A New York judge on Monday tossed out key evidence found in the backpack of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the heart of Manhattan.
Judge Gregory Carro ruled that evidence obtained from Mangione’s backpack when he was arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s must be suppressed, including a magazine, cellphone, passport, computer chip, and wallet. 
A gun and notebook that prosecutors say connect Mangione to Thompson’s murder will still be allowed as evidence at the trial, which is set to begin on <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/luigi-mangione-due-court-ruling-backpack-evidence-ceo-killing-case-2026-05-18/">September 8 and last about six weeks</a>. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
NEW VIDEO: Cameras inside the courtroom capture the moment New York State Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro announces that some key pieces of evidence seized from Luigi Mangione’s backpack during his arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald&#8217;s are inadmissible at trial, while some of it… <a href="https://t.co/dTbrR8dcYw">pic.twitter.com/dTbrR8dcYw</a>
— Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/2056385258858197203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
The ruling is a partial win for Mangione’s defense team, who argued that the search of the backpack without a warrant violated his constitutional rights.
&#8220;At the hearing, Altoona law enforcement officers repeatedly attempted to justify their warrantless search of Mr. Mangione&#8217;s backpack &#8230; instead, all these officers demonstrated was an utter disregard for a defendant&#8217;s constitutional rights and a shocking ignorance of basic search and seizure caselaw,&#8221; Mangione&#8217;s attorneys wrote in a state court filing, <a href="https://abcnews.com/US/judge-decide-throw-key-evidence-luigi-mangione/story?id=133018432">according to ABC News</a>. 
The prosecution argued the officers acted &#8220;in deliberate and painstaking fashion&#8221; while searching the backpack. 
&#8220;At every step, the Altoona officers responded to this unexpected and alarming situation reasonably,&#8221; Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann wrote in a court filing. 
Thompson was gunned down from behind in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024, as he was walking to a hotel during his company’s annual investor conference. 
Shell casings retrieved from the scene had the words “deny,” &#8220;defend,&#8221; and “depose” written on them, according to the New York Police Department. The words found on the shell casings have been connected to a 2010 book that was critical of the health insurance industry. Mangione’s fingerprints allegedly matched those found on a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper recovered near the murder scene, and the gun recovered from his backpack was matched to shell casings found at the scene.
The killing sparked a massive, nationwide five-day manhunt, which ended with Mangione&#8217;s arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, which is more than 200 miles from Manhattan. At the fast-food chain, police found a loaded gun magazine in his backpack. A subsequent inventory search of the bag at the Altoona police station turned up a firearm, suppressor, and what appeared to be a manifesto, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/doj-drops-fight-for-death-penalty-in-luigi-mangione-assassination-case">The Daily Wire previously reported</a>. 
Mangione pleaded not guilty to the federal and state murder charges. In January, U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed two of the four charges, including use of a firearm to commit murder, which made him eligible for the death penalty.
Garnett said she dismissed the charges “solely to preclude the death penalty as an available punishment when the jury determines if the Defendant caused Brian Thompson’s death,” The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/federal-judge-says-prosecutors-cant-pursue-death-penalty-against-luigi-mangione" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> at the time.
Behind bars, Mangione has amassed a following of mostly Left-wing advocates angry with the American healthcare system. A legal fund supporting his <a href="https://abcnews.com/US/judge-decide-throw-key-evidence-luigi-mangione/story?id=133018432">defense has surpassed $1.5 million</a>.
Mangione, if convicted of all charges, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Supporters line up ahead of Luigi Mangione ruling <a href="https://t.co/uGw13E4Y1d">https://t.co/uGw13E4Y1d</a> <a href="https://t.co/SaYxZuazon">pic.twitter.com/SaYxZuazon</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2056381879767417182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2026</a></blockquote>

Luigi Mangione

Luigi Mangione Scores Another Win As Judge Tosses Out Key Evidence

Court

Crime

Judge

New York

News

Thousands of believers gathered in the nation’s capital on Sunday for an all-day prayer and worship service honoring America’s Christian heritage ahead of the country&#8217;s 250th anniversary.
The event — <a href="https://freedom250.org/celebration/rededicate-250-a-national-jubilee-of-prayer-praise-and-thanksgiving">Rededicate 250</a>, part of the Trump administration’s Freedom 250 initiative — featured a host of political, Catholic, and evangelical leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary Pete Hegseth, Bishop Robert Barron, and Franklin Graham, who did not hold back in condemning what he described as America’s moral decline.
&#8220;People have become lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God,&#8221; Graham said, painting a dire picture of the country&#8217;s biblical literacy. &#8220;America has become morally rotten, completely sick with sin, transgenderism, same-sex marriage, opening women&#8217;s locker rooms to men are just the tip of the iceberg.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfyAL0e6ei0">In a recorded address,</a> Trump struck a similar tone, reading a passage from 2 Chronicles that calls for repentance and urges people to turn from their wicked ways.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., thousands braved 80-degree heat and waited in hour-long lines that stretched for blocks to call on their fellow Americans to repent and join each other in prayer and worship. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Large crowd waiting in line for Rededication 250 event <a href="https://t.co/eJCZwAM5Ft">pic.twitter.com/eJCZwAM5Ft</a>
— Jacob Wheeler (@JWheelertv) <a href="https://twitter.com/JWheelertv/status/2056072888407507331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
Grammy-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin performed &#8220;Holy Forever&#8221; to the thousands on their feet.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
HOLY FOREVER
&#8220;Your name is the highest 
Your name is the greatest 
Your name stands above them all 
All thrones and dominions 
All powers and positions 
Your name stands above them all&#8221;<a href="https://twitter.com/christomlin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@christomlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/7ie11Vtn9z">pic.twitter.com/7ie11Vtn9z</a>
— Real America&#8217;s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealAmVoice/status/2056139300798877984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
In front of a crowd wearing Bible-themed shirts and waving Jesus-inspired flags, top Trump administration officials and Republican leaders offered historical and personal reflections.
&#8220;On this day, two and a half centuries ago, our forefathers gathered for the second time in as many years for a national day of fasting and prayer,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/StateDept/status/2056011858201764095?s=20">Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Roman Catholic, said.</a> &#8220;They knew that what they were trying to do had never been done before in human history, but with the dark storm clouds of war looming on the horizon, they did what Christians have always done across place and time for 2000 years. They turned their eyes to heaven and placed their faith in the hands of God.&#8221;
&#8220;This is who we are. It is who we have always been. America is still a young nation, measured against the record of history, and from the beginning, we have carried the belief that our country represents something new in the world, but the soul of our nation has always been rooted in an ancient faith,&#8221; Rubio added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
On this day 250 years ago, our forefathers gathered for a national day of fasting and prayer. Today, Americans will come together again as one Nation under God.
This is who we are and who we’ve always been. <a href="https://t.co/0r4QUsy1hY">pic.twitter.com/0r4QUsy1hY</a>
— Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/2056011858201764095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) spoke about Christianity in personal terms.
&#8220;I stand before you as living proof that prayer, the power of prayer, changes lives,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/Freedom250/status/2056090057812111708?s=20">Scott said.</a> &#8220;It&#8217;s prayer that inspires our nation. It&#8217;s prayer that transforms our world. There is no way to grasp the last 250 years of America without looking to the power of prayer.&#8221;
Actor Jonathan Roumie, best known for portraying Jesus Christ in “The Chosen,” urged Americans to recommit to the idea of being “one nation under God.”
&#8220;No matter who you are, or what you&#8217;ve done, or how long it&#8217;s been, or how bad things might all seem when you get stuck in the doom scroll of it all, simply stop and pray,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/RSBNetwork/status/2056079289926259196?s=20">Roumie said.</a> &#8220;And if you still feel burdened, maybe it&#8217;s time to go to confession. There is power in repentance.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
FULL SPEECH: Actor Jonathan Roumie Provides Testimony and Reflects on Portraying Jesus &#8211; 05/17/26 <a href="https://t.co/8DFzOZSYZz">pic.twitter.com/8DFzOZSYZz</a>
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSBNetwork/status/2056079289926259196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
The nod to faith comes amid increasing signs of a religious revival in America, especially among young men.
About 42% of men aged 18 to 29 now say religion is “very important” in their lives, up from just 28% two years prior, according to a<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/708410/young-men-religious-young-women.aspx"> new survey from Gallup</a>. The 14-point jump marks the steepest increase measured across any demographic group in the poll’s recent history and returns young men to levels of religiosity not seen since the early 2000s.
Vice President JD Vance said the trend is defying what the expert class had predicted.
&#8220;Defying predictions, the experts said that religion and faith were dying. Today, a wave of young Americans is returning to the pews, and we know that they&#8217;re looking for meaning, for authority, for direction, and of course, for closeness with God,&#8221; Vance said. &#8220;That should give all of us hope for our future together.&#8221; 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
WATCH: Vice President JD Vance&#8217;s Rededicate 250 message:
“I always ask people to pray for wisdom and for courage for their leadership. Pray for wisdom that we know the path God wants us to walk. Pray for courage that we have the ability to walk that path.” <a href="https://t.co/5hKNESi7hV">pic.twitter.com/5hKNESi7hV</a>
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/2056135528752234892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/05/14/how-americans-feel-about-religions-influence-in-government-and-public-life/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">A Pew Research poll</a> this week showed 37% of U.S. adults believe religion is gaining influence in America, the highest share since 2002.
&#8220;No one saw this coming, and this is something that the world, I think, wasn&#8217;t really prepared for but is in awe of watching,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/foxandfriends/status/2055993621027905540?s=20">The Daily Wire host Isabel Brown</a> said of<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/bible-sales-surged-following-killing-of-charlie-kirk-7da17aec"> rising Bible sales</a> and <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/">Gen Z leading a resurgence in church attendance.</a> &#8220;I think because of the secularism and the moral relativism we&#8217;re living through every single day in our secular culture. We&#8217;re finding the answers in God.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
REDEDICATE 250 🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/theisabelb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theisabelb</a> joins <a href="https://twitter.com/RCamposDuffy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCamposDuffy</a> at the event to discuss the Gen Z revival in attending church! <a href="https://t.co/rNs4YidI4y">pic.twitter.com/rNs4YidI4y</a>
— FOX &amp; Friends (@foxandfriends) <a href="https://twitter.com/foxandfriends/status/2055993621027905540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>

IMG_2579

America’s Spiritual Revival Just Sent A Powerful Message

America 250

Christianity

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Two Navy jets collided midair during an air show in Idaho on Sunday, forcing all four crew members to eject safely and the base to go on lockdown.
A dramatic video showed two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets colliding during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Footage of the mid air collision between a pair of Navy Super Hornets/Growlers during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base moments ago. <a href="https://t.co/yQqPavmSWk">pic.twitter.com/yQqPavmSWk</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/2056086529404260666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
The crash happened at 12:10 p.m. local time in the middle of an aerial demonstration, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/midair-jet-collision-forces-lockdown-idaho-air-force-base-show-rcna345586">according to NBC News.</a> All four crew members ejected by parachute moments before the two jets crashed to the ground and exploded. A photo circulating on social media shows the aftermath of the crash. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
2 E/A-18G Growlers from the VAQ-129 Growler Demo Team are reported to have collided during the Gunfighter Skies Airshow at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho today. Both crews are reported to have ejected safely. <a href="https://t.co/k5SWJ9mz1u">pic.twitter.com/k5SWJ9mz1u</a>
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) <a href="https://twitter.com/thenewarea51/status/2056084549818347533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
The four crew members ejected safely and were &#8220;found safe,&#8221; <a href="https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/article315790106.html">according to a local Idaho news outlet. </a>
In a social media post, Mountain Home Air Force Base acknowledged “an aircraft incident” and canceled the remainder of the air show pending an investigation. 
&#8220;Mountain Home Air Force base has canceled the remainder of the air show. At this time, we ask for our guests already on base to remain in the flightline area to allow first responders to move in and out of place to continue securing the area. We are working on a plan to safely allow guests to exit base as soon as possible,&#8221; the statement said. 
Organizers said the popular air show that includes flying demonstrations and parachute jumps is a celebration of aviation history and a look at modern military capabilities.
On Saturday, the base posted photos on Facebook of the air show&#8217;s successful Day 1. 
&#8220;From the first takeoff to the final pass, today was packed with unforgettable moments! And we&#8217;re doing it all again tomorrow&#8230;&#8221;

Blue Angels And Thunderbirds Do Flying Tribute To NYC COVID-19 Frontline Workers

WATCH: Military Jets Collide Midair At Idaho Air Show

Aviation

Idaho

Plane Crash

President Donald Trump threatened to support a primary challenge against Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) after she hit the campaign trail to support embattled Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie. 
In Saturday night Truth Social posts, Trump railed against Republicans backing Massie for &#8220;parading around like fools,&#8221; calling Boebert &#8220;weak-minded.&#8221;
“Boebert is campaigning for the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, and anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!” <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116586609402311469">Trump said.</a>  “Even though I long ago endorsed Boebert, if the right person came along, it would be my Honor to withdraw that Endorsement and endorse a good and proper alternative,” he said.
&#8220;Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended. I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie. I was, and will be, America First, America Always, and MAGA,&#8221; Boebert said in response.
Before Trump’s threat, the Colorado Republican attempted to thread the needle between her support for both Massie and Trump. 
&#8220;Below is my friend Thomas Massie. He loves America and is fighting to save it. Also below is my friend and President, Donald Trump. He’s put his life on the line to save this great country. I support both of these men. I’ve worked with both to preserve freedom and liberty,&#8221; Boebert posted on social media. &#8220;And if that makes you angry, bless your heart.&#8221; 
The filing deadline has passed for new candidates to enter the race, and neither of Boebert&#8217;s initial primary challengers qualified for the ballot, so she is running unopposed.
Massie, long a thorn in the side of Trump, is currently facing the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/thomas-massie-is-a-political-survivor-but-this-time-might-be-different?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=9&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Thomas+Massie+Is+A+Political+Survivor+%E2%80%94+But+This+Time+Might+Be+Different">toughest challenge of his political career</a> in the most expensive U.S. House primary of all time.
The Kentucky Republican has emerged as a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of the Epstein files, Iran, and the president’s signature “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Now, Trump is throwing the full weight of his political machine behind Massie&#8217;s primary challenger. In January, Trump endorsed Captain Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and farmer opposing Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
&#8220;The man running against Massie, Ed Gallrein, is a true American Patriot, a Farmer from Kentucky, and a Military Hero,&#8221; Trump said in a Saturday night social media post. &#8220;He is loyal, and MAGA all the way — VOTE FOR ED GALLREIN, AND WIPE AWAY THE STENCH OF ONE OF THE WORST CONGRESSMEN IN THE HISTORY OF OUR GREAT PARTY, THOMAS MASSIE. MAY WE NEVER HAVE TO DEAL WITH HIM AGAIN!&#8221;
Conventional political wisdom suggests Massie enters Tuesday’s primary with significant structural advantages. The libertarian-minded fiscal hawk has deep roots in the district, riding the Tea Party wave into Congress in 2012 and remaining politically untouchable ever since.
Yet, Massie’s tendency to break with Trump is alienating segments of the MAGA faithful.
A new Quantus Insights survey shows Gallrein leading Massie 53%-45% among likely Republican primary voters, marking the first public poll to show the Trump-backed challenger ahead.  
Massie is blaming third-party spending in the race for his slippage in the polls. 
“After months of beating around the bush, one reporter finally writes the true story of my race and when asked, the lobbyists brag about it,” Massie said of a Politico story highlighting Pro-Israel spending. “A coalition of Israel’s lobbyists and donors is spending tens of millions of dollars in a blatant attempt to buy a KY congressional seat.&#8221;
The home stretch in Kentucky comes after Louisiana Republicans <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/voters-decide-fate-of-senator-who-voted-to-convict-trump?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Voters+Decide+Fate+Of+Senator+Who+Voted+To+Convict+Trump">voted to oust Sen. Bill Cassidy</a>, rejecting the incumbent who voted to convict President Donald Trump on impeachment charges. Trump also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-flexes-political-muscle-against-republicans-who-bucked-him-on-redistricting?row=0&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;rowType=Web+Search+Overlay">successfully ousted</a> several state senators in Indiana who voted against redistricting earlier this month.

Lauren Boebert on Capitol Hill

Trump Threatens Primary Challenge Against Another Republican For Siding With Massie

Donald Trump

Lauren Boebert

Thomas Massie

The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a former U.S. Air Force intel specialist charged with defecting and sharing American secrets with the Islamic Republic of Iran. 
In February 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia indicted Monica Witt, a former U.S. service member and counterintelligence agent, on charges of espionage, including transmitting national defense information to the government of Iran.
Witt served in the U.S. military from 1997 to 2008 and later worked as a U.S. government contractor until 2010, according to the FBI. Her combined military and private-sector experience <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/fbi-washington-field-office-announces-200000-reward-for-information-leading-to-apprehension-of-former-us-counterintelligence-agent-charged-with-espionage-for-iran">reportedly gave her access to classified information at the “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” levels,</a> including the identities of undercover personnel within the U.S. intelligence community.
In 2013, Witt defected to Iran and provided classified information to the government of Iran, according to the FBI. The Texas native is said to have defected after being invited to two all-expense-paid conferences in Iran that the Justice Department says &#8220;promoted anti-Western propaganda and criticized American moral standards,&#8221; <a href="https://apnews.com/article/monica-witt-iran-fbi-counterintelligence-defector-1e11b09b9cb7d8a0d568019d8adf7942">according to the Associated Press. </a>
Witt is accused of intentionally providing information that endangered U.S. personnel stationed abroad. Authorities also allege she researched on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran to help identify and target her former colleagues in the U.S. government.
&#8220;Witt’s defection to Iran has benefitted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has elements responsible for intelligence collection, unconventional warfare, and providing direct support to multiple terrorist organizations targeting U.S. citizens and interests,&#8221; <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/fbi-washington-field-office-announces-200000-reward-for-information-leading-to-apprehension-of-former-us-counterintelligence-agent-charged-with-espionage-for-iran">the FBI said in a statement. </a>
Despite the indictment and pending charges, Witt remains on the run, and the federal government is unable to locate her. 
“Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime National Defense Information and likely continues to support their nefarious activities,” Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, said.
“The FBI has not forgotten and believes that during this critical moment in Iran’s history, there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts. The FBI wants to hear from you so you can help us apprehend Witt and bring her to justice,&#8221; he added. 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Screenshot

FBI Offers $200K Reward To Catch Veteran Charged With Spying For Iran

Espionage

Iran

Monica Witt

California Republicans appear energized heading into the state’s closely watched June 2 primary, holding an early turnout advantage as Democrats scramble to unite behind a candidate in multiple key races.
The Golden State sends every registered voter a mail-in ballot, arguing that the policy gives voters ample time and access to make their voices heard. With a few weeks until Election Day, more than 900,000 have returned ballots in California&#8217;s primary, which features a contentious gubernatorial race plagued by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/swalwell-accuser-claims-dem-drugged-choked-and-raped-her?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=73&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Swalwell+Accuser+Claims+Dem+Drugged%2C+Choked%2C+And+Raped+Her">scandals</a> and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrat-crashes-out-on-reporter-before-she-can-even-ask-a-question?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=13&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Democrat+Crashes+Out+On+Reporter+Before+She+Can+Even+Ask+A+Question">stumbles</a> and the Los Angeles mayoral contest. 
The data,<a href="https://tracker.politicaldata.com/?type=statewide"> compiled by Political Data Intelligence</a>, paints an encouraging early picture for Republicans. As of May 15, statewide Republican turnout stood at 6%, compared to 4% for Democrats. Despite trailing Democrats nearly 2-to-1 in voter registration, Republicans remain competitive in the total vote share.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
California Early Voting Now vs at this point in 2022
At this point in 2022: 
🔵 54% 
🔴 26% 
🟡 20%
(719k Voted)
Now: 
🔵 41% (-13) 
🔴 37% (+11) 
🟡 22% (+2)
(906K Voted) <a href="https://t.co/dI1IfKRDjB">https://t.co/dI1IfKRDjB</a> <a href="https://t.co/FRGT6nYz2E">pic.twitter.com/FRGT6nYz2E</a>
— OSZ (@OpenSourceZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenSourceZone/status/2055711433568969212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2026</a></blockquote>
Of the 900,000 ballots returned so far, 371,130 were cast by registered Democrats, compared to 334,791 from registered Republicans. Another 199,967 came from independents or voters with no party affiliation. GOP returns have increased 11% compared to this point in the 2022 midterm cycle. 
In battleground Orange County — where President Ronald Reagan once joked that <a href="https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/remarks-republican-campaign-rally-fullerton-california">“good Republicans go before they die”</a> — the divide is even more pronounced. Roughly 6% of registered voters have returned ballots, with Republicans holding an advantage of more than 10,000 votes. 
In San Diego County, where Democrats make up the majority of registered voters, Republicans have posted an 11% turnout rate — nearly double the Democratic rate of 6% — and account for a majority of returned ballots.
Even in deep-blue Los Angeles County, home to the marquee showdown between Mayor Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt, Republicans hold a 4% turnout rate, compared to a sluggish 2% for Democrats. Democrats maintain a raw vote lead in the City of Los Angeles, reflecting their significant registration advantage over Republicans.
Older white voters make up the overwhelming majority of the early vote so far, according to PDI&#8217;s data. 
“Republicans are potentially returning their ballots at a pre-2020 rate, before [President Donald] Trump and other leaders discouraged it,” PDI Vice President Paul Mitchell <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/05/16/us-news/california-sees-massive-surge-in-republican-votes-as-more-than-900k-ballots-already-returned/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nypost&amp;utm_source=twitter">told The New York Post.</a> “It’s kind of typical of a low-turnout election that these are the people that always vote in every election. They probably almost always vote early, and they’re getting their ballots in right away.”
On the Republican side, voters have to choose between former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra leads the crowded Democratic field, followed by progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. 
Under California’s “jungle primary” system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election in November regardless of party.

Americans voting in an election

California Republicans See Surge In Early Voting With Democrats In Disarray

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Voting

Louisiana Republicans voted to oust Sen. Bill Cassidy on Saturday, rejecting the incumbent who voted to convict President Donald Trump on impeachment charges.
With more than half the vote counted, Cassidy is trailing his conservative primary rivals, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) and State Treasurer John Fleming. Trump-backed Letlow, buoyed by the president’s endorsement, currently leads the race with 45% of the vote. With no candidate clearing the 50% threshold, Letlow and Fleming will advance to a June 27 runoff. <a href="https://x.com/DecisionDeskHQ/status/2055829975475859625?s=20">Decision Desk HQ called the race 9:56 p.m. ET.</a>
Cassidy’s fall from grace is another sign of Trump’s enduring grip on the Republican base, as the president continues flexing his political clout to target GOP lawmakers he views as disloyal to his agenda.
Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-slams-disloyal-disaster-bill-cassidy-as-louisiana-voters-head-to-the-polls?topStoryPosition=undefined&amp;author=Tim+Rice&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=1&amp;row=1&amp;rowHeadline=Top+Stories&amp;rowType=Top+Stories&amp;title=Trump+Slams+%E2%80%98Disloyal+Disaster%E2%80%99+Bill+Cassidy+As+Louisiana+Voters+Head+To+The+Polls">took one last shot</a> at Cassidy as Louisiana headed to the polls on Saturday, urging voters to throw their support behind the incumbent Republican’s primary challenger.
“Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is a disloyal disaster,” the president wrote on <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116584450399753941">Truth Social</a>, noting that the two-term senator voted to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. “Bill Cassidy is a sleazebag, a terrible guy, who is BAD FOR LOUISIANA. Now he’s going to get CLOBBERED, hopefully, in today’s BIG election, by two great people!!!”
 In January, Trump endorsed Letlow (R-LA) to replace Sen. Cassidy, who was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump after the January 6 Capitol riot. 
In a <a href="https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/article_67fa0a74-6ee1-11eb-8bd4-6bda88cda171.html">February 2021 column that has since come back to haunt him politically</a>, Cassidy wrote that Trump was &#8220;guilty” of inciting the riot and “actively subverting the peaceful transfer of power.” 
Ryan Girdusky, a conservative political consultant, called that vote the &#8220;ultimate betrayal.&#8221; 
&#8220;The impeachment vote against Trump is really what did him in; had he not voted to impeach Trump, he wouldn&#8217;t be in this position,&#8221; Girdusky said. &#8220;If they successfully had a trial against him, he would have been ineligible to run for President. So maybe that&#8217;s what Cassidy was rooting for.&#8221;
That reality, Girdusky said, pushed Trump to get involved. 
&#8220;“Highly Respected America First Congresswoman, Julia Letlow, of the wonderful State of Louisiana, is a Great Star, has been from the very beginning, and only gets better!’ <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116578950880982545">Trump said in a Friday Truth Social post</a>. “Election Day is tomorrow, Saturday, May 16th. Vote for Julia Letlow — She has my Complete and Total Endorsement, and will never let you down!”
In her campaign launch, Letlow said that in “a state as conservative as ours, we shouldn’t have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure’s on. Louisiana deserves conservative champions, leaders who will not flinch,” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/senate-slugfest-all-but-inevitable-as-trump-backed-lawmaker-enters-louisiana-race">The Daily Wire previously reported.</a> The congresswoman took office in April 2021, following a special election triggered by her husband’s death.
During the campaign, Cassidy and Fleming targeted Letlow over <a href="blank">past comments praising diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts</a>, questioning her conservative credentials.
&#8220;She&#8217;s as moderate as Bill Cassidy is,&#8221; Girdusky told The Daily Wire. &#8220;So it&#8217;s not like they&#8217;re trading a moderate for a conservative. They&#8217;re trading a moderate for a moderate, but one that Trump approved versus one that Trump didn&#8217;t approve.&#8221; 
Cassidy also faced heat for stalling some of Trump&#8217;s high-profile nominees, including Surgeon General pick Dr. Casey Means.  
A physician and chairman of the Senate health committee, Cassidy stopped short of supporting her, effectively sinking her nomination prospects — a move that infuriated MAHA supporters and the president himself.
“Bill Cassidy is a mindless avatar for his donors and a blind defender of the status quo system that is profiting from American sickness,” Calley Means, Casey Means&#8217; brother, <a href="https://x.com/calleymeans/status/2049893588985638974?s=20">said on social media.</a>
The president piled on, calling Cassidy a “very disloyal person” who “stood in the way” of RFK Jr.’s preferred nominee.
Trump, widely viewed as the GOP’s kingmaker, recently exacted revenge on a handful of Indiana Republicans who bucked his redistricting push. With Cassidy&#8217;s defeat, the White House is already shifting its attention to another bruising primary battle: backing Captain Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/thomas-massie-is-a-political-survivor-but-this-time-might-be-different?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=5&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Thomas+Massie+Is+A+Political+Survivor+%E2%80%94+But+This+Time+Might+Be+Different">Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.</a>
&#8220;It shows that it&#8217;s really about Trump,&#8221; Girdusky said. &#8220;It shows that voters have this innate belief that he has their best interests at heart, and that he is feeling the anger that they&#8217;re feeling of betrayal from the elected officials.&#8221;

Senate Health Committee Hears Testimony From Fired CDC Director Susan Monarez

Voters Decide Fate Of Senator Who Voted To Convict Trump

2026 elections

bill Cassidy

Republicans

Trump

U.S. Senate

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed mail orders of the abortion drug mifepristone to continue, handing a major defeat for the pro-life movement while litigation over the pill continues.   
<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25a1207_21p3.pdf">In an emergency order</a>, the court temporarily blocked a federal appeals court ruling that struck down a Biden-era policy that allowed the abortion drug mifepristone to be prescribed online and shipped by mail. 
The unsigned order provided no legal explanation. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented. 
&#8220;The Court’s unreasoned order granting stays in this case is remarkable,&#8221; Justice Alito wrote. &#8220;What is at stake is the perpetration of a scheme to undermine our decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which restored the right of each State to decide how to regulate abortions within its borders.&#8221;
Justice Thomas went further, describing the mail distribution system for mifepristone as a &#8220;criminal enterprise.&#8221;
&#8220;Applicants are not entitled to a stay of an adverse court order based on lost profits from their criminal enterprise,&#8221; he concluded. &#8220;They cannot, in any legally relevant sense, be irreparably harmed by a court order that makes it more difficult for them to commit crimes.&#8221;
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Biden administration expanded nationwide access to chemical abortion. Under rules finalized in 2023, women could obtain mifepristone through telehealth appointments without an in-person doctor visit. 
The majority of abortions in the U.S. are obtained through medications, usually a combination of mifepristone and a second drug, misoprostol, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-supreme-court-louisiana-0533e83d67148fdfec53b1d0d30c1e8a">according to the Associated Press</a>. 
Louisiana challenged the Biden-era policy under the Administrative Procedure Act, arguing the FDA relied on flawed or nonexistent data while eliminating safety protocols. 
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/court-issues-major-ruling-on-biden-abortion-pill-policy">The Daily Wire previously reported</a> that the FDA acknowledged it had not adequately studied the safety of remote dispensing and is still conducting a review, with no clear timeline for completion.
The three-judge 5th Circuit panel held that the regulation, which has continued under the Trump administration, was likely unlawful. 
“Every abortion facilitated by FDA’s action cancels Louisiana’s ban,” the federal appeals court wrote, emphasizing that such harm cannot be undone.
Manufacturers of the abortion drug quickly filed emergency appeals asking the Supreme Court to intervene.
Acting alone, Justice Samuel Alito <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/genbiopro-v-louisiana/">entered and then extended an administrative stay</a> of the Fifth Circuit ruling, which is a short-term, procedural order that freezes legal proceedings so the full court has time to weigh the issue.
On Thursday, a majority of the justices appeared to agree with the abortion manufacturers, overturning the block in a significant setback for pro-life advocates as litigation drags on.
&#8220;This decision keeps deadly abortion drugs available by mail and telehealth, where preborn children are killed at home and women can be abandoned, coerced, and left to suffer alone,&#8221; Lila Rose, a prominent pro-life activist, said on social media. &#8220;The FDA must act now.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has tragically and wrongly granted the abortion pill makers’ emergency appeal, allowing the mail order abortion pill regime to continue nationwide.
Justices Thomas and Alito dissented.
This decision keeps deadly abortion drugs available by mail and…
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) <a href="https://twitter.com/LilaGraceRose/status/2055040440508772852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
President Donald Trump’s embattled FDA commissioner <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breakimg-embattled-fda-chief-marty-makary-resigns-amid-mounting-criticism?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=11&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Embattled+FDA+Chief+Marty+Makary+Resigns+Amid+Mounting+Criticism">Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday </a>following intense criticism from pro-life advocates over his handling of mifepristone and the speed of the agency’s review of the abortion drug’s safety.
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Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Abortion Drug Mifepristone

⁨Supreme Court Issues Major Decision On Abortion Pill, Deals Blow To Pro-Life Fight

Abortion

Supreme Court

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Yale University’s medical school illegally discriminates in admissions to favor black and Hispanic students, a Justice Department investigation found.
On Thursday, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division completed a year-long investigation into the Ivy League school’s admissions policies and practices. According to the federal government, Yale admits black and Hispanic applicants at higher rates than white and Asian applicants with similar academic credentials. 
&#8220;Black and Hispanic applicants were admitted with consistently lower academic qualifications than their White and Asian counterparts,&#8221; the DOJ said in a statement. &#8220;These facts support the Department’s <a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1440601/dl">finding</a> that Yale violated the law by intentionally discriminating based on race in its admissions, in clear violation of federal law.&#8221;
The findings suggest Yale may be violating the <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/20-1199_hgdj.pdf">landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling</a> striking down race-based affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.
&#8220;The students admitted to Yale School of Medicine demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and personal commitment; its program of medical education encourages curiosity and critical thinking, and its graduates go on to become leaders in clinical care, research, and public service,&#8221; a university spokesperson said in a statement to The Daily Wire. &#8220;We will carefully review the Department of Justice’s letter. Yale School of Medicine is confident in the rigorous admissions process we follow. 
The Department of Justice, however, disagrees.
“Yale has continued its race-based admissions program despite the Supreme Court and the public’s clear mandate for reform,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said. “This Department will continue to shed light on these illegal practices, and demand that institutions of higher education comply with federal law.”
Dhillon later pointed to the DOJ&#8217;s statistical analysis.
&#8220;At Yale Medical School, a black applicant is 29 times more likely to be invited to interview than an Asian with equally strong academics,&#8221; Dhillon added. &#8220;Today,<a href="https://x.com/CivilRights">@CivilRights</a> told Yale that its use of race in admissions is ILLEGAL — and that <a href="https://x.com/TheJusticeDept">@TheJusticeDept</a> will step in to enforce Title VI.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At Yale Medical School, a black applicant is 29 times more likely to be invited to interview than an Asian with equally strong academics.
Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/CivilRights?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CivilRights</a> told Yale that its use of race in admissions is ILLEGAL—and that <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJusticeDept</a> will step in to enforce Title VI.…
— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAGDhillon/status/2054978751524401596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The findings come amid renewed national debate over affirmative action and admission at elite universities.
Former MSNBC host Joy Reid recently claimed that Vice President JD Vance benefited from affirmative action at Yale, suggesting the university pursued geographic diversity by admitting &#8220;an Appalachian white.&#8221;
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Joy Reid: &#8220;JD Vance got into Yale because they were tired of just letting in white men from New York … They wanted an Appalachian white. That&#8217;s how that man got into Yale, I promise you.&#8221;
How is one such miserable person named Joy? <a href="https://t.co/YepzfccNc3">pic.twitter.com/YepzfccNc3</a>
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefiantLs/status/2054758604004319690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
The far-left commentator has publicly credited affirmative action with helping her attend Harvard.
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Yale Encampment Protest

Ivy League Medical School Accused Of Illegal Race-Based Admissions

Affirmative Action

College Admisisons

Yale University

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman rebuked his party&#8217;s hypocrisy over foreign policy on Wednesday, saying Democrats have become the party of &#8220;Trump Derangement Syndrome.&#8221;
In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMiKkhrGmWI">podcast interview with libertarian journalist Nick Gillespie</a>, Fetterman defended the Trump administration&#8217;s military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Asked whether he trusts war assessments from President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the swing-state Democrat did not budge.
&#8220;100%, I trust the Trump administration, and Trump a hell of a lot more than I would ever trust the Iranians or the Chinese or the Russians,&#8221; Fetterman said, adding, &#8220;We are all Americans. That&#8217;s what we&#8217;re forgetting. You know, the Democratic Party can&#8217;t become the TDS party. &#8230; And clearly that&#8217;s where we are right now.&#8221;  
&#8220;That does not mean you agree on every tactic that&#8217;s happened,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;I don&#8217;t appreciate the gamification of the Iranian war.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
💥NEW: John Fetterman🇺🇸
“100% I trust the Trump administration and Trump a h*ll of a lot more than I would ever trust the Iranians, Chinese or Russians … We are all Americans.”
“The Democratic Party can’t become the TDS Party … And clearly that’s where we are right now.” <a href="https://t.co/7KvqfqoLCZ">pic.twitter.com/7KvqfqoLCZ</a>
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonJournoDC/status/2054627896061239625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
Fetterman also called out Democrats&#8217; foreign policy double standards.
&#8220;We have a nuclear power at the cusp, and it&#8217;s entirely appropriate to hold them accountable for what they&#8217;ve done,&#8221; Fetterman said. &#8220;And clearly a lot of people in the world care and had strong opinions on Gaza, well then, why don&#8217;t you have the same kinds of views and condemn Iran too?&#8221;
Iran reportedly killed tens of thousands of its own citizens during a brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests aimed at overthrowing the government.
&#8220;The same people that were outraged about the war in Gaza. They gave no f*cks about Iran executing 30,000, 40,000 of its young people. Zero college campuses,&#8221; Fetterman said. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💥NEW: John Fetterman: “The same people that were outraged about the war in Gaza, they gave no f*cks about Iran executing 30,000-40,000 of its young people.” <a href="https://t.co/JixRgkxldl">pic.twitter.com/JixRgkxldl</a>
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonJournoDC/status/2054631551409803487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
Fetterman has emerged as one of the most vocal pro-Israel voices in the Democratic Party since Hamas&#8217; October 7 massacre. 
“What would drive people to care that much about Gaza and then not care about Iranian protesters being killed?” Gillespie asked Fetterman. 
“It’s because the rifles weren’t in Jewish hands,&#8221; Fetterman replied, calling out the &#8220;antisemitism&#8221; and &#8220;indoctrination&#8221; that has spread on American college campuses. &#8220;So, without a doubt, without a doubt, my party&#8217;s become intensely anti-Israel. And it&#8217;s strange to me the most progressive part of the American conversation, we won&#8217;t stand, and we will betray the one single nation in the region that has the kinds of values and lives the way it has.&#8221;
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💥NEW: Nick Gillespie: “What would drive people to care that much about Gaza and then not care about Iranian protesters being killed?”
John Fetterman: “It’s because the rifles weren’t in Jewish hands.” <a href="https://t.co/xzzLPSU646">pic.twitter.com/xzzLPSU646</a>
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonJournoDC/status/2054635909480403229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>

Senate Takes Up Funding Bill After House Passage

Fetterman Torches Democrats As Party Of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

Democrats

Israel

John Fetterman

A Mexican national living in the United States illegally was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for distributing and receiving child pornography on Facebook,<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndms/pr/illegal-alien-mexico-sentenced-distribution-child-pornography-facebook-messenger"> the Justice Department announced.  </a>
Adolfo Raul Vasquez-Santana, 32, of Southaven, Mississippi, was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for using Facebook Messenger to send and receive child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered him to pay $14,000 in penalties.
Local police began investigating after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE,  pursued federal charges after determining that Vasquez-Santana was living in the United States illegally.
ICE placed an immigration detainer on Vasquez-Santana, and he is expected to face deportation after completing his prison sentence, according to authorities. 
“HSI is committed to protecting children from predators who use technology to exploit them. When we received information about Vasquez-Santana, our agents acted quickly to investigate, arrest, and bring this individual to justice.  We remain vigilant against child predators and will continue to pursue these offenders wherever they operate,” Matt Wright, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI New Orleans, said. 
“Our partners at Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) will ensure that once the defendant completes his federal sentence, he is removed from the United States and unable to pose further risk to our communities,” he added. 
The case was prosecuted as part of<a href="https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline"> Operation Take Back America</a>, a nationwide initiative that the Justice Department says &#8220;marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration&#8221; and &#8220;achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations.&#8221; 
Authorities said the case was also pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative established to fight sexual exploitation of children.
“Child pornography is a plague,&#8221; U.S. Attorney Leary said. &#8220;Children are victimized not only through the production of obscene material, but through its continual distribution. Somehow, this debauchery has gained a foothold in our society. We need the public’s help. Please, when you see something troubling, let law enforcement know – we will respond.&#8221;
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ICE Agents

Illegal Immigrant Sentenced For Sending Child Porn On Facebook

Illegal Immigration

Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday called a special session to redraw the state&#8217;s congressional and legislative districts before the 2028 elections.
Kemp signed a proclamation convening the General Assembly on June 17 to address redistricting after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling ended race-based gerrymandering.
The news, first reported by<a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/gov-kemp-calls-lawmakers-back-for-redistricting-special-session/"> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>, comes as Republican-led states across the South move to redraw the maps ahead of the November midterms.
The special session next month in Atlanta is expected to center on new maps that could take effect for the 2028 election cycle, particularly if Republicans lose power in the governor’s office or state legislature this fall.
&#8220;The new maps could net Republicans two U.S. House districts and further entrench GOP power in GA’s General Assembly,&#8221; VoteHub, an independent election reporting outlet,<a href="https://x.com/VoteHub/status/2054652298853560756?s=20"> said on social media. </a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEWS — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has called a special session to redraw Georgia’s congressional, state House, and state Senate districts before the 2028 elections.
The new maps could net Republicans two U.S. House districts and further entrench GOP power in GA’s General Assembly.
— VoteHub (@VoteHub) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoteHub/status/2054652298853560756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
Georgia&#8217;s Freedom Caucus, a state-level bloc of Republicans, celebrated the move, urging state lawmakers not to waste the opportunity.
&#8220;We must not let this opportunity go to waste,&#8221;<a href="https://x.com/FreedomCaucusGA/status/2054628817545658646?s=20"> the group said on social media.</a> &#8220;The time is NOW to scrap the machines and go to paper ballots. The time is NOW to end racial gerrymandering and provide Georgians with fair electoral maps.
Democrats slammed the decision.
&#8220;We just learned that Georgia is moving forward with gerrymandering for 2028,&#8221; Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) <a href="https://x.com/ReverendWarnock/status/2054642864349438084?s=20">posted on X.</a> &#8220;There is an extreme movement in this country that will stop at nothing to hold on to power, even if it means stripping representation away from millions. I will fight this with everything I have.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We just learned that Georgia is moving forward with gerrymandering for 2028.
There is an extreme movement in this country that will stop at nothing to hold on to power, even if it means stripping representation away from millions.
I will fight this with everything I have.
— Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock/status/2054642864349438084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
Georgia&#8217;s Democratic Party said redistricting would undermine minority representation and energize its base.
“Governor Kemp’s decision to call a special session to redraw our maps immediately in the wake of the gutting of the Voting Rights Act is not only a brazen attempt to take away the voting power of Black Georgians – it shows just how scared Republicans are of Georgia voters,&#8221;<a href="https://georgiademocrat.org/dpg-statement-on-kemp-calling-for-a-special-session-to-redraw-georgias-maps-take-away-black-voters-power/"> the group said in a statement. </a>
Georgia&#8217;s approach differs from other Republican-led states that have already moved forward with redistricting tied to more immediate election cycles. Florida and Tennessee have enacted new maps, while Alabama and Louisiana are expected to follow. On Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court upheld new district lines expected to net Republicans a seat.
On Wednesday, several media outlets reported South Carolina GOP Gov. Henry McMaster is planning to call a special session next week to weigh a new map that could eliminate the state&#8217;s remaining Democratic seat after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/more-republicans-may-be-headed-for-the-indiana-treatment-after-redistricting-pushback?author=Drew+Berkemeyer&amp;category=undefined&amp;elementPosition=13&amp;row=3&amp;rowHeadline=Latest+News&amp;rowType=Vertical+Carousel&amp;title=More+Republicans+May+Be+Headed+For+The+Indiana+Treatment+After+Redistricting+Pushback">Republicans hit a procedural roadblock on Wednesday. </a>

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Jacob Wheeler