Berkeley councilor Rigel Robinson resigns, citing harassment, burn out
Berkeley City Councilmember Rigel Robinson has resigned his seat, citing escalating harassment, burnout, and a need to prioritize his family.
Robinson's decision comes after a long period of wrestling with the pressures of public office and the controversies surrounding the People's Park housing project. [ more ]
Republican Mike Boudreaux advances to special election to complete term of ousted Speaker McCarthy
Sheriff Boudreaux and legislator Fong will compete in a May special election for the remainder of Kevin McCarthy's term in California's 20th District.
The district is strongly Republican, making it likely to remain in GOP hands, and Trump's involvement may influence the election as a proxy vote. [ more ]
California sets a special election for US House seat left vacant by exit of former Speaker McCarthy
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has set a mid-March special election date to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The March 19 primary date has been set for the 20th Congressional District contest, with a potential runoff on May 21 if no candidate wins a majority of the vote. [ more ]
Here's what to know about the California special election to succeed Kevin McCarthy
Candidates have filed their paperwork for the special election in California's 20th Congressional District to serve the remainder of retired Rep. Kevin McCarthy's term.
The special election will fill the seat left vacant by McCarthy's retirement and the winner will be sworn into the House of Representatives almost immediately. [ more ]
Dems Pick Up House Seat - Suozzi Wins New York Special Election to Replace George Santos
Democrats win a highly sought-after House seat in a special election in New York, tightening the Republicans' slim majority in the House of Representatives.
The outcome of the special election could indicate how the two major parties will perform in the suburbs in the upcoming congressional elections this November. [ more ]
Border security dominates in New York special election to replace Rep. Santos
The special election to fill the remainder of a term for an expelled New York Republican Congressman has become a test for Democrats' campaign strategy in swing districts.
Immigration politics have dominated the race, with supporters of both candidates citing the impact of migrants on the district. [ more ]
Who will succeed retiring Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy in his red California district?
There is no clear favorite to succeed Kevin McCarthy in California's 20th Congressional District, but it is highly likely that the seat will go to another Republican.
The district is solidly red and considered too Republican for Democrats to seriously contest. [ more ]
Ridley-Thomas' felony convictions dictate his removal from L.A. City Council
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Veteran Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas' felony convictions bring new shock waves to a City Hall that had been settling into relative normalcy after months of upheaval.For 17 long months, Ridley-Thomas had been in a kind of limbo - suspended from the City Council but not permanently removed.
L.A. County Democratic Party leader says Valley candidate's flier is 'misleading'
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
A campaign flier sent out by a candidate in the April 4 special election to fill a Los Angeles City Council seat in the San Fernando Valley is drawing criticism from the chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.Candidate Marco Santana recently distributed door hangers that say he is endorsed by the "Democratic Party," according to a filing with the city made by his campaign.
Utah Republican Chris Stewart to resign from Congress
Republican Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah announced Wednesday that he planned to resign from Congress, citing his wife's health.My wife and I have made so many dear friends and memories throughout our journey, Stewart said in a statement from his office.I can say with pride that I have been an effective leader for my beloved home state, and I'm honored to have played an important role in guiding our nation through some troubled times.
McCarthy broaches Santos, Omar and other panel dramas in closed-door meeting
McCarthy's mention came after the California Republican touched on a topic popular with much of his party: booting Reps.Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both California Democrats, off the House Intelligence Committee.A select panel like Intelligence is different from most other House committees, in that the speaker has unilateral power to appoint the chair and control the membership.
Vote centers open for Los Angeles City Council runoff election
Three vote centers are now open for the June 27 Los Angeles City Council runoff election between two candidates hoping to replace former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez.Vote center locations can be found online at locator.lavote.govand are also listed inside the Sample Ballot Book sent out to voters.
Boris Johnson Quits as U.K. Lawmaker Over 'Partygate' Report
LONDON Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked Britain on Friday by quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament.He quit with a ferocious tirade at his political opponentsand at his successor, Rishi Sunakthat could blast open tensions within the governing Conservative Party.
Santos Tries a New Tack in Washington: He Introduces a Bill
Representative George Santos has had a hard time making new friends or winning support in his first few months in Congress an understandable outcome, perhaps, given the post-election revelations that he lied about much of his background.On Tuesday, Mr. Santos tried a new tactic: He introduced his first bill, seeking to partially undo President Donald J. Trump's tax plan that limited how much homeowners could deduct in state and local property taxes.
McClellan elected as Virginia's first Black woman in Congress
Following her primary win in December, McClellan said the lack of a Black woman in Virginia's congressional delegation was due in part to "an imagination gap that only saw certain types of people as members of Congress.Part of it is that Black women tended to get involved in politics later in life.
2023 City Council primary election: Who's on the ballot, when and where to vote, and more! * Brooklyn Paper
File photo by Paul Frangipane Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams The New York City Council primary election is scheduled for June 27, and every single council seat is up for grabs.Since redistricting has redrawn some district lines dramatically, you may need a refresher.
Former PM Boris Johnson denies lying to UK parliament over 'partygate'
Former prime minister Boris Johnson Wednesday angrily denied he lied to Britain's parliament over the "Partygate" scandal as MPs held an inquisition that could decide his political fate.Opening the crunch hearing by a House of Commons committee, the ex-Conservative leader swore an oath on the Bible and declared that "hand on heart, I did not lie to the House".
Democrats have been doing well in special elections in 2023
Democrat Jennifer McClellan easily won the special election for Virginia's 4th Congressional District last week.The fact that a Democrat comfortably retained a Democratic seat in a district President Joe Biden would have won under its new lines by 36 points in 2020 is not surprising.What is notable is that McClellan didn't just win, she outperformed Biden's 2020 margin by 13 points.
Civil rights pioneer and alum Myrlie Evers-Williams donates archival collection to Pomona College
Former NAACP Chairwoman Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, has donated her archival records to her alma mater, Pomona College, the school announced Thursday.Evers-Williams, who is a month shy of her 90th birthday, was only 30 when her husband was assassinated in Mississippi in 1963 by a white supremacist.
Walker-Warnock Race Most Expensive in 2022 Cycle as Runoff Intensifies
Sen. Raphael Warnock takes a selfie with supporters at a campaign rally outside the Democratic Party North Fulton headquarters on November 19, 2022, in Sandy Springs, Georgia.Brandon Bell / Getty Images The U.S. Senate race in Georgia is the most expensive contest of the 2022 cycle, according to OpenSecrets data, with spending by general election candidates and outside groups skyrocketing to $380.7 million as of Nov. 29.
McClellan Wins in Virginia and Will Be State's First Black Woman in Congress
Jennifer McClellan, a veteran Democratic state senator, won a special election for the state's Fourth Congressional District on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, making her the first Black woman to represent the state in Congress.Ms. McClellan, 50, will fill the seat formerly held by Representative A. Donald McEachin, who died Nov. 28 of colorectal cancer.
Virginia Democrats Defeat Glenn Youngkin's 15-Week Abortion Ban
The defeat of three anti-abortion bills came just weeks after Democrats won a critical state Senate race.Then-gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin listens at an election night rally at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles on November 2, 2021, in Chantilly, Virginia.Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Virginia state Senate Democrats in an education and health subcommittee defeated a series of anti-abortion measures on Thursday, thwarting Gov. Glenn Youngkin's (R) efforts to shorten the time frame in which Virginia residents can obtain the procedure by several weeks.
Virginia GOP Introduces Abortion Ban With Almost No Chance of Passage
The outcome of a special election held this week means the restrictive bill's likelihood of passing is slim to none.Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks during an early vote rally at the Brandy Station, Virginia, fire station on November 1, 2022.Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Republicans in the Virginia state legislature have submitted a bill restricting access to abortion, even after a special election earlier this week indicated that the measure has little chance of passing.
Balance is key as NH lawmakers head into budget year
Politics With the 400-member House almost evenly divided, legislative leaders say 2023 won't be the year for sweeping policy changes.CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Balance is the buzzword at the New Hampshire Statehouse these days, and not only because lawmakers will spend much of the next year crafting a state budget.
Four candidates are competing in a special election for a vacant Berkeley City Council seat, focusing on key issues like housing affordability, revitalization, and public safety. [ more ]
In brief: Berkeley special election April 16 for District 7 council seat
Eligible voters in Berkeley's District 7 have tight deadlines to get on the ballot or register to vote in a special election.
Registered voters in District 7 can file nomination papers by Feb. 16 to run for City Council, and must register to vote by April 1 for the April 16 election. [ more ]
UK lawmakers prepare to release their report on Boris Johnson and 'partygate'
Lawmakers are expected to release a long-awaited report Thursday on whether former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament over COVID lockdown-flouting parties at his Downing Street office.Parliament's Privileges Committee has spent 14 months investigating Johnson's conduct over partygate, a series of boozy gatherings in his office that broke strict COVID-19 restrictions that his government had imposed on the country.
Boris Johnson rewards allies, and a hairdresser, with honors as critics cry foul
Several dozen allies of former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson received honors from King Charles III on Friday, a list that drew cries of cronyism from opponents of the ousted leader.Resignation honors, bestowed by the monarch but chosen by the government, are an established but contentious way for departing leaders to reward loyal lieutenants.
DeSantis suspends mayor accused of voting in Miami-Dade while residing in Broward
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended Anthony DeFillipo, the North Miami Beach mayor who prosecutors say moved to Broward but voted illegally in Miami-Dade.Last week DeFillipo was charged with three election violations of an unqualified elector willfully voting, a third-degree felony, after prosecutors said he voted in a county where he doesn't live.
Patrick Mahomes wants to bring a new sports franchise to Kansas City
The future of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes is in question, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes floated the idea of Kansas City being their new home.The Arizona Coyotes have long been trying to find a new home arena for their team.They currently play in Mullett Arena, the home rink for the Arizona State Sun Devils hockey team that seats around 5,000 fans, but the plan was for them to play there temporarily so they could build a brand new arena in Tempe as part of a $2.1 billion entertainment district development plan.
House Democrats Move to Force a Vote on Expelling Santos From Congress
Democrats moved on Tuesday to force a vote within days on removing Representative George Santos of New York from Congress, an attempt to press Republicans to either endorse or abandon a serial liar in their ranks who has been indicted on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, stealing public funds and lying to the government.
Gov. Hochul says she did not know about sex harassment allegations against axed political aide Adam Sullivan
Gov. Hochul said Thursday that she did not know about years-old sexual harassment allegations against a top adviser, Adam Sullivan, when she ousted him from her political operation last weekend.Hochul said the allegations were "deeply troubling," and that she had learned about them through the news media.
R.I. Congressman David Cicilline to resign for foundation job
Politics The Democratic representative is leaving Congress for the Rhode Island Foundation.Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline will resign from his seat on June 1 to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, his office announced Tuesday.The 61-year-old 1st District Democrat was selected by the foundation's board of directors to succeed Neil D. Steinberg as president and CEO following a national search, the organization said.
Here's how a North Shore state rep hopes to retake an election he lost by 1 vote in a recount
Politics State Rep. Lenny Mirra wants a judge to declare him the winner or force a new special election.Five-term state Rep. Lenny Mirra lost his reelection bid for the Second Essex District by one vote in a recount earlier this month, but Mirra is not done making the case that he actually won the election.
Local The 400-member House headed into "Organization Day" split 201-198 with one seat unsettled after a recount ended in a tie.CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire's deeply divided House came together for the first time Wednesday for series of votes that highlighted how critical attendance will be over the next two years.
'A joke': New Hampshire man charged after fake ad draws calls to candidate
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire man is accused of posting a fake Craigslist ad for a free trailer with a legislative candidate's number on the day of the election, later telling investigators he meant it to be a joke after a flood of unwanted calls and texts jammed up the candidate's cellphone.
GOP wins control of New Hampshire House, 1 race unsettled
Politics CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The New Hampshire House will convene next week with Republicans holding a minuscule majority and with one of its 400 seats still unsettled after a recount resulted in a tie.Election night results gave Republicans a 203-197 advantage, but the state Ballot Law Commission on Monday upheld the results of a recount that flipped one seat in Berlin to the Democratic candidate, incumbent Eamon Kelly.
Washingtonian - The website that Washington lives by.
5 Things to Know About Jennifer McClellan, the First Black Woman to Represent Virginia in Congress - Washingtonian
On Tuesday, Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan won a special election for the state's 4th Congressional district, becoming the first Black woman to represent the state in Congress.She beat conservative pastor Leon Benjamin to fill a seat left vacant by Donald McEachin, who died of colorectal cancer in November of 2022.
Oklahoma voters will reject legalization of recreational marijuana, CNN projects
Voters in Oklahoma will reject a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state for adults ages 21 and older, CNN projects.The ballot measure at stake in Tuesday's special election was one of several such measures on cannabis use that has been considered by voters in recent months.
Rep. David Cicilline to resign from Congress June 1 to run foundation
Rep. David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat, will resign from Congress June 1 to run the Rhode Island Foundation.The First Congressional District of Rhode Island is a Democratic stronghold, with Cicilline winning by almost 30 points in his last midterm election.There will be a special election held to determine who fills the seat.
Rep. Barbara Lee announces bid for California Senate seat
Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee on Tuesday announced her campaign for US Senate in California, joining a competitive Democratic primary to fill retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat.Today I am proud to announce my candidacy for U.S. Senate.I've never backed down from doing what's right.And I never will.
Virginia voters head to the polls in special congressional election
Voters in Virginia's 4th Congressional District will pick their next representative Tuesday in a special election that could make history in the commonwealth.State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, the Democratic nominee in this heavily Democratic district, would become the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress if she wins.
Chicago mayoral candidate profile: Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia
U.S. Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García ran for mayor in 2015, challenging Rahm Emanuel as the candidate hand-picked by Chicago's progressive unions.Born in Durango, Mexico, García was a young protegé of Latino community activist Rudy Lozano, who was a budding political star before he was killed by a gang member.
Sophia King has represented the 4th Ward that stretches along the lakefront from the South Loop to Bronzeville since 2016, when she was appointed to replace Ald.Will Burns.After retaining her seat in a special election the next year and again in 2019, she was chosen to helm the City Council's progressive caucus in 2020.
Nearly 4 in 10 ballots were cast in Illinois before Election Day
Nearly 4 in 10 Illinois voters cast their Nov. 8 general election ballots before Election Day last month, reflecting an increasing trend toward voting by mail and early voting, the Illinois State Board of Elections said.The state board, in certifying the election results Monday, said 21% of the more than 4.1 million votes cast were submitted at early-voting sites while nearly 18% were cast through the mail.
Sen. Raphael Warnock Lands a New Home in DC for $1.1M
Getty Images / Realtor.comAfter a tightly contested Senate race, Raphael Warnock prevailed.His next stop?A new home in Washington, DC, for which he laid out $1,149,000.Warnock made history in 2020 when he became the first Black senator from Georgia, doing so in a special election that went to a runoff.
What Can the House Do to Address George Santos's Falsehoods?
On the campaign trail, Representative-elect George Santos, a Republican who ultimately flipped a Democratic seat in New York, misled voters about his work and educational history, his family's heritage, his past philanthropic efforts and his business dealings.His litany of fabrications has raised questions as to whether Mr. Santos, who was elected last month to represent parts of northern Long Island and northeast Queens, will be allowed to take his seat next week when Congress convenes or thrown out once he is sworn in.
McEachin, whose district was based in Richmond, the state capital, was reelected earlier this month with 64 percent of the vote against Republican challenger Leon Benjamin.He had been first elected to Congress in 2016 after serving in both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates."We don't do this for glory or fame, we do this because we like service," McEachin said on election night earlier this month.