Alex Thomas
@alexhousethomas.bsky.social
Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | Previously: West Virginia MetroNews, Carolina Connection | Tar Heel | Dead Head | He/Him | athomas@adgnewsroom.com
Pinned
Arkansas’ lawmakers in Washington now hold five committee leadership posts | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Arkansas' Best News Source
www.arkansasonline.com
From me: Regarding the size of its congressional delegation, Arkansas is below the national average.
In terms of influence — with five Arkansans serving as committee chairs — no other state may have a bigger sway in this Congress than the Natural State.
A look at this moment in Arkansas history.
In terms of influence — with five Arkansans serving as committee chairs — no other state may have a bigger sway in this Congress than the Natural State.
A look at this moment in Arkansas history.
From me: After 8,823 consecutive votes, Rep. Steve Womack's voting streak is over.
Womack missed Monday's votes, ending the longest active streak in the House.
Womack missed Monday's votes, ending the longest active streak in the House.
Womack’s unbroken voting streak ends after more than 8,800 votes | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
WASHINGTON -- Entering this week, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., had not missed a single vote during his congressional career, building an active voting streak of more than 8,800 votes over nearly 15...
www.arkansasonline.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
From me: After 8,823 consecutive votes, Rep. Steve Womack's voting streak is over.
Womack missed Monday's votes, ending the longest active streak in the House.
Womack missed Monday's votes, ending the longest active streak in the House.
Since Rep. Steve Womack first arrived on Capitol Hill in January 2011, he has never missed a single vote in the House.
Until today.
“After almost fifteen years with a perfect voting record, I am sad to report that my streak will end today.”
Until today.
“After almost fifteen years with a perfect voting record, I am sad to report that my streak will end today.”
November 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Since Rep. Steve Womack first arrived on Capitol Hill in January 2011, he has never missed a single vote in the House.
Until today.
“After almost fifteen years with a perfect voting record, I am sad to report that my streak will end today.”
Until today.
“After almost fifteen years with a perfect voting record, I am sad to report that my streak will end today.”
Need catching up on how the federal government shutdown ended? “Arkies in the Beltway” has you covered.
November 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Need catching up on how the federal government shutdown ended? “Arkies in the Beltway” has you covered.
A little pro-tip from Ol’ Alexander: Don’t do anything Olivia did.
You will not get a rehabilitation tour and a book deal; your career will instead be over and no one will move heaven and Earth to save it.
You will not get a rehabilitation tour and a book deal; your career will instead be over and no one will move heaven and Earth to save it.
November 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
A little pro-tip from Ol’ Alexander: Don’t do anything Olivia did.
You will not get a rehabilitation tour and a book deal; your career will instead be over and no one will move heaven and Earth to save it.
You will not get a rehabilitation tour and a book deal; your career will instead be over and no one will move heaven and Earth to save it.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services: SNAP participants "should now expect to receive full benefit amounts for November, and that these funds will be disbursed to cards late tonight into tomorrow."
Full November SNAP benefits to be issued to cards beginning late this evening - Arkansas Department of Human Services
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is advising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries that they should now expect to receive full benefit amo...
humanservices.arkansas.gov
November 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The Arkansas Department of Human Services: SNAP participants "should now expect to receive full benefit amounts for November, and that these funds will be disbursed to cards late tonight into tomorrow."
Over on the other app, Rep. Crawford announces he is driving from Jonesboro, Arkansas, with sights on being in Washington for tomorrow's House vote on the shutdown plan.
Rep. Rick Crawford on X: "Now that Senate Democrats have voted to open the federal government, I am starting the drive back to D.C. so the House can end the Democrat Shutdown and all the suffering it has caused for Americans. https://t.co/X3TzD83tfv" / X
Now that Senate Democrats have voted to open the federal government, I am starting the drive back to D.C. so the House can end the Democrat Shutdown and all the suffering it has caused for Americans. https://t.co/X3TzD83tfv
x.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Over on the other app, Rep. Crawford announces he is driving from Jonesboro, Arkansas, with sights on being in Washington for tomorrow's House vote on the shutdown plan.
ICYMI: Arkansas' senators backed the Senate plan to bring the government shutdown to an end.
"The shutdown has been needless and harmful," Cotton told me last night.
"The shutdown has been needless and harmful," Cotton told me last night.
Boozman, Cotton support Senate plan to end government shutdown | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
WASHINGTON — Nearly six weeks after the federal government shutdown began, Arkansas’ U.S. senators joined fellow Republicans and a group of Senate Democrats to pass legislation to end the funding laps...
www.arkansasonline.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM
ICYMI: Arkansas' senators backed the Senate plan to bring the government shutdown to an end.
"The shutdown has been needless and harmful," Cotton told me last night.
"The shutdown has been needless and harmful," Cotton told me last night.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
Justices decline case seeking to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling
Justices decline case seeking to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling
The high court turned down a petition from Kim Davis, a former county clerk in Kentucky who objected on religious grounds to issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
dlvr.it
November 10, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Justices decline case seeking to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling
The government shutdown continues into a new week. We have the latest on this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway.”
November 9, 2025 at 7:04 PM
The government shutdown continues into a new week. We have the latest on this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway.”
Rather big news from USDA: Officials are "working towards implementing" November SNAP benefits following a federal judge's order instructing the government to fully support these benefits.
www.fns.usda.gov
November 7, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Rather big news from USDA: Officials are "working towards implementing" November SNAP benefits following a federal judge's order instructing the government to fully support these benefits.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House, won't seek re-election, ending a nearly 40-year career in Congress.
Nancy Pelosi, first female speaker of the House, won't seek re-election to Congress
The California Democrat led her party in the House for two decades. Her decision will open up her San Francisco-based seat for the first time in nearly 40 years.
nbcnews.to
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House, won't seek re-election, ending a nearly 40-year career in Congress.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones was elected Virginia attorney general after text message scandal, unseating GOP incumbent Jason Miyares.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Live updates: US voters head to the polls in first general election since Trump's return to power
One year after Donald Trump retook the presidency, 2025 Election Day includes closely watched races for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and California's Proposition 50.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:44 AM
BREAKING: Democrat Jay Jones was elected Virginia attorney general after text message scandal, unseating GOP incumbent Jason Miyares.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
JUST IN: California voters have approved a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional map to favor Democrats, marking the party's biggest victory to date in a national battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.
California voters OK new congressional lines, boosting Democrats ahead of midterms
California voters have approved a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional map to favor Democrats, marking the party's biggest victory to date in a national battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.
n.pr
November 5, 2025 at 4:06 AM
JUST IN: California voters have approved a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional map to favor Democrats, marking the party's biggest victory to date in a national battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Reposted by Alex Thomas
BREAKING: Dem Rep. Mikie Sherrill has won the race for New Jersey governor.
She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli to retain Democratic control of the governor's office as Dems win both of the year's gubernatorial races.
Read more: politi.co/49xNGRV
She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli to retain Democratic control of the governor's office as Dems win both of the year's gubernatorial races.
Read more: politi.co/49xNGRV
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 AM
BREAKING: Dem Rep. Mikie Sherrill has won the race for New Jersey governor.
She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli to retain Democratic control of the governor's office as Dems win both of the year's gubernatorial races.
Read more: politi.co/49xNGRV
She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli to retain Democratic control of the governor's office as Dems win both of the year's gubernatorial races.
Read more: politi.co/49xNGRV
Reposted by Alex Thomas
BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race, NBC News projects. nbcnews.to/4nIzNUC
November 5, 2025 at 2:33 AM
BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race, NBC News projects. nbcnews.to/4nIzNUC
Reposted by Alex Thomas
JUST IN: Spanberger, a former congresswoman, flips the governor's mansion from red to blue after campaigning against the Trump administration's federal layoffs and tariffs.
Democrat Spanberger wins Virginia governor race with message on DOGE, cost of living
Spanberger, currently in the U.S. House, flips the governor's mansion from red to blue after campaigning against the Trump administration's federal layoffs and tariffs.
n.pr
November 5, 2025 at 1:09 AM
JUST IN: Spanberger, a former congresswoman, flips the governor's mansion from red to blue after campaigning against the Trump administration's federal layoffs and tariffs.
Former President Bill Clinton: "Throughout his long career in public service, Dick Cheney was guided by a deep belief that he was doing what was right for America. Though we often disagreed, I always respected his dedication to our country and his unwavering sense of duty."
November 4, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Former President Bill Clinton: "Throughout his long career in public service, Dick Cheney was guided by a deep belief that he was doing what was right for America. Though we often disagreed, I always respected his dedication to our country and his unwavering sense of duty."
Reposted by Alex Thomas
BREAKING: Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents of US history, dies at 84.
Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents of US history, dies at 84
Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at age 84. The hard-charging conservative became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq.
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 11:40 AM
BREAKING: Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents of US history, dies at 84.
"If you keep looking back, you got nothing. If you look ahead to what is there before you, then life is good."
Grateful Dead Singer Donna Jean Godchaux Dead at 78
Donna Jean Godchaux, who spent the Seventies singing with the Grateful Dead and provided vocals on an Elvis Presley hit, has died at the age of 78.
www.rollingstone.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:43 PM
"If you keep looking back, you got nothing. If you look ahead to what is there before you, then life is good."
Major kudos to Jennifer! She's one of the best on Capitol Hill!
Congrats to jennifershutt.bsky.social of statesnewsroom.com for winning NPF's 2025 Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress https://nationalpress.org/award-story/jennifer-shutt-of-states-newsroom-wins-2025-dirksen-award/
November 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Major kudos to Jennifer! She's one of the best on Capitol Hill!
Today is the first day of Arkansas' candidate filing period for the 2026 midterms and state elections.
President Donald Trump, as part of a stream of social media posts backing Republicans, has endorsed all four House members (the president previously announced his support for Sen. Tom Cotton).
President Donald Trump, as part of a stream of social media posts backing Republicans, has endorsed all four House members (the president previously announced his support for Sen. Tom Cotton).
November 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Today is the first day of Arkansas' candidate filing period for the 2026 midterms and state elections.
President Donald Trump, as part of a stream of social media posts backing Republicans, has endorsed all four House members (the president previously announced his support for Sen. Tom Cotton).
President Donald Trump, as part of a stream of social media posts backing Republicans, has endorsed all four House members (the president previously announced his support for Sen. Tom Cotton).
Imagine looking at this weekend, the races and the coverage, and somehow thinking things within the sport are good.
A 0/10 end to a lackluster and aggravating season. I can't believe I'm actually relieved this year is over.
See you all in February, I suppose. #NASCAR
A 0/10 end to a lackluster and aggravating season. I can't believe I'm actually relieved this year is over.
See you all in February, I suppose. #NASCAR
November 3, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Imagine looking at this weekend, the races and the coverage, and somehow thinking things within the sport are good.
A 0/10 end to a lackluster and aggravating season. I can't believe I'm actually relieved this year is over.
See you all in February, I suppose. #NASCAR
A 0/10 end to a lackluster and aggravating season. I can't believe I'm actually relieved this year is over.
See you all in February, I suppose. #NASCAR
Saturday marked one month of the government shutdown.
On this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway,” we hear from the entire delegation about the funding lapse and what’s next.
On this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway,” we hear from the entire delegation about the funding lapse and what’s next.
November 2, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Saturday marked one month of the government shutdown.
On this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway,” we hear from the entire delegation about the funding lapse and what’s next.
On this week’s “Arkies in the Beltway,” we hear from the entire delegation about the funding lapse and what’s next.