Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
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WV Democratic Party Calls on Chief Judge Dan Greear to Recuse Himself in Data Center Cases Involving Speaker Roger Hanshaw
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 18 -- The West Virginia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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WV Democratic Party Calls on Chief Judge Dan Greear to Recuse Himself in Data Center Cases Involving Speaker Roger Hanshaw
The West Virginia Democratic Party today called on Dan Greear, Chief Judge of the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals, to immediately recuse himself from any cases involving House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and his out-of-state data center developer clients due to serious and unavoidable conflicts of interest.
At issue are legal proceedings involving data
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 18 -- The West Virginia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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WV Democratic Party Calls on Chief Judge Dan Greear to Recuse Himself in Data Center Cases Involving Speaker Roger Hanshaw
The West Virginia Democratic Party today called on Dan Greear, Chief Judge of the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals, to immediately recuse himself from any cases involving House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and his out-of-state data center developer clients due to serious and unavoidable conflicts of interest.
At issue are legal proceedings involving datacenter developments in which Speaker Hanshaw is serving as an attorney, while simultaneously presiding over the West Virginia House of Delegates as Speaker and advancing legislation benefiting those same interests, including the passage of House Bills 2014 and 4983.
"These facts alone raise serious ethical concerns," said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. "But when you layer on Chief Judge Greear's deep personal, professional, and financial ties to Speaker Hanshaw, the need for recusal becomes undeniable."
Chief Judge Greear previously served as Speaker Hanshaw's Chief Counsel before his appointment to the court in 2022. Since that time, Speaker Hanshaw has hosted multiple fundraisers supporting Greear's campaign, raising nearly $60,000. The West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct is clear: a judge must "disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned."
"This is not a close call," Pushkin continued. "When a judge has close professional monetary, and political, ties to an attorney appearing before the court--particularly one who also wields extraordinary power as Speaker of the House--public confidence in the fairness of the judicial system is at risk."
The West Virginia Ethics Commission has previously recognized the unique authority of the Speaker, noting that the position "has far more power than all but one other member of the Legislature [the Senate president]" and receives greater compensation than rank-and-file legislators.
"That level of influence only heightens the stakes," Pushkin said. "West Virginians deserve to know that cases involving powerful political insiders are being decided on the merits--not clouded by campaign contributions, relationships or political favoritism."
The West Virginia Democratic Party is calling on Chief Judge Greear to immediately recuse himself from any proceedings involving Speaker Hanshaw and his data center clients in order to uphold the standards of judicial ethics and to maintain public trust in the judiciary.
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Original text here: https://www.wvdemocrats.com/news/greear-must-recuse?source=117c2574-419c-4d19-ac1a-b0949289488a
NCGOP Statement on Non-Citizen List Maintenance
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 18 -- The North Carolina Republican Party issued the following statement on April 17, 2026:
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NCGOP Statement on Non-Citizen List Maintenance
The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) supports the actions taken by the N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to check the citizenship of all registered voters in North Carolina against federal databases to identify and remove any non-U.S. citizens from the voter rolls.
According to information published by the NCSBE, the board approved a rules process that must be followed before a voter is removed.
Voters' names,
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 18 -- The North Carolina Republican Party issued the following statement on April 17, 2026:
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NCGOP Statement on Non-Citizen List Maintenance
The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) supports the actions taken by the N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to check the citizenship of all registered voters in North Carolina against federal databases to identify and remove any non-U.S. citizens from the voter rolls.
According to information published by the NCSBE, the board approved a rules process that must be followed before a voter is removed.
Voters' names,dates of birth, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers will be run through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, which will provide information on any possible noncitizens. The NCSBE recently entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Legal/North%20Carolina%20BOE%20SAVE%20MOA%2C%20March%202026.pdf) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for this purpose.
"Today's action will strengthen the accuracy of voter rolls and we applaud the State Board's decision to improve confidence in the elections process," said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons.
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Original text here: https://www.nc.gop/ncgop_statement_on_non_citizen_list_maintenance
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Necochea: GOP Came for Teachers Because Teachers Speak Up
BOISE, Idaho, April 18 -- The Idaho Democratic Party issued the following statement on April 17, 2026, by Chair Lauren Necochea:
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A Message from the Chair: The GOP Came for Teachers Because Teachers Speak Up
Like many parents, I have volunteered at my kids' schools and chaperoned field trips. I love spending time with students, but after a few hours doing a fraction of what educators do each day, I leave exhausted and even more in awe of our teachers.
But even though teachers do some of the most important work in our state, Idaho does not treat them accordingly. Our teachers make just
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BOISE, Idaho, April 18 -- The Idaho Democratic Party issued the following statement on April 17, 2026, by Chair Lauren Necochea:
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A Message from the Chair: The GOP Came for Teachers Because Teachers Speak Up
Like many parents, I have volunteered at my kids' schools and chaperoned field trips. I love spending time with students, but after a few hours doing a fraction of what educators do each day, I leave exhausted and even more in awe of our teachers.
But even though teachers do some of the most important work in our state, Idaho does not treat them accordingly. Our teachers make just73 cents on the dollar compared to other professionals with similar education and experience, even as they stand together to advocate for fair pay, better learning conditions, and more resources for their students. That is why the Idaho Education Association matters.
Now, Republican leaders are muzzling the strongest voice for education in Idaho.
House Bill 516 is a union-busting law targeting teachers. It bars union meetings at workplaces, even as lawmakers use school buildings for their own events. It cuts off communication through school email, makes representation in disciplinary matters harder to access, pushes bargaining and dispute resolution offsite, and overrides local agreements between districts and educators, stripping away local control. It even threatens programs funded by teachers themselves to help families buy essentials like glasses, backpacks, and shoes
The Republicans' first bill was a broader anti-union effort that included police officers and firefighters. Then those groups were carved out, and teachers were left standing alone. When the legislation stalled, Senate Republicans stuffed the anti-union language into another bill, skipped a real hearing, shut out public testimony, and jammed it through in the final days of the session.
Teachers were singled out for a reason. They see overcrowded classrooms, missing special education investment, and students without the support they need. Instead of answering for that record, Republicans went after the people exposing it.
And Brad Little helped them do it.
He signed the bill late on a Friday, when it would draw less attention. The governor likes to brand himself as a friend of public education. But when it mattered, he sided with the people attacking teachers instead of the people fighting for Idaho kids. As Idaho Education Association President Layne McInelly put it, "Gov. Little claims the mantle of a public education supporter, but he just signed a bill that could cement his legacy as anything but."
Idaho Republicans have a long history of attacking unions and the rights of working people. They will not stop with teachers. Idahoans should see this for what it is: a warning. When those in power cannot defend their record, they silence the people telling the truth.
Idaho Democrats will always fight for working people across the state and for the basic right to organize, speak up, and advocate for your community.
Onward,
Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair
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Original text here: https://idahodems.org/a-message-from-the-chair-the-gop-came-for-teachers-because-teachers-speak-up/
DNC: Trump Travels to Nevada to Spin His Billionaire Tax Cuts, While Working Families' Refunds Fail to Cover Skyrocketing Costs
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following statement on April 16, 2026:
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Trump Travels to Nevada to Spin His Billionaire Tax Cuts, While Working Families' Refunds Fail to Cover Skyrocketing Costs
Donald Trump traveled to Nevada today to spin his failing economy, as prices on gas, groceries, and rent continue to skyrocket and Americans see less-than-promised tax refunds hit their bank accounts. Trump's Big Ugly Bill provided the largest-ever tax handout to the top 1%, while raising taxes on the poorest 40% of Americans. Meanwhile, the average tax refund
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following statement on April 16, 2026:
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Trump Travels to Nevada to Spin His Billionaire Tax Cuts, While Working Families' Refunds Fail to Cover Skyrocketing Costs
Donald Trump traveled to Nevada today to spin his failing economy, as prices on gas, groceries, and rent continue to skyrocket and Americans see less-than-promised tax refunds hit their bank accounts. Trump's Big Ugly Bill provided the largest-ever tax handout to the top 1%, while raising taxes on the poorest 40% of Americans. Meanwhile, the average tax refundincrease won't even cover the spike in gas prices caused by Trump's war of choice in Iran. Americans are expected to pay an additional $740 at the pump this year -- more than twice as much as the average refund increase.
In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"Hardworking Nevadans are seeing their costs skyrocket, as they struggle to put food on the table, make their rent, and pay for lifesaving medicine. Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to brag about his tax bill that gave permanent tax cuts to the ultra-rich, paid for by massive cuts to health care and food assistance. Trump's attempts to save face are too little too late: Nevadans are seeing lower-than-promised refunds hit their bank accounts that won't cover the higher costs Trump has forced them to shoulder. No amount of spin will save Trump from the reality that his agenda has made life a living hell for working families in Nevada."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/trump-travels-to-nevada-to-spin-his-billionaire-tax-cuts-while-working-families-refunds-fail-to-cover-skyrocketing-costs/
DNC: Prices Continue to Soar Amid Donald Trump's Unpopular War of Choice With Iran
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Prices Continue to Soar Amid Donald Trump's Unpopular War of Choice with Iran
Americans are bearing the brunt of Donald Trump's unpopular war of choice with Iran as costs continue to soar with no end in sight. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global supply chains and even after the Strait is fully reopened, it could take months or even years for prices to come down because of the long-term damage that has been done.
* The average price of a gallon of gas today
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Prices Continue to Soar Amid Donald Trump's Unpopular War of Choice with Iran
Americans are bearing the brunt of Donald Trump's unpopular war of choice with Iran as costs continue to soar with no end in sight. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global supply chains and even after the Strait is fully reopened, it could take months or even years for prices to come down because of the long-term damage that has been done.
* The average price of a gallon of gas todayis $4.07, and Americans have paid more than $10 billion extra for gas since the war began.
* Diesel and fertilizer are pushing food prices up.
* Jet fuel costs have roughly doubled, and airlines have increased fares and fees as a result.
* Shipping services have imposed fees to offset their losses from shipping challenges during the war.
* Amazon implemented a 3.5% surcharge to cover high fuel costs.
* The U.S. Postal Service imposed an 8% surcharge to cover high fuel costs.
* UPS announced a $0.64-per-pound surge fee for volume traveling between the U.S. and 15 countries in the Middle East.
* FedEx announced a $0.50 per-pound surcharge for shipments from the U.S. to the Middle East.
Everyday Americans are increasingly worried about the economy, and meanwhile, Trump and his administration officials are dismissing their concerns. Just yesterday, Trump said that rising prices were "fake inflation," and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said people "in their heart of hearts, they feel good," about the economy.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Donald Trump started his deadly and costly war with Iran knowing that everyday Americans would be forced to bear the brunt of even higher prices. Since then, he's offered no solutions to help struggling Americans or a clear timeline for the end to his war -- and the truth is that even if his war ended today, prices will remain high with no end in sight. Working families are already stretching their budgets to make ends meet in Trump's economy, and they can't afford to wait any longer for prices to come down."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/prices-continue-to-soar-amid-donald-trumps-unpopular-war-of-choice-with-iran/
DNC: In the States - Democrats Clinch Victory in NJ-11, Trump's Failing Economy Leaves Americans With Higher Costs and Higher Taxes
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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IN THE STATES: Democrats Clinch Victory in NJ-11, Trump's Failing Economy Leaves Americans With Higher Costs and Higher Taxes
Last night, Rep.-elect Analilia Mejia defeated her opponent, Joe Hathaway, to clinch victory in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District special election, a seat formerly held by Governor Mikie Sherrill. With her victory, Garden Staters gain a proven leader who will fight on behalf of working families and rein in Donald Trump and Republicans' chaotic agenda.
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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IN THE STATES: Democrats Clinch Victory in NJ-11, Trump's Failing Economy Leaves Americans With Higher Costs and Higher Taxes
Last night, Rep.-elect Analilia Mejia defeated her opponent, Joe Hathaway, to clinch victory in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District special election, a seat formerly held by Governor Mikie Sherrill. With her victory, Garden Staters gain a proven leader who will fight on behalf of working families and rein in Donald Trump and Republicans' chaotic agenda.Across the map, Democrats are winning big as voters put their faith in strong Democratic leaders like Mejia who will lower costs, protect health care, and build opportunities for everyday Americans.
* In New Jersey: Associated Press: Progressive Analilia Mejia takes New Jersey US House special election, giving Democrats another win
* In New Jersey: New York Times: Analilia Mejia, a Progressive Democrat, Wins Mikie Sherrill's House Seat
* In New Jersey: Politico: Progressive Analilia Mejia coasts to victory in New Jersey special House election
* In New Jersey: CNN: Democrat Analilia Mejia will win House special election in New Jersey, further narrowing GOP majority
* In New Jersey: New Jersey Globe: Analilia Mejia wins big in NJ-11 special, keeping Sherrill's seat in Democratic hands
Donald Trump promised "record-setting tax refunds," yet his disastrous economic policies have cost American households six times more than their average expected tax refund increase. This tax season, millions of Americans found that any extra refund they received won't even cover the cost of Trump's high prices. Even as Trump traveled to Nevada to spin his failing economic record, Americans weren't falling for it. The reality is clear: costs are up, taxes are too high, and Americans are struggling.
* In Nevada: Politico: Trump wants a Tax Day victory lap in Las Vegas. The city's economy isn't cooperating.
* In Nevada: Associated Press: Trump bets his tax cuts will please Las Vegas voters on his swing West
* In Nevada: Las Vegas Sun: Las Vegas' tourism slump shadows Trump's return to Nevada
* Nationwide: Bloomberg: Tax Refunds Are Up, But Many Americans Aren't Feeling It
* Nationwide: Washington Post: White House touts refunds, as most Americans say taxes are too high
* Nationwide: MS Now: Trump tax refunds fall flat for Americans struggling to keep up with high costs
Donald Trump's reckless economic policies and his war of choice in Iran are pushing working Americans to their breaking point. Across the country, family farms are on the brink of collapse while working families are struggling to afford skyrocketing costs -- with no relief in sight. Let's be clear: Trump would rather wage his deeply unpopular war and enrich billionaires than lower costs for working Americans.
* In Florida: Orlando Sentinel: 'You have to make sacrifices': Central Floridians struggle with high costs
* In New Jersey: ABC 7 NY: Family-run farms in NJ are struggling with rising costs and labor shortages
* In North Dakota: Associated Press: Already under financial pressure, Midwest soybean farmers are squeezed further by tariffs, Iran war
* In Wisconsin: WPR: Report: Health care costs rising faster than wages in Wisconsin
* Nationwide: The Guardian: 'A dollar or two increase is devastating': US readers on toll of rising gas prices
* Nationwide: Straight Arrow News: Most US farmers can't afford the fertilizer they need, survey finds
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-clinch-victory-in-nj-11-trumps-failing-economy-leaves-americans-with-higher-costs-and-higher-taxes/
DGA: Trump Comes to Arizona as Biggs and Schweikert Cheer His Cost-Hiking Agenda
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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Trump Comes to Arizona as Biggs and Schweikert Cheer His Cost-Hiking Agenda
While Biggs is attending the rally, Schweikert is nowhere to be found, despite it being in his own district
As Donald Trump comes to Arizona to do damage control and his poll numbers continue to sink, Andy Biggs and David Schweikert have both backed his cost-hiking agenda in Congress and are bragging about it on the campaign trail.
Specifically, both Biggs and Schweikert voted multiple times for Trump's tariffs that are driving
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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Trump Comes to Arizona as Biggs and Schweikert Cheer His Cost-Hiking Agenda
While Biggs is attending the rally, Schweikert is nowhere to be found, despite it being in his own district
As Donald Trump comes to Arizona to do damage control and his poll numbers continue to sink, Andy Biggs and David Schweikert have both backed his cost-hiking agenda in Congress and are bragging about it on the campaign trail.
Specifically, both Biggs and Schweikert voted multiple times for Trump's tariffs that are drivingup costs, and are staunch supporters of the GOP budget law that is tearing health care away from 365,000 Arizonans, threatening to close rural hospitals, and raising energy costs.
Schweikert has taken credit for "doing the calculations on the tariffs," said he talks with the White House "every other day," and bragged about voting with Trump 100 percent of the time.
Biggs said the GOP budget law was a "really good thing" and called the tariffs "a brilliant economic strategy," even as over 90% of tariff costs are paid by everyday Americans.
Despite sharing the same harmful voting record and agenda, Biggs and Schweikert have spent the GOP primary fighting with each other over who has more ties to extremist groups.
Additionally, while it's clear Biggs will be at the rally, David Schweikert is inexplicably not scheduled to speak even though it's taking place in his own district.
"Whether or not they're both on the big stage, David Schweikert and Andy Biggs have spent their time in Congress backing Donald Trump's disastrous agenda that is jacking up costs and ripping away health care," said DGA Communications Director Sam Newton. "From the rising cost of health care and gas to sky-high grocery prices, Arizonans are hurting from what Biggs and Schweikert are doing in DC - and this rally is just another reminder they care more about their own politics than helping Arizonans."
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/trump-comes-to-arizona-as-biggs-and-schweikert-cheer-his-cost-hiking-agenda/
