Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
Featured Stories
As New Report Shows Virginia's Weak Economic Growth and Increasing Unemployment Rate, Sears Backs Trump's Job Cuts
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 19 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
* * *
As New Report Shows Virginia's Weak Economic Growth and Increasing Unemployment Rate, Sears Backs Trump's Job Cuts
*
#
UVA's Weldon Cooper Center: Virginia Is Experiencing Slowest Economic Growth Since 2021 & Projected to Reach Highest Unemployment Rate Since 2020
VIRGINIA - As Winsome Earle-Sears continues to back Donald Trump's attacks on Virginia's economy, a new report from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center shows Virginia's rate of economic growth slowing to its lowest
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 19 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
* * *
As New Report Shows Virginia's Weak Economic Growth and Increasing Unemployment Rate, Sears Backs Trump's Job Cuts
*
#
UVA's Weldon Cooper Center: Virginia Is Experiencing Slowest Economic Growth Since 2021 & Projected to Reach Highest Unemployment Rate Since 2020
VIRGINIA - As Winsome Earle-Sears continues to back Donald Trump's attacks on Virginia's economy, a new report from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center shows Virginia's rate of economic growth slowing to its lowestpoint since 2021, projects that Virginia's unemployment rate will next year reach its highest point since 2020, and points to Donald Trump's reckless economic policies as the cause.
"While it's clear that Trump's attacks on Virginia's jobs and economy are hurting the Commonwealth, Winsome Earle-Sears continues to back Trump's reckless policies as they do even more damage. Sears owes Virginians answers about why she continues to put Trump's dangerous agenda ahead of what's best for Virginia," said DPVA Spokesperson Maggie Amjad.
Read More About Sears Backing Trump's Devastating Job Cuts:
Winsome Earle-Sears has defended Trump's attacks on Virginia's workforce and economy.
* In an interview on NBC News Now, Sears repeatedly refused to call on Donald Trump to stop firing Virginians as he threatens even more mass firings if the Republican-led federal government shuts down. Then when asked directly, Sears didn't disagree with Trump on anything
* She told the Associated Press that she backed Trump's efforts and has doubled down in her support.
* Sears has also said " I'm supporting what the President is doing."
* As Donald Trump attacked Virginia's workforce and economy, Sears declared she would help Trump " get the job done " if she were governor.
Winsome Earle-Sears has dismissed and laughed off attacks on Virginia jobs over and over again.
* Sears doubled down on her support of the DOGE cuts by campaigning with Vivek Ramaswamy, chief architect of DOGE responsible for firing thousands of Virginians, and bragging about the endorsement.
* In a CNN interview, when asked if she supports Donald Trump's attacks on Virginia's jobs, Winsome Earle-Sears refused to answer and dismissed the jobs cuts saying she wants " to talk about real issues " instead.
* Winsome Earle-Sears was caught on tape dismissing and laughing off the attacks on Virginia jobs saying "the media is making it out to be a huge, huge thing... and I don't understand why."
***
Original text here: https://vademocrats.org/news/as-new-report-shows-virginias-weak-economic-growth-and-increasing-unemployment-rate-sears-backs-trumps-job-cuts/
Virginia Republican Party: Virginia Voters Want to Know - Where Is Hidin' Ghazala Hashmi?
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 18 -- The Republican Party of Virginia posted the following news:
* * *
Virginia Voters Want to Know - Where Is Hidin' Ghazala Hashmi?
Fake Moderate Abigail Spanberger and Soft Jay Jones have now both at least had the courage to face their opponents in debates. But where is Hidin' Ghazala Hashmi?
Republican Lt. Gov. nominee John Reid has proposed no fewer than ten debates, offering to meet Hashmi anytime, anywhere. Yet Hashmi has gone completely silent--ducking voters, dodging the press, and hoping Virginians won't notice she's hiding from accountability.
Even Spanberger
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 18 -- The Republican Party of Virginia posted the following news:
* * *
Virginia Voters Want to Know - Where Is Hidin' Ghazala Hashmi?
Fake Moderate Abigail Spanberger and Soft Jay Jones have now both at least had the courage to face their opponents in debates. But where is Hidin' Ghazala Hashmi?
Republican Lt. Gov. nominee John Reid has proposed no fewer than ten debates, offering to meet Hashmi anytime, anywhere. Yet Hashmi has gone completely silent--ducking voters, dodging the press, and hoping Virginians won't notice she's hiding from accountability.
Even Spanbergerherself has said that candidates who refuse to debate do not deserve your vote. So why won't she call on her running mate to debate--or get out of the race?
Voters deserve to see where both candidates stand on issues like the economy, crime, and education. But Ghazala Hashmi apparently believes she can run out the clock without ever answering for her record. This is a politician who wants to be a heartbeat away from the governorship. But she apparently thinks that she doesn't even owe voters answers on her voting record or policy positions.
Virginians are watching--and they're tired of politicians who hide when it's time to face the people. It's time for Ghazala Hashmi to come out of hiding and debate John Reid.
* * *
Original text here: https://virginia.gop/virginia-voters-want-to-know-where-is-hidin-ghazala-hashmi-2/
NRCC: Miller-Meeks Did Her Job
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The National Republican Congressional Committee posted the following news:
* * *
Miller-Meeks Did Her Job
While Democrats keep the government closed, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeksis on the line with Iowans.
She fielded questions during a town hall with 10,000 constituents last night, cutting through the chaos to help families get answers.
"Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted to keep the government open. Democrats decided to play politics and keep it shut. Iowans see who's on their side, and it's Rep. Miller-Meeks." - NRCC Spokeswoman Emily Tuttle
* * *
Original text here:
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The National Republican Congressional Committee posted the following news:
* * *
Miller-Meeks Did Her Job
While Democrats keep the government closed, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeksis on the line with Iowans.
She fielded questions during a town hall with 10,000 constituents last night, cutting through the chaos to help families get answers.
"Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted to keep the government open. Democrats decided to play politics and keep it shut. Iowans see who's on their side, and it's Rep. Miller-Meeks." - NRCC Spokeswoman Emily Tuttle
* * *
Original text here:https://www.nrcc.org/2025/10/17/miller-meeks-did-her-job/
NC Soybean Farmers "Feel Tariffs' Bite" Thanks To Whatley's Trade War
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 18 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news:
* * *
NC Soybean Farmers "Feel Tariffs' Bite" Thanks To Whatley's Trade War
North Carolina soybean farmers are "feel[ing] tariffs' bite" and saying the Michael Whatley-backed trade war will "hurt [their] bottom line."
Whatley has refused to stand up for farmers as the trade war drives up costs and "squeez[es] farmers' budgets." Whatley has called the tariffs "record setting in terms of [...] effectiveness" and supports them "wholeheartedly."
Read More: Spectrum News: N.C. soybean farmers who
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 18 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news:
* * *
NC Soybean Farmers "Feel Tariffs' Bite" Thanks To Whatley's Trade War
North Carolina soybean farmers are "feel[ing] tariffs' bite" and saying the Michael Whatley-backed trade war will "hurt [their] bottom line."
Whatley has refused to stand up for farmers as the trade war drives up costs and "squeez[es] farmers' budgets." Whatley has called the tariffs "record setting in terms of [...] effectiveness" and supports them "wholeheartedly."
Read More: Spectrum News: N.C. soybean farmers whosell to China feel tariffs' bite (https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2025/10/16/nc-soybean-farmers-tariffs)
David Ivey | October 17, 2025
* Barnes and his workers are harvesting about 1,800 acres of several varieties of soybeans.
* He said it'll take two to three weeks to complete that task. Normally this would be an exciting time for him, but not so much this year.
* "It's kind of depressing," he said. "Because we got a really good soybean crop, for the most part. But the price of soybeans are in the tank right now."
* One of the biggest buyers of the American soybean crop are the Chinese -- the N.C. Soybean Producers Association says China usually buys more than 25% of U.S. soybeans every year.
* This year with the tariff standoff, that's not happening. Barnes says that's going to hurt his bottom line.
* "But at this point in the game, all I can do is harvest the crop and do the best I can and market them for what I can," he said. "Without the Chinese buying U.S. soybeans, we're losing a big customer of our crop."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/nc-soybean-farmers-feel-tariffs-bite-thanks-to-whatleys-trade-war/
Michigan Families and Small Businesses "Struggle With Rising Costs" and Farmers Face "Growing Unease" Due to Mike Rogers' Reckless Tariffs
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 18 -- The Michigan Democratic Party posted the following news release:
* * *
Michigan Families and Small Businesses "Struggle with Rising Costs" and Farmers Face "Growing Unease" Due to Mike Rogers' Reckless Tariffs
Price Hike Mike has falsely claimed there is no inflation and that "working families [are] not paying more" because of the tariffs he supports.
*
In case you missed it, failed GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers' reckless tariffs are continuing to drive up costs for Michigan families, farmers, and small businesses:
* CBS Detroit: Small Businesses Struggle
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 18 -- The Michigan Democratic Party posted the following news release:
* * *
Michigan Families and Small Businesses "Struggle with Rising Costs" and Farmers Face "Growing Unease" Due to Mike Rogers' Reckless Tariffs
Price Hike Mike has falsely claimed there is no inflation and that "working families [are] not paying more" because of the tariffs he supports.
*
In case you missed it, failed GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers' reckless tariffs are continuing to drive up costs for Michigan families, farmers, and small businesses:
* CBS Detroit: Small Businesses Strugglewith Rising Costs, Tariff Uncertainty
"A recent Goldman Sachs report shows that Americans are picking up 55% of the cost of the higher import tax. And the proof is the rising cost of dining out. Industry experts say both restaurants and customers are struggling to try to keep up."
* WXYZ: Tariffs Driving Up IKEA Prices
"IKEA is hiking up costs on big-ticket items as President Trump's furniture tariffs take effect. [...] For example, a sofa that would have cost you $849 in August is now $50 more. But that's not all. A three-piece oak bedroom set is now $100 more than just two months ago."
* Detroit News: Growing unease: Michigan farmers grapple with inflation, low crop prices and tariffs
"80% of surveyed farmers believe the U.S. farm economy may be or already is in crisis, with nearly half saying the country is 'on the brink.'"
While Michiganders are facing higher costs because of Price Hike Mike's tariffs, Rogers has repeatedly mocked their concerns and lied about the state of the economy:
* Rogers falsely claimed there is "no appreciative inflation" and that "working families [are] not paying more" because of the reckless tariffs he supports.
* Rogers was caught "making fun of those who worry about higher prices" and argued his tariffs are "worth the financial strife being put on the American people."
* Rogers downplayed concerns from Michigan families and businesses about rising costs, comparing the impact of his tariffs to a "shoe [that will] pinch every once in a while."
"While Michigan families and businesses struggle with higher costs and farmers face a full-blown crisis, Mike Rogers is mocking their concerns and pretending costs aren't increasing," said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. "Price Hike Mike's reckless tariffs are hurting working families across Michigan, and his dismissive attitude shows he's completely out of touch with the economic reality Michiganders are facing every day."
* * *
Original text here: https://michigandems.com/michigan-families-and-small-businesses-struggle-with-rising-costs-and-farmers-face-growing-unease-due-to-mike-rogers-reckless-tariffs/
DNC: In The States - As GOTV Kicks Into Full Gear, Democrats Are On Offense
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
* * *
IN THE STATES: As GOTV Kicks Into Full Gear, Democrats Are On Offense
This week, the DNC launched a new ad campaign targeting vulnerable House Republicans in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Kentucky for supporting Donald Trump's chaotic trade war that's created a crisis for U.S. soybean farmers. The ad features John Bartman, a fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer, who calls on voters to hold Republicans accountable for enabling Trump's chaos.
* In Illinois: Chicago
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
* * *
IN THE STATES: As GOTV Kicks Into Full Gear, Democrats Are On Offense
This week, the DNC launched a new ad campaign targeting vulnerable House Republicans in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Kentucky for supporting Donald Trump's chaotic trade war that's created a crisis for U.S. soybean farmers. The ad features John Bartman, a fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer, who calls on voters to hold Republicans accountable for enabling Trump's chaos.
* In Illinois: ChicagoSun-Times: Farmers urge ending the trade war as China shuns U.S. soybeans
* In Iowa: Iowa News Now: DNC Chair says Democrats plan to be competitive in Iowa despite caucus uncertainty
* In Wisconsin: Channel 3000: DNC chair looks to connect with Wisconsin farmers in push to flip rural districts
* In Wisconsin: WisPolitics: DNC ad targets Steil, Van Orden over tariffs Nationwide: Spectrum Local News: Democrats launch ads attacking Trump over soybean crisis facing farmers
* Nationwide: Politico: Dems' soybean blitz
* Nationwide: Politico: The Senate stalls, ACA buzz builds
* Nationwide: Red River Farm Network: DNC Ads Target Farm Vote Ahead of Midterms
* Nationwide: Forbes: Trump's Trade War Upends Soybean Market With No Aid In Sight
In conjunction with the DNC's ad campaign, the DNC held a press call featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids, and soybean farmer John Bartman to drive home how toxic Trump's tariffs are for farmers.
* In Minnesota: Fox 9 Minneapolis: Gov. Walz blasts Trump trade war as 'Destroying American farmers'
* In Minnesota: Minnesota Reformer: Walz, other Dems criticize Trump over trade war's impact on soy farmers
* In Wisconsin: WJFW: Farmers struggling with Trump administration's trade war
* Nationwide: USA Today: US soybean crisis is a 'man-made disaster caused by' Trump. And farmers know it.
* Nationwide: Fox News: Gov. Tim Walz criticizes Trump's trade and tariff policies during DNC press call
* Nationwide: The Fence Post: Dems criticize Trump on trade as he meets with Millei of Argentina
With less than three weeks until Election Day, DNC Chair Ken Martin is making a swing across key states to highlight the stakes of this election. In Pennsylvania, Chair Martin stressed the importance of the Supreme Court retention races and touted the DNC's ongoing support for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party's on-the-ground voter contact efforts. This weekend, Chair Martin will travel to New Jersey to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey Democrats.
* In Pennsylvania: 90.5 WESA: Interview With DNC Chair Ken Martin
* In New Jersey: Insider NJ: DNC Chairman Martin Coming to NJ for Sherrill
This week, President Barack Obama also officially endorsed both Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. Democrats are all hands on deck to elect these strong leaders and defeat their Trump-aligned opponents who continue to defend his Big Ugly Bill and other policies that are increasing costs for families.
* In Virginia: Washington Examiner: Obama hopes to boost Spanberger with endorsement as campaign bleeds over Jay Jones texts
* In Virginia: The Hill: Obama endorses Spanberger for governor in Virginia
* In Virginia: NBC News: Obama endorses Abigail Spanberger in Virginia's race for governor
* In Virginia: BET: Barack Obama Enters Virginia Governor's Race as GOP Nominee Waits for Party Leader's Support
* In New Jersey and Virginia: Washington Post: Obama, aiming to boost Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, endorses Sherrill and Spanberger
* In New Jersey: Insider NJ: Obama Jumps into Guv Race for Sherrill
* In New Jersey: NewJersey.com: Barack Obama endorses Mikie Sherrill in N.J.'s big governor race
* In New Jersey: New Jersey Globe: Sherrill to tout Obama endorsement in radio, digital ads
* In New Jersey: ABC News: Obama endorses New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill
* In New Jersey: Philadelphia Inquirer: Barack Obama endorses Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey governor
Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans are trying to rig congressional maps in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections because they are scared that once voters know how toxic Trump's Big Ugly Bill is, they'll lose their House majority. This week, North Carolina Republicans unveiled their proposed congressional map that targets Democratic Congressman Don Davis who represents the First Congressional District, the only majority-minority district in the state.
* In North Carolina: ABC 11: NC GOP leaders reveal proposed redrawn congressional map
* In North Carolina: The Hill: North Carolina GOP launches redistricting effort
* In North Carolina: ABC News: North Carolina GOP's proposed map seeks to thwart Democratic incumbent's reelection
* In North Carolina: Raleigh News & Observer: NC Republicans unveil new congressional map that could pick up a seat for GOP
* In North Carolina: WCNC: NC Republicans release newly proposed Congressional map targeting 1st and 3rd districts:
* In North Carolina: The Guardian: North Carolina Republicans will redraw maps to gain extra seat in Congress
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-as-gotv-kicks-into-full-gear-democrats-are-on-offense/
As Virginia Firefighters Go Without Pay, Winsome Earle-Sears Refuses to Denounce Trump's Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
* * *
As Virginia Firefighters Go Without Pay, Winsome Earle-Sears Refuses to Denounce Trump's Shutdown
Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears continues to refuse to tell Donald Trump to end the Trump shutdown, even as Virginia firefighters and first responders work without pay. Virginia is home to over 320,000 federal employees who could also start to miss paychecks this month.
Earle-Sears continues to downplay the impacts of Trump's attacks on Virginia's workforce. While Earle-Sears
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
* * *
As Virginia Firefighters Go Without Pay, Winsome Earle-Sears Refuses to Denounce Trump's Shutdown
Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears continues to refuse to tell Donald Trump to end the Trump shutdown, even as Virginia firefighters and first responders work without pay. Virginia is home to over 320,000 federal employees who could also start to miss paychecks this month.
Earle-Sears continues to downplay the impacts of Trump's attacks on Virginia's workforce. While Earle-Searsdefends Trump's chaos, Abigail Spanberger continues to call out Trump's shutdown and fight for Virginia workers.
A reminder: In addition to forcing Virginia federal workers to go without pay, the Trump administration has also threatened to block backpay for these workers once the government reopens.
Read more below:
13NewsNow: 'Fingers crossed we get paid' | Federal firefighters on Hampton Roads' military bases work without pay amid government shutdown
[Alex Littlehales, 10/14/2025]
* As the federal government shutdown extends from days into weeks, a subset of first responders in the military-heavy region of Hampton Roads is feeling the emotional and financial burden.
* Tim Welsh, the elected president of IAFF Local F-25, spoke to 13News Now and acknowledged the difficulties of the federal government shutdown among the labor union's roughly 300 members.
* "When the government shutdown image comes on the TV, and it's a picture of Washington, D.C., that's not really the shutdown. It's affecting the people here in your local communities on those federal facilities," Welsh said.
* While military members are due to be paid this week, Welsh said federal first responders do not fall within that designation.
* The last pay cycle already reflected reduced funds, according to Welsh, who added the region's federal firefighters are now actively going into work shifts without pay.
* "You call 911, and you want someone showing up at their best, someone focused on you, your problems, your belongings. You want them at their best. You don't want them worried about, 'my mortgage is three days late,' 'I don't know when I'm getting paid,'" he said.
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/as-virginia-firefighters-go-without-pay-winsome-earle-sears-refuses-to-denounce-trumps-shutdown/
