Politics
Polarized politics has changed the dynamics of legislation and policymaking at the state and local level. Political parties with supermajorities are increasingly in control in many states and cities. These stories explain what that means for legislators, governors and mayors and how politicians can navigate this new political landscape.
Crowded primaries could signal a weakening of African American political power, but a more open and competitive political environment could also be a sign of democratic health.
The first Republican to lead the North Carolina Senate in over a century is seeking a recount in a primary where he trails by 23 votes. And a Chicago institution beats back a primary challenge.
Girmay Zahilay is the first new executive of King County, Wash., in 16 years. His restructure of the executive office sprouted rumors he "fired everyone" — but Zahilay says he's just organizing his office around his campaign promises.
Three incumbents who voted with Republicans in key moments lost reelection bids in their districts.
Every seat in the Michigan state Legislature is up for grabs this fall, with opportunities for Democratic or Republican gains. A three-way gubernatorial race could complicate candidates’ strategy.
It’s about motivation, openness to alternative candidates and ballot access.
Republicans are competing for the former president’s backing while Democrats hope high turnout and new voters shift the race.
A pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act could weaken protections for minority voters.
Whether it’s political polarization, ruthless social media or federal interference, this is a particularly tough time to be in elected office in a city or a state.
President Donald Trump gave the longest State of the Union speech in history Tuesday night. It emphasized the administration’s work on affordability issues as polls suggest most Americans are dissatisfied with his handling of the economy.
It doesn’t look good for the GOP, but these intermittent elections are far from perfect barometers of public opinion.
The county GOP decided to break from a jointly administered primary with Democrats. As a result, voters must publicly identify their party inside voting centers.
For a few of them, particularly ambitious Democrats, the answer is yes.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led a 12-state lawsuit against the Trump administration’s tariff policy. The Supreme Court ruled with the states on Friday.
President Trump disinvited two Democratic governors from a planned White House dinner with the National Governors Association, casting the event in doubt. The NGA has tried to promote bipartisanship amid increasing polarization.
It provides a natural space where identities overlap, reducing partisan prejudices. It could be key to easing our fierce divisions.
President Trump’s desire to place his party in charge of national elections is a tactic that collides with 250 years of constitutional history.
Some mayors openly challenge federal actions while others pursue quiet cooperation to protect resources for their constituents.
The circumstances have to be right, and real urban change agents know not to promise the impossible.
Changes at the U.S. Postal Service could harm political campaigns and voters alike. To safeguard democracy, they will need to adjust to new realities.
As the president calls for federal control of voting, administrators who endured bomb threats and burnout warn that long-standing guardrails are fraying.
Transportation funding fights and limited progress on core priorities have dented the governor’s popularity, setting up a risky re-election year.
Democrats and Republicans disagree over whether a special election upset in Tarrant County points to broader shifts ahead of November.
A massive fraud scandal on Gov. Tim Walz’s watch gave Republicans an opening in Minnesota. The recent immigration enforcement surge has made things more complicated.
New governors in Virginia and New Jersey signed executive orders aimed at lowering costs.
Joe DiVincenzo has served as county executive for Essex County, N.J., since 2003. He's become a power broker in Democratic state politics even while working with and endorsing some Republicans.
States will be scrambling to manage new priorities and demands from Washington, tighten their belts in a tough budget cycle and respond to federal frameworks on AI regulation.
Thirty-six states will hold gubernatorial elections this year, with at least 21 incumbents term-limited or not running for another term.
New York’s 51-member city council unanimously selected Julie Menin as its next speaker. She could help determine the prospects for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ambitious agenda.
Her speakership begins as city leaders confront fiscal gaps and heightened community tensions.
The scandals that ended the Minnesota governor’s bid for a third term reflect the kind of oversight failure that comes with one-party control of government. Above all, voters expect competent administration.
