Politics, Parties, Candidates
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Featured Stories
Dem-NPL Leaders, Lawmakers Mourn Passing of Dedicated Public Servant, Beloved Legislator, Liz Conmy
FARGO, North Dakota, April 29 -- The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Dem-NPL Leaders, Lawmakers Mourn Passing of Dedicated Public Servant, Beloved Legislator, Liz Conmy
Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) died in a plane accident. Conmy's family has announced her Celebration of Life will be this Friday, May 1, from 4:30-7:30 at RiverHaven in Moorhead.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, "As district chair in 2022, I was responsible for finding a candidate to run for an open seat. I told myself I would run unless I
... Show Full Article
FARGO, North Dakota, April 29 -- The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Dem-NPL Leaders, Lawmakers Mourn Passing of Dedicated Public Servant, Beloved Legislator, Liz Conmy
Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) died in a plane accident. Conmy's family has announced her Celebration of Life will be this Friday, May 1, from 4:30-7:30 at RiverHaven in Moorhead.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, "As district chair in 2022, I was responsible for finding a candidate to run for an open seat. I told myself I would run unless Ifound someone better. I found someone better, our neighbor, our friend, unofficial auntie to my daughter, unofficial big sis and official running mate of my wife. We were so proud of all she did in the legislature, but in my heart she will always be the lady who knocked on our door in the middle of a mid-April snowstorm and asked if she could make a snowman with our daughter. Like so many people, we just loved Liz so much, that tiny lady with that huge heart."
Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo) and fellow District 11 Representative, "North Dakota has lost one of its fiercest advocates and loudest cheerleader. Rep. Liz Conmy stood strong and spoke out for the people she served. She was tireless in her public service, forging collaborations and making new friends everywhere she went. Liz kept us smiling, laughing and never giving up. She led the hike up the 18 floors of the ND Capitol building everyday of Session, sometimes twice for the heck of it. Thank you for it all my friend! You are loved and will be missed."
Anastassiya Andrianova, Candidate for District 11 House, said, "Representative Liz Conmy was a leader and a friend to all. She was my running mate, and I couldn't wait to go to Bismarck with her. Liz was a mentor and a role model to me, my husband, and our daughter, Freya, whom she knew and adored from birth. Our next door neighbor, our dearest friend, I cannot find the words to express how deeply we love you and how much we will miss you. I will remember your grace, humor, kindness, and strength forever -- may you continue smiling upon us."
Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) Senator for District 11 said, "I really see Liz as having a zest for life. It's fascinating, she had this experience all the way from growing up and operating a farm to being a college professor. She was well-rounded in her relationships with people, in her education, and as a lawmaker. We can honor Rep. Liz Conmy by engaging in positive things."
District 11 Democratic-NPL Chair and Fargo Public School Board Member Greg Clark remarked, "When I first met Liz, before she was elected to the House of Representatives, she told me she wasn't sure she wanted to be a legislator. I always had great respect for Liz because she was a reluctant leader, serving out of a sense of duty and a belief she could make a difference. You could always feel her presence in a room, even if you couldn't see or hear her. Liz had a rare mixture of quiet competence, fierce intelligence, and genuine warmth. We should all aspire to lead like Liz."
House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, "I am completely devastated at the loss of our friend Liz. She lived life to its fullest, never shying from adventure or speaking her mind--often in refreshingly direct terms. As a lawmaker, she championed public education, the environment, and transparency. With a wicked sense of humor, Liz quickly made genuine friendships across the political spectrum. Truly no one in the House was better at making or taking a joke than Liz. She's a prime example of how to take the work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. As a friend, I have a hole in my heart. As a citizen, I grieve the loss of an outstanding public servant. May her beautiful children, family, and friends find peace in these difficult times."
Rep Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) said, "I'm shocked and heartbroken by the tragic death of my colleague Rep. Liz Conmy. As a legislator for District 11, she had a gift for connecting with all types of people, for understanding both urban and rural issues, and for explaining complex issues in a compelling way. And she was a damn fun person. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her."
Representative Austin Foss (D-Fargo) remarked, "Liz was an incredible legislator. She had the energy and tenacity to fight for what she believed in, and the uncanny ability to get along with anyone, no matter what side you were on. I had the privilege to get to know her these past few years, and she made my first year in the legislature truly memorable. From serving with her on committee, climbing the capitol tower every day, and getting up to shenanigans, I'm so glad at the end of all of it I was able to call her a friend. She will be missed dearly."
Representative Mary Schneider (D-Fargo) remarked, "The same traits that made Liz a great friend made her a great colleague and legislator: she was brilliant, brave, kind, fun, funny, and got along with everyone. Her smile was constant and infectious, putting those around her in a good mood, even on bad days. Liz fought for critical issues like women's rights, voting issues, healthcare, and education without backing down or giving up. Even during hostile and heated times at the legislature, however, Liz was a model of civility, cooperation, collaboration, and compassion, moving comfortably across party lines. If there were more people like Liz, the world would be a better place. I am heartbroken she is gone."
Representative Collette Brown (D-Warwick) remarked, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a great colleague, Liz Conmy. Liz was such a fun and vivacious woman who brought her bright energy and authenticity into every space she entered. She had a willingness to try anything once. A link in our chain is gone, and our caucus feels that loss deeply. This is a heartbreaking moment for the House and for all who knew her. Liz was liked by many and more importantly, truly loved. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those grieving this tremendous loss."
Representative Jayme Davis (D-Rolette) said, "Needless to say I am in absolute shock at the tragic passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Liz Conmy, and her beloved friend Joe.
Liz was one of a kind. A powerhouse. A spitfire. She had the best sense of humor and lived life to the fullest. A woman full of strength, joy, courage, and heart. She showed up for people with purpose and conviction.My prayers are with all who loved Liz and Joe especially their families, children, friends, colleagues, and the communities they touched. Liz was truly one of the best. Her light and legacy will not be forgotten"
Representative LaurieBeth Hager (D-Fargo) said, "I am in utter shock as this is a painful loss for me and my legislative colleagues. Representative Conmy and I had served together for the past 4 years. She sat directly behind me in the chamber and alongside me on the Education Committee.
She brought a JOYFUL spirit to our caucus, every meeting, and the entire legislative chamber. Liz made me laugh regularly and often, which is much needed during session.
Liz and I were instant friends. We stayed in the same motel, and she brightened the day each morning at breakfast and throughout the day. I am flooded with memories --way too many to share. She and I just talked on Thursday, and of course, we laughed together. She was looking forward to another adventure with Joe. I am thankful for Liz's friendship and will forever miss her. I extend my deepest sympathies to her 4 children, her grandchildren, and her legislative family and everyone else who was blessed to encounter Liz."
Former Representative Hamida Dakane remarked, "I'm still in shock over the passing of Representative Liz Conmy. Just a few days ago I had a conversation with her, and I still have a message from her sitting in my inbox that I never got the chance to reply to. She was a voice of common sense and compassion, steady, thoughtful, and deeply grounded. I'll always remember her sense of humor, especially in those moments when things on the house floor didn't quite make sense and we'd share a look and a quiet laugh. North Dakota has truly lost one of the best among us- a voice of reason, balance, and decency. This is one of the hardest losses I've felt in a long time. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. North Dakota has lost one of the kindest people, and she will be deeply missed."
Senator Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) remarked, "I am in complete shock at the news that my friend, Rep. Liz Conmy, died. Her spirit and energy sustained many of us during the long legislative days. She loved serving her south Fargo neighbors and was committed to doing all that she could to improve the quality of life for her fellow North Dakotans. I will miss you immensely, Liz. Rest in Power, my friend."
Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said, "Liz was a shining light everywhere she went, even in difficult conversations, she listened and worked with every person, no matter their politics. She exemplified what it meant to be a public servant because she cares deeply about everyone she represents."
Senator Ryan Braunberger (D-Fargo) said, "It was a heartbreaking day when I lost a wonderful friend and colleague who always gave me straightforward advice, including reminding me to trim my beard when necessary. You were a fantastic friend and colleague, and you will be greatly missed."
North Democratic-NPL Congressional Candidate Trygve Hammer said, "I am heartbroken by the sudden passing of my friend Representative Liz Conmy. Liz was everything North Dakota politics should be. She was a friend of public education, and she brought with her to the state legislature an understanding of how policy affected her Fargo district and rural districts like the one where she farmed. She fought for her constituents with care and without ego. During the 2024 campaign cycle, she opened her home to those working in the trenches of North Dakota politics, an act of warmth and hospitality that I will never forget. North Dakota has lost a tremendous public servant. I have lost a treasured friend. My heart goes out to her four children, her fellow state legislators, and all who loved her."
DNC Committeeman Jamie Selzler said, "In just a few legislative sessions, Liz Conmy proved herself as one of North Dakota's finest legislators. She had the rare ability to equally understand and represent both the most rural and urban parts of our state, thanks to knowing life on a farm in Langdon and life in Fargo. Beyond that, she was an exceptionally kind person: quick with a hug and an encouraging word and smile. She'll be deeply missed by all who knew her and were fortunate enough to call her a friend."
Zach Raknerud, Candidate for District 5 House in Minot, said, "There really aren't words I can say that haven't been said already. This loss is just so huge. I never got to know Liz personally, being four hours down the road, but I had a huge admiration for everything she did during challenging times in ND. I recently pulled data to get a thank you card group going and saw she had chipped in to our friends in the District 5 Dem-NPL. Despite being an urban legislator, she cared deeply for our rural communities, too. She was among the best that North Dakota has to offer. Thank you, Liz."
Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, "Liz's death is a profound loss for our community and our state. She had a stellar sense of humor and had an uncanny ability to work with people across the political spectrum. I think that's what made her such a good lawmaker--she got along with everyone without sacrificing her values. I'm going to miss her mentorship and friendship. My deepest condolences to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends."
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Original text here: https://demnpl.com/dem-npl-leaders-lawmakers-mourn-passing-of-dedicated-public-servant-beloved-legislator-liz-conmy/
DGA: "A Battle" - Georgia GOP Gov Debate "Was Even More Ruthless Than Expected" As "Tensions Run High"
WASHINGTON, April 29 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news on April 28, 2026:
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"A Battle": Georgia GOP Gov Debate "Was Even More Ruthless Than Expected" As "Tensions Run High"
The reviews are in - and the Georgia GOP's first and only gov debate "was even more ruthless than expected," "brimmed with personal attacks and appeals to President Donald Trump's followers," and explosive "charges of backroom dealing" and "campaign coercion." Rick Jackson - who has often skipped public events and stumbled in interviews - "struggled through parts of the hourlong showdown"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 29 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news on April 28, 2026:
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"A Battle": Georgia GOP Gov Debate "Was Even More Ruthless Than Expected" As "Tensions Run High"
The reviews are in - and the Georgia GOP's first and only gov debate "was even more ruthless than expected," "brimmed with personal attacks and appeals to President Donald Trump's followers," and explosive "charges of backroom dealing" and "campaign coercion." Rick Jackson - who has often skipped public events and stumbled in interviews - "struggled through parts of the hourlong showdown"while Burt Jones was accused by multiple candidates of personal corruption. Most devastating, both Jones and Jackson charged the other with personally abusing taxpayer money to enrich themselves - attacks that will haunt whoever emerges as the Republican nominee.
Check out what Georgians are reading about the debate today:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Attack ads explode into real life in Georgia GOP governor debate (https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/attack-ads-explode-into-real-life-in-georgia-gop-governor-debate/)
* You had to know the first and likely last debate featuring Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson would be brutal.
* After all, the two Republicans have spent more than $80 million battering each other on the airwaves. But Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate was even more ruthless than expected.
* Jackson struggled through parts of the hourlong showdown, facing attacks not only from Jones but from other rivals eager to puncture his outsider image.
* Jones faced sharp accusations of his own. Jackson accused him of demanding six-figure donations from lawmakers and using his influence to scuttle legislation from anyone who backed his rivals.
* Meanwhile, Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger cast the Jones-Jackson feud as a stifling grudge match and argued Republicans need another option.
WSB: Tensions run high as Georgia gubernatorial candidates battle it out in televised debate (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/tensions-run-high-georgia-gubernatorial-candidates-battle-it-out-televised-debate/WL7PQL47A5DJZICVBOI2V5YMPQ/)
* Burt Jones and Rick Jackson have spent millions battling it out in campaign ads.
* On Monday, they got to battle it out face-to-face -- and it was a battle.
* "He's been spending millions of dollars telling lies about me. But even worse, he's been spending millions of dollars telling lies to the public about himself," Jones said about Jackson.
* "Burt Jones just feels like he can make up his own rules and do whatever he wants to do," Jackson shot back.
* Jackson and Jones exchanged accusations as the other Republican candidates tried to break through, especially Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Capitol Beat: Republicans for Georgia governor finally face each other in debate as voters head to polls (https://capitol-beat.org/2026/04/republicans-for-georgia-governor-finally-face-each-other-in-debate-as-voters-head-to-polls/)
* The only major debate between Republican candidates for Georgia governor brimmed with personal attacks and appeals to President Donald Trump's followers and offered less to guide voters on policy directions.
* The two leading candidates, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson, pummeled each other over their campaign fundraising and personal ethics. Other candidates piled on.
* Jones and Jackson praised Trump, as did Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
* Jones and Jackson have burned through millions of dollars lobbing attack advertisements at each other. Yasger asked Jones how he could possibly relate to normal people after spending that kind of money like that.
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/a-battle-georgia-gop-gov-debate-was-even-more-ruthless-than-expected-as-tensions-run-high/
NCSBE: 34,000 Deceased Voters Found Through SAVE Initiative
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 -- The North Carolina Republican Party issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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NCSBE: 34,000 Deceased Voters Found Through SAVE Initiative
The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) commends the ongoing efforts by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls. Today, the NCSBE announced that 34,000 deceased voters were identified through comprehensive data comparison with the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database.
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said of the
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 -- The North Carolina Republican Party issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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NCSBE: 34,000 Deceased Voters Found Through SAVE Initiative
The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) commends the ongoing efforts by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls. Today, the NCSBE announced that 34,000 deceased voters were identified through comprehensive data comparison with the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database.
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said of theannouncement:
"Today's announcement makes clear the State Board is taking concerns about election integrity seriously. When concerns over deceased voters have been made previously, they were promptly ignored when partisan Democrats controlled the Board. It is refreshing to see Director Hayes and the Board's current leadership take a proactive approach to confirm only North Carolina citizens can vote in North Carolina elections."
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Original text here: https://www.nc.gop/ncsbe_34_000_deceased_voters_found_through_save_initiative
N.C. Democratic Party: Whatley's Pattern of Putting North Carolinians' Safety At Risk
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news:
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Whatley's Pattern of Putting North Carolinians' Safety At Risk
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DC insider and Big Oil Lobbyist Michael Whatley has repeatedly put North Carolina families in danger - a pattern that has been exposed in recent reporting.
1. New reporting uncovered that Whatley has had two separate orders issued for his arrest after driving dangerously and repeatedly failing to appear in court. A decades-long criminal history, including over a dozen charges for speeding, dangerous driving, and more, Whatley's
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news:
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Whatley's Pattern of Putting North Carolinians' Safety At Risk
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DC insider and Big Oil Lobbyist Michael Whatley has repeatedly put North Carolina families in danger - a pattern that has been exposed in recent reporting.
1. New reporting uncovered that Whatley has had two separate orders issued for his arrest after driving dangerously and repeatedly failing to appear in court. A decades-long criminal history, including over a dozen charges for speeding, dangerous driving, and more, Whatley'sreckless behavior put North Carolinians at risk.
NC Newsline : "Whatley has repeatedly avoided facing the law"
NC Newsline : "Whatley was subject to 2 arrest orders in 2015 after failing to appear in court, part of a pattern of avoiding court for traffic offenses"
2. Whatley knowingly elevated convicted child sex offender Harvey West to NCGOP leadership positions. West served six years in prison for sexually abusing three minors. Putting his political allies ahead of North Carolina kids' safety, Whatley has dodged and "sidestepped" every question on the matter.
Andy Specht, WRAL: "FACT CHECK Sex offender says, yes, Michael Whatley did appoint him to NCGOP committee"
Washington Examiner: Whatley "is under pressure to answer why he twice appointed West to one of the state party's top rule-making bodies and allowed him to hold such a central role."
Simply put - Michael Whatley believes he's above the law and has a track record of putting North Carolinians in danger.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/whatleys-pattern-of-putting-north-carolinians-safety-at-risk/
Mich. Democratic Party: Shot/Chaser - Michigan Gas Prices Rising Fastest in the Nation; Mike Rogers Said Michiganders Should Be "Fine" Paying More
LANSING, Michigan, April 28 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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SHOT/CHASER: Michigan Gas Prices Rising Fastest in the Nation; Mike Rogers Said Michiganders Should Be "Fine" Paying More
After multi-millionaire Mike Rogers was caught "downplaying" the economic impact of high gas prices at a recent campaign event, Michigan gas prices are surging once again, with the state now facing the "biggest weekly average [price] increase" in the nation:
* SHOT: Rogers dismissed Michiganders' concerns about the impact of the Iran war on gas prices during a recent campaign
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, April 28 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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SHOT/CHASER: Michigan Gas Prices Rising Fastest in the Nation; Mike Rogers Said Michiganders Should Be "Fine" Paying More
After multi-millionaire Mike Rogers was caught "downplaying" the economic impact of high gas prices at a recent campaign event, Michigan gas prices are surging once again, with the state now facing the "biggest weekly average [price] increase" in the nation:
* SHOT: Rogers dismissed Michiganders' concerns about the impact of the Iran war on gas prices during a recent campaignstop, saying "We're gonna be fine, we got plenty of oil," according to audio obtained by Punchbowl News.
* CHASER: The Detroit Free Press reports "Michigan gasoline prices are on the rise again, up, on average, more than $4 a gallon" and could soon reach $5 a gallon.
"Mike Rogers' priorities are clear: he's always first in line to support handouts for multi-millionaires like himself, but is 'fine' with working Michiganders being forced to pay skyrocketing gas prices," said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. "Price Hike Mike has made talking down to working people his core economic message, and Michiganders will reject him for it--again--in November."
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/shot-chaser-michigan-gas-prices-rising-fastest-in-the-nation-mike-rogers-said-michiganders-should-be-fine-paying-more/
Mich. Democratic Party: One Week Later, Mike Rogers Still Hasn't Spoken Out After Tim Cross Resigned From His Campaign's Senior Leadership Team
LANSING, Michigan, April 28 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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One Week Later, Mike Rogers Still Hasn't Spoken Out After Tim Cross Resigned from His Campaign's Senior Leadership Team
Mike Rogers still hasn't spoken out a whole week after one of his senior campaign leaders, Tim Cross, announced his resignation amid reports about his "connection to a Midland church where three elders have been convicted of sex crimes involving children."
* Cross is a "longtime associate" of three Midland church elders who have recently been convicted of
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, April 28 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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One Week Later, Mike Rogers Still Hasn't Spoken Out After Tim Cross Resigned from His Campaign's Senior Leadership Team
Mike Rogers still hasn't spoken out a whole week after one of his senior campaign leaders, Tim Cross, announced his resignation amid reports about his "connection to a Midland church where three elders have been convicted of sex crimes involving children."
* Cross is a "longtime associate" of three Midland church elders who have recently been convicted ofsex crimes against children and has "faced scrutiny" for saying that he did not believe the victims when they came forward.
* Cross's resignation came a week after former members of Living Word Church wrote a public letter, calling on Rogers to remove two members of his campaign team--Tim Cross and Brian Ford--who they say "stood by the church's leadership without speaking out against their failure to protect children."
* Rogers has had more than a month to comment on his senior campaign leaders' connections to a church roiled by a child sex abuse scandal, and he has refused to speak out on at least five occasions.
"It's been a week since one of Mike Rogers' senior campaign leaders resigned, and he still hasn't responded to concerns that he elevated people connected to a church roiled by a child sex abuse scandal," said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. "Michiganders deserve answers from Rogers--he needs to break his silence immediately."
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/one-week-later-mike-rogers-still-hasnt-spoken-out-after-tim-cross-resigned-from-his-campaigns-senior-leadership-team/
38th House Republican Announces Retirement Amid Dysfunctional GOP Majority and Wildly Unpopular President
WASHINGTON, April 28 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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38th House Republican Announces Retirement Amid Dysfunctional GOP Majority and Wildly Unpopular President
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The 38th House Republican has officially called it quits, the most number of Congressional Republicans to retire since at least 1930.
On redistricting, Rep. Daniel Webster very publicly told Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans: " Don't do it. "
A significant portion of these vacancies are in high-stakes battleground districts. Democrats have already set their sights
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 28 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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38th House Republican Announces Retirement Amid Dysfunctional GOP Majority and Wildly Unpopular President
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The 38th House Republican has officially called it quits, the most number of Congressional Republicans to retire since at least 1930.
On redistricting, Rep. Daniel Webster very publicly told Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans: " Don't do it. "
A significant portion of these vacancies are in high-stakes battleground districts. Democrats have already set their sightson several of these now-open seats, including:
* AZ-01
* CA-48
* IA-02
* KY-06
* MI-10
* MT-01
* NE-02
* SC-01
DCCC Spokesperson Justin Chermol :
"House Republicans have nothing to brag about. They have made history for all the wrong reasons, including overseeing the highest number of GOP retirements since at least 1930. These phonies know they are losing and they're fleeing for the exits to save themselves from disaster in November."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/38th-house-republican-announces-retirement-amid-dysfunctional-gop-majority-and-wildly-unpopular-president/
