Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
Featured Stories
N.C. Democratic Party: "Tillis 2.0" - Whatley's Opponents Drag Him At GOP Candidate Forum
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 10 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Jan. 8, 2026:
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"Tillis 2.0": Whatley's Opponents Drag Him At GOP Candidate Forum
Michael Whatley is catching flak from fellow GOP Senate candidates Michele Morrow and Don Brown, getting dragged for being a DC insider at the Roco Grassroots Candidate Forum that he skipped.
Don Brown slammed Whatley's absence and called him "Tillis 2.0," while Michele Morrow criticized the idea of having a DC insider as North Carolina's next senator, saying she isn't "going up to DC to be a part of DC."
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 10 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Jan. 8, 2026:
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"Tillis 2.0": Whatley's Opponents Drag Him At GOP Candidate Forum
Michael Whatley is catching flak from fellow GOP Senate candidates Michele Morrow and Don Brown, getting dragged for being a DC insider at the Roco Grassroots Candidate Forum that he skipped.
Don Brown slammed Whatley's absence and called him "Tillis 2.0," while Michele Morrow criticized the idea of having a DC insider as North Carolina's next senator, saying she isn't "going up to DC to be a part of DC."This comes as a new op-ed in the Greensboro News & Record blares the headline "Morrow poses a credible challenge in GOP Senate primary."
"Michael Whatley's primary problems are heating up as his own party criticizes his 'tepid' campaign and drags him for being a DC insider," said Mallory Payne, NCDP senior communications advisor. "Whatley will never be able to run from questions about his background as a Big Oil lobbyist and DC insider who is only out for himself."
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/tillis-2-0-whatleys-opponents-drag-him-at-gop-candidate-forum/
DNC: RFK Jr. Weakens Critical Health Task Force, Risking Americans' Preventive Care
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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RFK Jr. Weakens Critical Health Task Force, Risking Americans' Preventive Care
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to jeopardize Americans' health and safety by undermining a key task force responsible for combating chronic diseases and expanding access to preventive care. Under RFK Jr., the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not met since March 2025, after he canceled all remaining meetings for the year -- and after nearly one-third of its members'
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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RFK Jr. Weakens Critical Health Task Force, Risking Americans' Preventive Care
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to jeopardize Americans' health and safety by undermining a key task force responsible for combating chronic diseases and expanding access to preventive care. Under RFK Jr., the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not met since March 2025, after he canceled all remaining meetings for the year -- and after nearly one-third of its members'terms ended in December, RFK Jr. has announced no plans to replace them. The task force is also legally required to submit an annual report to Congress identifying critical research gaps to determine funding priorities, but it failed to do so in 2025. Public health experts warn that RFK Jr.'s erosion of the task force could seriously endanger preventive health care for Americans.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"First, RFK Jr. politicized guidance for popular and safe vaccines as deadly diseases spread nationwide. Then, under his watch, the country experienced its worst year for measles outbreaks in over three decades. Now, he is putting American lives at risk by undermining a task force that has been critical to ensuring millions of Americans have access to preventive care and to reducing health care costs. RFK Jr. has no business being anywhere near Americans' health care -- he's said himself that Americans shouldn't take medical advice from him. Instead of 'Making America Healthy Again,' RFK Jr. is gambling with patients' lives."
In July, RFK Jr. reportedly considered firing the entire U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which is made up entirely of medical experts who are screened for conflicts of interest -- despite RFK Jr.'s claims.
He has also dangerously undermined public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines by removing every sitting member of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee -- replacing them with unqualified members, and ruining the committee's credibility. His hand-selected committee later voted to end the universal recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. RFK Jr. similarly limited access to COVID-19 vaccines and changed the childhood vaccine schedule to no longer recommend the MMRV vaccine to children under 4 years old. These moves have caused even more chaos and confusion regarding vaccine safety.
RFK Jr. has told Americans they should not take medical advice from him and has a long history of spreading false medical conspiracy theories.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/new-rfk-jr-weakens-critical-health-task-force-risking-americans-preventive-care/
DNC: ICYMI - Trump Administration Targets Kids in Blue States, Freezes $10 Billion in Childcare Funding
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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ICYMI: Trump Administration Targets Kids in Blue States, Freezes $10 Billion in Childcare Funding
The new year has just begun, and Donald Trump is already taking out retribution on his perceived political enemies. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced it would freeze $10 billion in childcare funding for five Democratic-led states. The funding cuts put critical programs that support hundreds of thousands of low-income households in these states at risk.
A reminder:
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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ICYMI: Trump Administration Targets Kids in Blue States, Freezes $10 Billion in Childcare Funding
The new year has just begun, and Donald Trump is already taking out retribution on his perceived political enemies. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced it would freeze $10 billion in childcare funding for five Democratic-led states. The funding cuts put critical programs that support hundreds of thousands of low-income households in these states at risk.
A reminder:This isn't the first time Trump has enacted a funding freeze that disrupted child care and critical health care services for families in need.
In response, DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman released the following statement:
"Once again, working families are being used as pawns in Donald Trump's vindictive retribution tour -- even if it means going after kids. Families are already struggling to afford the basics under Trump's failed economy, and now, hundreds of thousands of families could be left stranded without access to affordable child care just because of where they live. Democrats won't stop standing up for our kids and fighting to lower costs for working families across the country, regardless of which zipcode they live in."
Read more below:
New York Times: Health Dept. Freezes $10 Billion in Funding to 5 Democratic States
By Minho Kim
* The Trump administration on Tuesday froze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies, social services and cash support for low-income families in five states controlled by Democrats, claiming without evidence widespread fraud throughout those states after a major welfare fraud scheme in one of them.
* Minnesota, New York, California, Illinois and Colorado will be cut off from around $7.3 billion in funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides cash assistance to households with children, the Department of Health and Human Services announced.
* The five states will also lose access to nearly $2.4 billion for the Child Care and Development Fund, which supports child care for working parents, and around $870 million for social services grants that mostly benefit children at risk.
* The funding pause could jeopardize programs that serve hundreds of thousands of low-income households in the five states.
* The freeze is the latest in the Trump administration's pattern of interrupting federal dollars to Democratic-run cities and states, leveraging disbursement of congressionally approved funding to punish perceived enemies and political opponents.
* During the government shutdown last year, the administration froze or canceled more than 200 projects that primarily were located in Democratic cities, congressional districts and states.
* The administration also cut federal disaster preparedness funds for the District of Columbia and 11 blue states after they opposed Mr. Trump's mass deportation campaign, though a federal judge later ordered the funding restored.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/icymi-trump-administration-targets-kids-in-blue-states-freezes-10-billion-in-childcare-funding/
DNC: Donald Trump Says U.S. Could Be Running Venezuela for Years as Working Families in U.S. Struggle Under His Failed Economy
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Donald Trump Says U.S. Could Be Running Venezuela for Years as Working Families in U.S. Struggle Under His Failed Economy
While everyday Americans struggle with skyrocketing prices and a frozen job market, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio are focused on running a foreign country with taxpayer dollars. And who stands to benefit? Oil corporations and billionaires. Just this morning, a new report from Challenger, Gray and Christmas found that 2025 had the most job cuts since
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Donald Trump Says U.S. Could Be Running Venezuela for Years as Working Families in U.S. Struggle Under His Failed Economy
While everyday Americans struggle with skyrocketing prices and a frozen job market, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio are focused on running a foreign country with taxpayer dollars. And who stands to benefit? Oil corporations and billionaires. Just this morning, a new report from Challenger, Gray and Christmas found that 2025 had the most job cuts since2020 and the fewest planned hires since 2010. As working families get left behind, Trump said just this week that he expects the U.S. to be running Venezuela for years.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"What happened to 'America First'? The economy is in shambles, and families are struggling, yet Donald Trump and JD Vance are abandoning working people to run another country. Here at home, everyday Americans are struggling to make ends meet amid a hollowed-out job market and soaring inflation. Let's not forget: Trump and Vance promised peace -- not chaos. Americans didn't sign up to foot the bill for a regime change or a military conflict that could last years. In his second term, Trump has repeatedly put foreign countries first and working families last. Americans are tired of being left behind while Trump enriches himself and his wealthy friends."
Trump promised to "stop all wars," and lower prices "on Day One." Instead, Trump committed the U.S. to managing Venezuela as prices continue to skyrocket, and millions of Americans are unable to find good-paying jobs. Costs are soaring on everyday necessities, including groceries, rent, and prescription drugs -- as health care costs skyrocket after Republicans refused to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. The hiring rate remains at one of the worst levels since the Great Recession, and job openings shrank to the second-lowest level since 2020 -- capping off the worst five-month stretch for private-sector hiring since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
Americans did not sign up for conflict with Venezuela. Nearly 75% of Americans -- including a majority of Republicans are concerned the U.S. will get too involved in Venezuela, and nearly 70% of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/donald-trump-says-u-s-could-be-running-venezuela-for-years-as-working-families-in-u-s-struggle-under-his-failed-economy/
DNC: Breaking - House Republicans Refuse to Lower Health Care Costs for Working Families (Again)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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BREAKING: House Republicans Refuse to Lower Health Care Costs for Working Families (Again)
Led by House Democrats, the House passed a bill extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits after Donald Trump and Republicans allowed them to expire at the end of last year, raising health care premiums for tens of millions of Americans. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of House Republicans voted to do nothing about skyrocketing premiums for millions of working families.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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BREAKING: House Republicans Refuse to Lower Health Care Costs for Working Families (Again)
Led by House Democrats, the House passed a bill extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits after Donald Trump and Republicans allowed them to expire at the end of last year, raising health care premiums for tens of millions of Americans. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of House Republicans voted to do nothing about skyrocketing premiums for millions of working families.
In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"House Republicans have once again chosen to abandon working families by voting against lower health care premiums. Millions of everyday Americans have already seen their health care premiums skyrocket, and what are Donald Trump and Republicans doing to help? Not a damn thing. They already gutted Medicaid while handing out massive tax cuts to billionaires -- and now they see no problem with allowing costs to skyrocket even more. House Democrats fought tooth and nail to pass this bill, and now the Senate must come to the table and extend the tax credits -- it's time to stop screwing around with Americans' health care."
In December, House Republicans voted to pass a bill that would do nothing to address skyrocketing health care premiums and wouldn't even scratch the surface of lowering costs. Meanwhile, they let the clock run out on extending the ACA tax credits and allowed premiums to soar for over 20 million Americans by an average of 114%. House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to even bring up the proposal, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the Senate won't vote on extending the tax credits without also considering years-old Republican ideas that won't bring down high costs.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump couldn't be bothered to fix the health care crisis he created, saying, "I'd rather not extend them at all." It's no wonder over 60% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of health care.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/breaking-house-republicans-refuse-to-lower-health-care-costs-for-working-families-again/
DNC Puts Ten States on Notice That Agreement With Trump DOJ Violates Federal Election Law
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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DNC Puts Ten States on Notice That Agreement with Trump DOJ Violates Federal Election Law
These 10 states are negotiating to hand over unredacted voter files to the Trump DOJ
DNC monitoring potential violations of the NVRA, preparing for action if these states enter agreements requiring violations of federal law
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Today, the DNC sent warning letters to ten states' Board of Elections or Secretary of State offices urging them to reject pressure from the Trump DOJ to hand over sensitive,
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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DNC Puts Ten States on Notice That Agreement with Trump DOJ Violates Federal Election Law
These 10 states are negotiating to hand over unredacted voter files to the Trump DOJ
DNC monitoring potential violations of the NVRA, preparing for action if these states enter agreements requiring violations of federal law
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Today, the DNC sent warning letters to ten states' Board of Elections or Secretary of State offices urging them to reject pressure from the Trump DOJ to hand over sensitive,unredacted voter files. The letters outline how the agreement these states are threatening to enter into with the Trump DOJ violates federal election law, specifically the National Voter Registration Act, and how the DNC is prepared to take steps necessary to protect the rights of voters.
The list of states can be viewed below:
* Alabama
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Montana
* Nebraska
* South Carolina
* South Dakota
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Utah
In a December court hearing, the DOJ indicated that these 10 states were negotiating an agreement with the Trump administration that includes handing over sensitive voter file information to the DOJ, including driver's license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, dates of birth, party affiliation, and even voter participation history. The agreement commits these states to violate federal protections that ensure eligible voters are not mistakenly purged from voter rolls.
In the letters, the DNC makes clear that Democrats stand ready to protect voters across the country and fight back against any violations of federal election law.
DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"As part of their big government power grab, Donald Trump and Pam Bondi want to force states to hand over their voter files so that the Trump administration can create a national database with sensitive personal information like driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, and party affiliation, opening the door to privacy concerns and further political retribution. The DNC won't stand idly by as the Trump DOJ tries to get access to voters' sensitive information and put eligible voters at risk of being wrongfully purged from voter rolls, which is why we are calling on Secretaries of State and election officials across the country to stand up for voters and reject the Trump administration's illegal agreement. To be clear: Democrats stand ready to fight back and defend voters, and we're prepared to use the tools at our disposal to do so."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/dnc-puts-ten-states-on-notice-that-agreement-with-trump-doj-violates-federal-election-law/
Breaking: DNC Counters Republican Attack on Mail and Early Voting at Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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BREAKING: DNC Counters Republican Attack on Mail and Early Voting at Supreme Court
DNC files Supreme Court amicus brief opposing Republicans' challenge to safeguards around mail voting
RNC hopes that dozens of states will throw out lawful ballots cast by election day that arrive soon after, including those of uniformed military voters
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Today, the DNC filed an amicus curiae brief ahead of the Supreme Court's consideration of Watson v. Republican National Committee, the RNC's
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
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BREAKING: DNC Counters Republican Attack on Mail and Early Voting at Supreme Court
DNC files Supreme Court amicus brief opposing Republicans' challenge to safeguards around mail voting
RNC hopes that dozens of states will throw out lawful ballots cast by election day that arrive soon after, including those of uniformed military voters
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Today, the DNC filed an amicus curiae brief ahead of the Supreme Court's consideration of Watson v. Republican National Committee, the RNC'schallenge to a Mississippi law governing the receipt of mail ballots cast on or before election day. Specifically, Mississippi law allows ballots postmarked by election day and received within five days of the election to be counted.
Last fall, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Mississippi's appeal of a lower court's widely criticized ruling for the RNC, which has been working closely with Donald Trump and his Department of Justice to lay the groundwork to eliminate early and mail-in voting nationwide. If the Supreme Court rules for the RNC, voters around the country will be disenfranchised by mail delays, and key protections for military and overseas voters could be eliminated.
Today, the DNC submitted its brief in the Supreme Court to continue its fight for the rights of voters to securely cast their ballots nationwide, especially working families, seniors and Americans with disabilities, and members of the military who rely on mail-in and early voting to make their voices heard.
DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"Republicans' continued assault on mail-in voting is an attack on our democracy and is wholly un-American. Donald Trump and the RNC want to limit the rights of voters because they know that when more eligible voters make their voices heard, Republicans lose. Voting by mail is safe, secure, and empowers voters who would otherwise struggle reaching a ballot box, including seniors and people with disabilities, members of the military and their families, and working families who are unable to take the day off to vote. The DNC won't sit idly by as Republicans attack our electoral system -- we will keep fighting like hell to ensure every eligible voter is able to have their vote counted."
Additional background below on the DNC's legal actions:
* The DNC has stood beside Mississippi voters since the RNC filed this lawsuit and has retained Don Verrilli, the former U.S. Solicitor General who successfully defended the Affordable Care Act in the Supreme Court, to helm its defense.
* Today, 29 States and the District of Columbia count ballots cast by election day that arrive soon thereafter. 15 of those States provide this accommodation only to uniformed military and overseas voters.
* States have been counting ballots that arrive after election day since the Civil War, and Congress enacted laws setting a uniform election day more than a century ago. Only after President Trump blamed mail voting for his 2020 election loss did the RNC challenge state ballot receipt deadlines as violating the election-day statutes.
* In the lower Courts, the Justice Department defended Mississippi's law and explained that the RNC's theory in this case would prevent the Department from obtaining relief for military voters when states fail to mail ballots under the time frame required by federal law. As a direct result of President Trump's Executive Order on election administration, Trump's Justice Department has now abandoned military voters in the Supreme Court.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/breaking-dnc-counters-republican-attack-on-mail-and-early-voting-at-supreme-court/
