidates for the other statewide offices, will be there. Mayor Daniel Lurie will address the crowd. The party issues endorsements in contested primaries, and the San Francisco Congressional race was wired from the start for state Sen. Scott Wiener.
Council Member Julie Won was a late entrant to the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez in New York's 7th Congressional District but believes her "lived experience" as an immigrant and a mother means she is well-placed to succeed the veteran lawmaker in one of the most liberal districts in the country. Won, in a surprise move, launched her campaign on Feb. 2, a month after Assemblymember Claire Valdez and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso had launched their own campaigns for the seat.
Representative Jerry Nadler's September announcement that he planned to retire at the end of his term sparked a frenetic race to find his successor, with a raft of legislators, commentators, and miscellaneous politicos joining the field in New York's 12th Congressional District. Now, the longtime congressman finds himself at odds with his longtime ally former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on who should replace him.
Voters will choose four candidates for at-large City Council seats. Valdez was among the top eight vote-getters during last month's preliminary election, ensuring that she would move on to the general. But Valdez only came in sixth place out of 10 candidates in the primary. She was outpaced by popular incumbents like Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Erin Murphy, and Julia Mejia. Former District 3 councilor Frank Baker, who is hoping to return to City Council as an at-large candidate, also received more votes than Valdez.
Reps. Grace Meng, Dan Goldman, Ritchie Torres, Greg Meeks and Tom Suozzi are among those who have not made an official endorsement of any candidate in the general election. Meng didn't endorse anyone in the primary. Goldman endorsed state Sen. Zellnor Myrie. Torres, Meeks and Suozzi endorsed Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate in the general election.
At a time when Barcelona have gone through radical changes to their wage structure, it is perhaps not a surprise that only one player has made the list of the world's top ten highest-paid footballers. The player in question is Lamine Yamal, who has become the poster boy for the club both on and off the field. His recent contract with Barcelona has further boosted his wealth, with the Spaniard now ranking in Forbes ' latest rankings.
So multiple sources of big money are a must, as are major allies. Not only do these allies go on the road as surrogates at times, but they recruit other supporters, some of whom provide the first essential, big money. For a candidate to alienate the most powerful individuals in their political party even before a race gets going seriously is an unheard-of no-no.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin on Friday endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race, just weeks ahead of Election Day. "He's running to make NYC more affordable for everyone and has captured the nation's attention with his incredible campaign," Martin, who was elected by fellow Democrats to his position earlier this year, wrote in a post on X. "Go vote for Zohran this November!"
Assembly Member Micah Lasher received the first endorsements in his bid to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler on Monday. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, New York City Council Members Gale Brewer and Shaun Abreu, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer and former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger all endorsed Lasher, who is widely viewed as Nadler's heir apparent. Nadler currently represents the 12th Congressional District, which encompasses both the Upper East Side and Upper West Side of Manhattan.
15 years ago, Rob Gronkowski arrived in the NFL seemingly straight out of central casting - almost the platonic ideal of a football player in the American psyche. He was all muscle and kinetic energy, a fearsome blocker and incredible receiver who was impossible to tackle, a selfless teammate on the field and the ultimate party animal off it. His touchdown celebrations - often a silly dance followed by a ferocious spiking of the football - summed up his spirit as well as anything.
"Since then, I have engaged in thoughtful conversations with people both in the Party and in the wider community. These discussions have reaffirmed my belief in the unique and vital role the Presidency plays in our national life. Fianna Fáil has a proud tradition of nominating people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the Office."
"Too often, politics gets stuck in ego and gridlock," González-Rojas said in the video. "I spent my life organizing, advocating and working in diverse coalitions to get things done. I am unwavering in my values and my commitment to our community."
