A recent poll of the California gubernatorial field backed by the California Democratic Party confirmed their own fears about the potential for a lockout in the top-two primary race.
The EVITARUS Research <a href="https://cadem.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Voter-Index-Baseline-Survey-03.23.26.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">survey</a> of 2,000 likely voters from March 12-17 showed Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco leading the pack at 16% and 14%, respectively. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), and billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer are the top three leading Democrats tied at 10%.
Other candidates ranked significantly lower in the poll. Biden-era Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, are polling at three percent.
“But this initial survey shows two Republicans in the lead with multiple Democrats trailing behind. These results confirm the possibility – albeit a low one – of Democrats being ‘locked out’ of the General Election,” California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said in a <a href="https://cadem.org/cadem-chair-rusty-hicks-releases-new-california-voter-index-poll-results/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> on Tuesday.
Hicks then doubled down on his warning from earlier this month, in which he suggested that Democrats consolidate their list of candidates.
“Most importantly, it’s yet another clear reminder of an undeniable fact – all candidates must honestly assess their viable path to win. I continue to call for them to so do,” he added. “Simply put, it’s the best way to ensure we elect a Democrat as our next Governor and that California continues its strong leadership at home and abroad.”
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will be termed out in 2027, has yet to make an endorsement in the race. However, Swalwell has recently racked up some key endorsements, including from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Other polls have indicated favorable numbers for Hilton and Bianco, including some showing them alternating in first or third place, with Swalwell sometimes coming in second.
Still, the race among the Democrats has been messy in its own right. Steyer has raised questions about Swalwell’s California residency, and Porter faces ongoing criticism about her temperament following a tense interview with CBS News California last year, as well as reports about the poor treatment of her staff.
The University of Southern California canceled its scheduled Tuesday debate with the six candidates over concerns that candidates of color were not included, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/peak-california-usc-backs-out-of-gov-debate-over-lack-of-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> reported. The candidates invited were Hilton, Bianco, Swalwell, Porter, Mahan, and Steyer.
There have also been calls for a consolidation of the Republican field if Democrats end up surging and locking out Republicans, which has happened in past statewide races in the deep blue state.
“Even though polls show two Republicans in the top two, there&#8217;s no way the Democrat machine will let it happen,” Hilton <a href="https://x.com/SteveHiltonx/status/2022363342812385360?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a> in February. “The real risk is two DEMOCRATS. That&#8217;s why we MUST get behind one Republican. Chad Bianco has too much baggage: Democrats will use it to depress the Republican vote.”
Bianco, who is the Riverside County Sheriff, is at odds with Attorney General Rob Bonta over the seizure of an estimated 650,000 ballots from November’s Proposition 50 election in order to recount them, and a state court shot down Bonta’s request to have it stopped, according to <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/bonta-chad-bianco-ballots/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CalMatters</a> on Tuesday.
“For those not aware, we are conducting an investigation into an alleged and potential 45,000 extra votes counted than the number of ballots cast in the November 2025 special election,” Bianco said in a Monday <a href="https://x.com/ChadBianco/status/2036279504629334333?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>.
Bonta’s office told CalMatters in a statement that “the Sheriff has not identified any particular crime that may have been committed by anyone — a necessary predicate to obtain a criminal search warrant.”
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is not equipped nor legally authorized to play the role of elections monitor. By all appearances, this investigation is little more than a fishing expedition meant to sow distrust and undermine public confidence in our elections,” the statement continued.

Gavin Newsom

In Race To Become Newsom’s Successor, Democrats Have Fears Confirmed

California Democrats Have 'Lockout' Fears Confirmed In Race To Be Newsom's Successor

2026 election

California

Democrats

Eric Swalwell

Katie Porter

Long lines and delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have become a flashpoint in the competitive United States Senate race in Georgia.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) faced immediate criticism from Republican primary candidates in his state for voting against funding the Department of Homeland Security, which has resulted in TSA agents and other essential DHS personnel working without pay. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was the lone Democrat who voted to fund the DHS.
“Jon Ossoff and Democrats caused this to protect illegal aliens. That’s it,” Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) posted to X in response to a <a href="https://x.com/MikeCollinsGA/status/2035727466375905481?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> showing the lines. The airport had informed travelers to arrive four hours early for their flights on Monday.
Former NCAA football coach and Republican Senate hopeful Derek Dooley pointed out the contrast between Fetterman and Ossoff on the shutdown in a video he posted from the airport on Sunday.
“It&#8217;s ridiculous. That&#8217;s exactly why we need new leadership in D.C. This is nothing about the people. We need leaders who are gonna put their people first,” <a href="https://x.com/DerekDooleyGA/status/2035810012681920769?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dooley</a> said.
“Just a bunch of politics. Come on, Ossoff. Fetterman agrees. He&#8217;s not for this. He&#8217;s a Democrat. And listen, where&#8217;s the rest of Congress?” he said, calling for a solution to resolve the shutdown, which started over disagreements about federal immigration enforcement policies.
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) dubbed it the “Schumer-Ossoff Shutdown” in one <a href="https://x.com/RepBuddyCarter/status/2036100550035411339?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a>, and plainly stated in another <a href="https://x.com/RepBuddyCarter/status/2036111733102661690?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a> that the six-hour lines at TSA in Atlanta are “because Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff voted to SHUT DOWN the Department of Homeland Security.”
As negotiations continue in Washington, Senate Democrats have argued that Republicans are not interested in funding TSA. Republicans voted against a move by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund federal airport employees, though it would leave out other agencies within DHS.
“Donald Trump’s obstruction is denying TSA workers pay and creating havoc at airports. While negotiations continue over ICE, there is no reason TSA should be held hostage. Republicans must stop blocking TSA funding immediately,” Ossoff said in a <a href="https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/new-senate-republicans-block-tsa-funding-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> on March 21.
When his campaign was contacted by The Daily Wire for comment on the Republican criticism, they deferred to a comment from the Democratic Party of Georgia.
“Senate Democrats have called for funding TSA for weeks, and Republicans have blocked it every step of the way because they are taking orders from Donald Trump,” DPG Chair Charlie Bailey said in a statement. “We could pay TSA agents and end the chaos at airports across the country if Republicans like Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Derek Dooley told their Party to quit standing in the way and get it done.”
A 2017 <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/04/jon-ossoff-race-first-real-battle-millennials-vs-trump-1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mother Jones</a> story noted that Ossoff has had a pilot&#8217;s license since he was a teen, and described his plans at the time to rent a Cessna plane for a short hiking trip in the Appalachian Mountains with his friends. <a href="https://freebeacon.com/elections/ossoff-whose-father-took-1-mil-from-govt-relief-fund-slams-greedy-business-owners-for-raiding-ppp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Free Beacon</a> reported in 2020 that Ossoff’s businessman father bought a private plane in 2014.
As for the Republicans in the race, President Donald Trump has yet to make an endorsement ahead of May 19. Whoever wins the race will be in one of the most competitive elections in the country in 2026. Ossoff is the only incumbent Democrat in a “toss-up” race, according to the <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cook Political Report</a>.
“Jon Ossoff cares more about protecting illegals like Laken Riley&#8217;s killer than standing with hardworking Georgians,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia stated. “Ossoff never refuses a chance to use Georgians as political pawns. Ossoff must stop putting illegals first and end his DHS shutdown.”
ICE agents were sent to assist at airports across the nation on Monday, including Hartsfield-Jackson, as hundreds of TSA agents have called out or quit. The Atlanta airport alone had a callout rate of 41.5% on Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/krisvancleave/status/2036100167695507499?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBS News</a>.

One In Ten Airport Screeners Skip Work As Funding Fight Drags On

Travel Headaches Take On Political Weight — With A Critical Vote In Focus

Battleground Democrat Senator Slammed For Airport Fiasco In His State: 'Ridiculous'

Airports

Georgia

homeland security

Immigration

Jon Ossoff

Senate

Transportation

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) endorsed populist veteran Graham Platner in Maine&#8217;s Democratic Senate primary on Thursday, further intensifying an already contentious race against Gov. Janet Mills.
Platner has also been backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), while Mills is supported by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The winner will face incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in the November general election, which is expected to be competitive and costly.
“Graham Platner is the real deal,” Warren <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2034603306404765726">said</a> in a video announcement. “He’s a fighter, and he’s ready to take that fight to Washington.”
Warren argued that Platner could help Democrats reclaim the Senate majority, currently held by Republicans, 53-47.
“Graham Platner has the grit to go against the grain and to fight for what is right,&#8221; she added, saying Platner exhibits the “fighting spirit that the Democratic Party needs now more than ever.”
Platner’s campaign faced numerous scandals last fall, including old Reddit posts from 2013 in which he described himself as a “communist” and made demeaning comments about women. He has since apologized for the remarks. He also faced scrutiny over a tattoo that critics said resembled a Nazi symbol, which he later covered.
The Mills campaign made the past Reddit comments a key focus of a new <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/attack-ad-targets-democrat-over-vulgar-past-comments-about-women?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=4&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Attack+Ad+Targets+Democrat+Over+Vulgar+Past+Comments+About+Women">ad</a> released earlier this week, specifically highlighting posts saying women should “act like an adult for f*** sake” and “not get so f***ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.”
“Just no way I could vote for you,” a woman says in the ad.
In response, Platner re-shared a previous apology video from October and said in a post on X that he “was horrified&#8221; by the comments and &#8220;did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts.”
Samantha Cantrell, a National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson, said that “Chuck Schumer&#8217;s handpicked candidate is so unpopular in Maine that Elizabeth Warren just endorsed a guy with a Nazi tattoo.”
Despite the past controversies, most polling averages show Platner leading Gov. Mills ahead of the June 9 primary, according to RealClearPolling. The Cook Political Report has the general election race ranked as a “toss-up.”
Collins, who has represented Maine since 1997, won re-election in 2020 with roughly 51% of the vote, defeating Democrat Sara Gideon, who received about 42%.

2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 4

Elizabeth Warren Makes Endorsement In Maine’s Bruising Democratic Senate Primary

Congress

Elizabeth Warren

graham platner

janet mills

Maine

Susan Collins

Republicans are at risk of losing up to four congressional seats in Virginia under a proposed redistricting amendment set for a statewide vote in an April 21 special election.
The measure, backed by Democrats, would redraw the state&#8217;s congressional map mid-decade. Critics say the proposal could result in a 10-1 Democratic advantage until after the 2030 census.
Currently, Virginia&#8217;s delegation is 6-5 in favor of Democrats.
The group &#8220;Virginians For Fair Elections,” which supports the amendment, has raised more than $22 million, compared to roughly $495,000 raised by the opposition group, &#8220;Virginians for Fair Maps,&#8221; according to <a href="https://wset.com/news/local/early-voting-underway-in-virginia-as-redistricting-groups-report-22m-vs-495k-raised-virginians-for-fair-elections-virginians-for-fair-maps-march-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC 13 News</a>.
Former Attorney General Jason Miyares, who’s leading the charge against the redistricting proposal, argued that voters are pushing back despite the funding gap.
“We&#8217;re seeing a groundswell of support,” he said during a series of campaign stops throughout the state. Miyares described the proposal as a &#8220;power grab by left-wing politicians&#8221; that would diminish representation for Republican-leaning areas.
Miyares also pointed to recent Democratic wins in statewide races as a potential motivator for Republican voters. The Democratic slate replaced Republicans in the top statewide offices in November, with Jay Jones defeating Miyares for attorney general and Abigail Spanberger defeating Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor.
“It is a message from Democratic politicians to Republicans: drop dead. This is the single most gerrymandered map in the entire country,” Miyares added, noting that “48% of Virginians voted for a Republican to represent them in Congress, and this would leave them with 9% representation.”
On the flip side, those advocating for the constitutional amendment said this is about countering President Donald Trump’s agenda, such as redistricting efforts he has encouraged in states like Texas.
“Across the country, Trump and MAGA-controlled legislatures are taking unprecedented steps to redraw congressional maps — without voter approval — to rig upcoming elections,” the Virginians for Fair Elections website states.
The group argues that without action, Virginia risks losing influence in Washington as other states adjust their maps.
Gov. Spanberger, who’s supporting the amendment, described the situation as an “extraordinary moment” where temporary redistricting is necessary.
“First, it&#8217;s temporary. Second, it&#8217;s directly in response to what other states decide to do. Third, and most importantly for me, it preserves Virginia&#8217;s fair redistricting process into the future,” she said.
As for Miyares, he’s not impressed with the high level of spending in the race from proponents.
“It&#8217;s not like all this California money cares about Virginians or care about voices of rural Virginians in Congress,” he said.
Control of the House of Representatives could hinge on outcomes like Virginia&#8217;s. Republicans currently hold a narrow 218-214 majority, with three vacant seats.

CLIFTON, VA – JUNE 17: Yolanda Hutcherson surveys Northern Virg

Your Voice In Congress Could Shift – And This Vote Could Decide It

Elections

gerrymandering

Politics

Redistricting

Virginia

The SAVE America Act cleared a key procedural hurdle Tuesday night, advancing Senate debate after a 51-48 vote.
The proposal, considered the highest legislative priority of President Donald Trump, would require documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote, mandate voter ID for federal elections, and impose new restrictions on voting by mail, with some exceptions.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a Trump critic who’s not seeking re-election, was not present at the time of the procedural vote, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted against it.
“I’m thrilled to announce that just moments ago, we won the vote on the motion to proceed with the House-passed SAVE America Act. We got 51 votes for it,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) said in a video.
“Game on, we need to stay on this thing now until it passes, and those who want to filibuster debate, make them speak,” he added.
Debate is expected to stretch on for days as Republicans push for a talking filibuster rather than allowing delays without continuous floor speeches, according to <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5788105-senate-save-america-act-debate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hill</a>.
Democrats have vowed unified opposition. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Tuesday that Democrats will resist the bill “no matter how long it takes.”
“This bill is about stopping groups from voting who tend to vote for Democrats. This is again about rigging the next election,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said on the Senate floor.
Meanwhile, Sen. Eric Schmitt introduced Trump-backed amendments on Tuesday night, including restrictions on transgender-identifying athletes competing in women’s sports and preventing minors from undergoing transgender-related medical procedures.
“The American people want to see a return to common sense, and this week the Senate will vote on the SAVE America Act to deliver on this mandate,” Sen. Eric Schmitt said in a statement.
“I’ve worked closely with President Trump and the White House to introduce a substitute amendment that will save our elections, save women’s sports, and save our children from gender mutilation surgeries. It’s time to get this done,” the Republican added.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), however, is calling for legislation on voter ID, rather than the full scope of unrelated proposals outlined in the SAVE America Act.
“83% of Americans agree on voter ID. 71% of Democrats agree on voter ID. Keep it basic: PHOTO ID to vote,” the moderate Democrat posted to X.
“Stop turning this into a Christmas list and attacking vote-by-mail. If GOP wants real reform over a show vote–put out a clean, standalone bill and I’m AYE,” he continued.

US Capitol building at sunset

Trump’s SAVE America Act Just Cleared A Huge Legislative Hurdle Despite Full Dem Opposition

SAVE America Act

Voting

Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is targeting her populist primary opponent for the U.S. Senate with a new ad highlighting past comments he made on Reddit about women and sexual assault.
The ad, released Tuesday, features multiple women reacting to 2013 posts by Graham Platner in which he said women should “act like an adult for f*** sake” and “not get so f***ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don&#8217;t mean to” if they are fearful of being raped.
“That’s a horrible thing to say,” one woman, identified as Jill from South Portland, says in the ad.
“Just no way I could vote for you,” Peggy from Vassalboro, adds.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/grahamformaine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grahamformaine</a> blamed women for sexual assault, saying they should &#8220;take some responsibility for themselves&#8221; and &#8220;act like an adult.&#8221;
Here&#8217;s what Maine women had to say about his words. <a href="https://t.co/sztt7khZ4S">pic.twitter.com/sztt7khZ4S</a>
— Janet Mills (@JanetMillsforME) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanetMillsforME/status/2033861065289732184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
Platner’s campaign dismissed the ad, with his campaign manager saying in a statement that it is “a desperate attempt for relevance from the governor, who is trailing an oyster farmer in every recent poll,&#8221; according to the <a href="https://x.com/aseitzwald/status/2033909477179543759?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Midcoast Villager</a>.
&#8220;Mainers know that Graham should not be defined by the worst thing he said on the internet over a decade ago,&#8221; the campaign manager added.
The comments previously drew backlash when they resurfaced last year. Platner responded at the time with an apology, which he reshared on Tuesday.
&#8220;Back in October, when my past internet comments resurfaced, I read through them. I was horrified and did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts,&#8221; Platner posted on X.
I shared my thoughts and apologies here directly with Mainers. And I’ve been talking with Mainers every day since, at town halls across the state.&#8221;
Platner, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), has remained competitive in the primary despite the controversy. Mills has the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Earlier on Tuesday, Platner released his own ad taking aim at Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), whom the Democratic nominee will face in the general election in November. The spot features a Maine voter, also named Susan Collins, who supports Platner.
Republicans say the Democrat infighting could benefit Sen. Collins.
“The girls are fighting! It doesn’t matter how the Chuck Schumer vs. Bernie Sanders proxy war ends, because both of these candidates will lose to Susan Collins,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Samantha Cantrell told The Daily Wire.
The race is one of four Senate contests currently rated as a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report, along with North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber.

Graham Platner Maine

Attack Ad Targets Democrat Over Vulgar Past Comments About Women

Trump-backed Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris will presumably face off in an April 7 runoff special election in former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Georgia district, based on the results available as of Tuesday evening.
Greene resigned from her position representing the 14th Congressional District on Jan. 5 after a public falling out with President Donald Trump over the Epstein files, despite once being close allies.
The special election comes as Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) Republican majority remains extremely slim, as Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) announced that he would still caucus with Republicans, but would leave the party. This leaves only 217 registered Republicans in the House.
Fuller is the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, according to his campaign website.
&#8220;We have to come together and beat the Democrat, Shawn Harris, in this race, and go and win this thing on April 7th,&#8221; Fuller said in a video on Wednesday morning.
His website also lists an “America First economy” and supporting for mass deportations as someone his top issues.
“And I have Fuller on my side. I know that I got my Fuller. You better win that election,” Trump said during an economy-focused visit to Rome, Georgia, which is in the district, in February.
He was also backed by Johnson, who touted his runoff advancement on Tuesday night.
“Congratulations to Trump-endorsed and our endorsed candidate, [Clay Fuller], for advancing to the [GA-14] April 7 runoff!” Johnson posted.
There are two other vacancies in the House, one in a Republican-leaning seat and another in a Democratic-leaning seat, with those special elections in the coming months.
Harris, a farmer and retired brigadier general, wrote in an X post on Tuesday night that “Marjorie Taylor Greene isn’t on the ballot, but the fallout from her feud still is.”
“This race isn’t about loyalty to Trump. It’s about loyalty to the voters of Northwest Georgia,” he wrote. “I’m running to serve the people here at home — not chase anyone in Washington.”
The Democrat has gotten the attention of some high profile Democrats, like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
&#8220;There&#8217;s no such thing as a permanently red state or district, and I believe Shawn Harris has the background and values to bring people together and win,&#8221; Buttigieg said in a February statement. &#8220;Shawn is running because he knows the status quo in Washington isn&#8217;t working for people in the district, and he&#8217;s ready to get to work to lower prescription drug prices, pass a farm bill that works for rural Georgia, and defend Medicare and Medicaid.&#8221;
Former State Sen. Colton Moore and Brian Stover were other key Republicans in the special election, but Fuller ultimately earned the Trump nod in February, with the president writing on Truth Social that Fuller is “strongly supported by the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Georgia, and many Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
In November, Greene shared a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marjorie-taylor-greene-to-resign-from-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> explaining her decision, saying that “loyalty should be a two-way street.”
“I’ve been blessed to represent the 14th District of Georgia for five years. That district is filled with some of the most wonderful, kind-hearted, God fearing, patriotic, hardworking people you will ever meet. Good, regular, common Americans,” the congresswoman said.
“Because my self worth is not defined by a man, but instead by God, who created everything in existence,” Greene added at the time.
The district is deeply Republican, with Greene winning re-election in 2024 with over 64% of the vote compared with Kamala Harris’ roughly 36%. Trump won the district with 68% of the vote, and he won the battleground state of Georgia with just under 51%.
All eyes will remain on the Peach State through November, as the United States Senate race is considered a “toss-up,” according to the Cook Political Report.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) will face off against either Reps. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, or former football coach Derek Dooley, depending on who wins the Republican primary on May 19. Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in the race.

President Trump Participates In National Day Of Prayer Event At White House

Top Two Candidates Emerge In Runoff For Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Open Congressional Seat

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Mike Johnson

A California voter ID proposal could land on the November ballot as debate over federal election policies intensifies.
Roughly 1.3 million petition signatures were submitted for verification — well above the 875,000 threshold required for a constitutional amendment pitch to go before voters, according to <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-voter-id-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CalMatters</a>.
“This is a true, grassroots, broad-based, bipartisan movement. It’s about good government,” Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-CA) said in a recent video regarding the effort.
“In November, we will strike a blow for democracy. We will improve public trust and confidence in our elections, and the fact that that frightens the establishment politicians who have failed us, we need to keep this bipartisan movement going,” DeMaio added.
Specifically, the initiative would require photo identification for those who choose to vote in person, or “the last four digits of a government-issued identification number when voting by mail.” Secondly, it would require proof of citizenship in order to be registered to vote.
It would also require the Golden State to “provide voter identification cards on request” and for election administrators to provide an annual update on the “percentage of each county’s voters whose citizenship they have verified.”
The amendment, if passed, would have “tens of millions” in “one-time” expenses, as well as “tens of millions of dollars to the low hundreds of millions of dollars to fulfill new requirements related to elections administration,” according to the Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance <a href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status/initiatives-referenda-cleared-circulation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimate</a>.
Some of the key ideas in the proposal are similar to those outlined in the SAVE America Act, which President Donald Trump has been urging the Senate to pass.
“It must be done immediately. It supersedes everything else,” Trump posted to Truth Social on Sunday.
“MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE. I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION &#8211; GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. &amp; PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY &#8211; ILLNESS, DISABILITY, TRAVEL: NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS: NO TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION FOR CHILDREN! DO NOT FAIL!!!” he wrote.
Opposition to the California-based initiative remains, including from liberal groups such as the League of Women Voters of California and the American Civil Liberties Union.
“This voter ID measure is not about protecting voters; it is about importing the current federal administration’s election lies and intimidation tactics into California,” Jenny Farrell, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of California, said in a March 2 statement. “It would expose voters’ sensitive personal information, create new ways to reject eligible ballots, and wrongly target voters through error-prone citizenship checks.”

Residents Cast Ballots For US Presidential Election During Early Voting Period In California

Voter ID Could Land On Blue State Ballot As Debate Intensifies

Voter ID Proposal To Likely Land On Blue State Ballot Amid Federal Elections Fight

election integrity

Voter ID

With Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) being President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Mullin’s seat will presumably be vacated soon.
Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt will have the opportunity to appoint a replacement until the November general election, since Mullin was already up for reelection this year.
“Markwayne Mullin has been a fighter for Oklahoma and will fight to keep our nation secure. There isn’t a better choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security,” Stitt said in a statement on Thursday. Mullin&#8217;s nomination was triggered by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem being moved to a special envoy role, as the secretary is currently facing several controversies, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-fires-dhs-secretary-kristi-noem-announces-replacement?topStoryPosition=undefined&amp;author=Jennie+Taer&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=1&amp;rowHeadline=Top+Stories&amp;rowType=Top+Stories&amp;title=Trump+Fires+DHS+Secretary+Kristi+Noem%2C+Announces+Replacement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> reported.
“Oklahoma has been an example to the nation for smart immigration enforcement, and Markwayne will bring that common sense to DHS. I will be looking to appoint a strong, small government conservative voice to support President Trump and protect Oklahomans’ way of life,” he continued.
No shortlist of names has emerged as of late Thursday afternoon.
Those who want to run for a full six-year term cannot be considered for the appointment, as appointees are legally unable to run for the seat due to state law, <a href="https://x.com/reesejgorman/status/2029631710950736153?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NOTUS</a> reported. Reps. Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern are reportedly considering campaigning for the seat, according to the <a href="https://www.notus.org/2026-election/oklahoma-republicans-markwayne-mullin-senate-seat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outlet</a>.
Oklahoma is a deep red state with all five congressional seats held by Republicans, including Reps. Josh Brecheen, Frank Lucas, and Tom Cole.
The state government is also dominated by Republicans in the top offices, including Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell, Secretary of State Josh Cockroft, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
As for the general election for the seat, it is currently rated as “Solid Republican” by the Cook Political Report. Trump won the 2024 presidential election in Oklahoma with over 66% of the vote. Trump recently took aim at the Oklahoma governor over a disagreement about a National Governors Association event at the White House, as Stitt chairs the group.
When it comes to Mullin, Trump said that he “will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.”
Many Republicans spoke out in support of the DHS shuffle, including Trump-critic Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who said in a post that the Oklahoma senator will “restore competence” to the department that’s currently facing a lapse in funding. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) also indicated that he will support Mullin’s confirmation.

Markwayne Mullin

Homeland Security Shakeup Creates Major Opening For Deep-Red Senate Seat

Oklahoma

Republicans

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) announced his retirement an hour after the re-election filing deadline on Wednesday, and a new candidate quickly earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump, Daines, and other key leaders.
Daines pulled his re-election bid shortly before the 5 p.m. filing deadline through the Montana Secretary of State’s office, just moments after United States Attorney for the District of Montana Kurt Alme filed to run, according to the <a href="https://x.com/JSAmbarian/status/2029348091531542936?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montana Television Network</a>. Alme is now the presumptive favorite for the Republican nomination, with the primary slated for June 2.
“Serving the people of Montana in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’m grateful to God for allowing me to serve. But after much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek re-election,” Daines said in a video posted Wednesday.
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An announcement👇 <a href="https://t.co/7HCofBTUMA">pic.twitter.com/7HCofBTUMA</a>
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveDaines/status/2029361794179908086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday evening, Trump announced his support for Alme, who also served in the U.S. attorney role in the prior Trump administration, calling him an “exceptional person.”
“In fact, if Kurt didn’t have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is but, Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steve’s strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement,” the president wrote on Truth Social, highlighting Daines’ decision to “pass the torch.”
“A Highly Respected Criminal Prosecutor in my Administration, and distinguished Harvard Law School Graduate, Kurt knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to ensure LAW AND ORDER, advocate for our Heroes in Law Enforcement, and strongly support our Military and Veterans,” he continued.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee also backed Alme, with Sen. Tim Scott, who chairs the group, stating that “the NRSC looks forward to keeping Montana red this November, and welcoming Kurt as the state’s next U.S. Senator.” Daines was the NRSC chairman during the 2024 election cycle.
Alme and Charles Walking Child are now the only two Republicans in the primary, with a handful of Democrats also seeking the seat. Former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar recently entered the race as an independent, according to the <a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2026/03/04/bodnar-announces-independent-campaign-for-u-s-senate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Montanan</a>.
Democratic candidate Reilly Neill, a former state representative, said in a video posted to X after Daines’ announcement that it shows disorganization within the Montana Republican Party.
“Daines dropping out of this race is another example of the Montana Republican Party being in complete disarray,” she said. “The Montana Republican Party, they’ve done nothing but bend the knee to an administration that’s hurt our farmers, our ranchers, and this is unacceptable.”
“His stepping down opens the field for the United States Senate, and this is a good development for Montana,” she continued.
On a national level, Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA) called the timing of Daines&#8217;s exit and subsequent filing for Alme &#8220;bullshit.&#8221;
&#8220;A Montana Senator is rigging an election and it’s miles beneath the dignity of our democracy,&#8221; she <a href="https://x.com/RepMGP/status/2029391818073264360?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> to X.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told <a href="https://x.com/LauraEWeiss16/status/2029596587375169981?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punchbowl News</a> that Daines may have chosen to retire &#8220;recently.&#8221;
“You&#8217;ve got filing deadlines in your states and you&#8217;re going to take into consideration that in terms of your timing. You know, how he handled it is his business and will be up to the people of Montana to decide who the next senator is,&#8221; he added.
In 2024, Montana was the subject of a battleground Senate race between Republican Tim Sheehy and Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, and Sheehy won with over 52% of the vote.
Currently, the Cook Political Report ranks this year’s contest as “Solid Republican.”

Screen Shot 2022-04-28 at 2.36.01 PM

Longtime Senator Steve Daines Abruptly Retires, Paving Way For Trump-Backed Successor

Kurt Alme

Montana

Steve Daines

President Donald Trump says he will make an endorsement in the Texas Senate Republican primary soon, and when he does so, he wants the other candidate to drop out so that Republicans in the Lone Star State can focus on gearing up for a potentially expensive and closely watched general election fight with Democratic nominee James Talarico.
The president explained his strategy after Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton both advanced to a runoff election on Tuesday night after an already brutal primary race. Trump had initially opted not to endorse any specific candidate in the three-way race that also included Rep. Wesley Hunt, who failed to earn enough votes to move forward.
“The Republican Primary Race for the United States Senate in the Great State of Texas, a State I LOVE and won 3 times in Record Numbers (the HIGHEST vote ever recorded, by far!!!), cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer. IT MUST STOP NOW!” Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon, saying that the party needs to “TOTALLY FOCUS” on beating Talarico, who defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX).
“Both John and Ken ran great races, but not good enough. Now, this one, must be PERFECT! My Endorsements within the Republican Party have been virtually insurmountable!” he said.
“It is such an honor to realize and say that almost everyone I Endorse WINS, and wins by a lot, especially in Texas! I will be making my Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don&#8217;t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE! Is that fair?” the president added, stressing that Republicans “must win” the midterms. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but that margin could shift in either direction, thanks to several competitive races on the table in November.
The attacks between Cornyn and Paxton, which colored much of the primary race, showed no signs of stopping as of Tuesday night.
“I refuse to allow a flawed, self-centered and shameless candidate like Ken Paxton risk everything we&#8217;ve worked so hard to build over these many years,” Cornyn said, according to CSPAN.
Meanwhile, Paxton posted to X on Wednesday morning that he wants to “fire John Cornyn once and for all.”
“Last night, in a historic failure for John Cornyn, he failed to get nearly 60% of the GOP vote after spending $100 million,” he wrote. “It&#8217;s time to finish the job in the runoff.”
The Cook Political Report currently ranks the race as “Likely Republican,” but there has been some concern among Republicans that a lengthy, messy primary — especially one that drags even further through a contentious runoff — could continue to drain resources and boost the Democrat in the general election. Trump won the state of Texas with over 56% of the vote in 2024.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump

Trump Wants To Play Kingmaker In Heated Texas Senate Race

John Cornyn

Ken Paxton

Texas

State Sen. James Talarico won the Democratic Senate primary in Texas over  Rep. Jasmine Crockett. With 83% of the vote in, Talarico won 53% to Crockett&#8217;s 46%.
Talarico will face off against either Attorney General Ken Paxton or Sen. John Cornyn, who are themselves scheduled for a May 26 runoff election after neither GOP candidate could crack the 50% barrier on Tuesday.
&#8220;We&#8217;re about to take back Texas,&#8221; Talarico posted on X on Wednesday morning.
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We’re about to take back Texas.
Join us: <a href="https://t.co/Cam7Y73uqe">https://t.co/Cam7Y73uqe</a> <a href="https://t.co/2aEX4RMC5K">pic.twitter.com/2aEX4RMC5K</a>
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamestalarico/status/2029165491839811719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The Cook Political Report ranks the race as “Likely Republican” as of Tuesday, with the Kalshi prediction market showing that Republicans have the upper hand in the race.
Although the Republican primary has been messy, the Democrats have had a brutal fight among themselves.
The campaign trail was marked by several heated moments, including when Talarico claimed that the Trump administration was responsible for nixing his interview with Stephen Colbert from airing over Equal Time Rule concerns, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-cries-trump-censorship-over-colbert-interview-cbs-has-a-different-take?author=Hank+Berrien&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Dem+Cries+%E2%80%98Trump+Censorship%E2%80%99+Over+Colbert+Interview+%E2%80%94+CBS+Has+A+Different+Take" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> reported.
“This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see,” Talarico claimed. “His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to flip Texas.” The interview was ultimately posted online and gave a major publicity boost to his campaign.
&#8220;You had a Democrat candidate who understood the way that the news media works, and he took advantage of all of your sort of prior conceptions to run a hoax, apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks,” Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr fired back at a press conference last month after Talarico’s claims.
Former Rep. Colin Allred also played a role in the race, as he dropped out and instead pursued another bid for Congress, but he waded in over rumors that Talarico said privately that he “signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable, intelligent Black woman,” according to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/02/a-mediocre-comment-has-put-talaricos-texas-senate-campaign-in-the-hot-seat-00761260" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Politico</a>.
Allred posted a video slamming Talarico’s reported comments, saying, “Thank you for telling us who you really are and what you really think, and goodbye.”
“Don’t come for me unless I send for you, okay James? And keep my name out of your mouth while you’re at it,” he added, while also telling people to vote for Crockett instead. Allred lost to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the 2024 Senate race.
“In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred’s method of campaigning as mediocre – but his life and service are not. I would never attack him on the basis of race,” the state senator said in a statement to Politico at the time.
Crockett also had the endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost Texas to Trump in 2024, and lawmakers like Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
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James Talarico & Jasmine Crockett

Talarico Declares Victory Over Crockett In Texas Dem Senate Primary

James Talarico

Jasmine Crockett

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