Michael Li (李之樸)
@mcpli.bsky.social
Senior Counsel, Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. Redistricting, voting rights, elections. From Texas.
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
Presidents can't cancel elections. But the administration can attempt to undermine the midterms, @seanmorales-doyle.bsky.social warns in @nytopinion.nytimes.com. It's up to voters, election officials, state law enforcement and advocates to ensure our elections are free and fair.
Opinion | Trump Can’t Cancel Elections. He Could Undermine Them.
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Presidents can't cancel elections. But the administration can attempt to undermine the midterms, @seanmorales-doyle.bsky.social warns in @nytopinion.nytimes.com. It's up to voters, election officials, state law enforcement and advocates to ensure our elections are free and fair.
A flurry of filings overnight in the Utah case where Republicans are trying to get a federal court to void the new congressional map.
First up is the original gerrymandering plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the new federal case.
drive.google.com/file/d/1zJvQ...
First up is the original gerrymandering plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the new federal case.
drive.google.com/file/d/1zJvQ...
February 12, 2026 at 2:57 PM
A flurry of filings overnight in the Utah case where Republicans are trying to get a federal court to void the new congressional map.
First up is the original gerrymandering plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the new federal case.
drive.google.com/file/d/1zJvQ...
First up is the original gerrymandering plaintiffs' motion to dismiss the new federal case.
drive.google.com/file/d/1zJvQ...
The Supreme Court's April argument calendar is out, the final sitting of the term.
February 12, 2026 at 2:49 PM
The Supreme Court's April argument calendar is out, the final sitting of the term.
NEW: The state trial court in the New York redistricting case has granted the plaintiffs’ request to add the members of the state’s advisory redistricting commission as parties.
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 PM
NEW: The state trial court in the New York redistricting case has granted the plaintiffs’ request to add the members of the state’s advisory redistricting commission as parties.
In a new filing, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who is the state's chief election officer, tells the 3-judge panel in Rs federal challenge to the new congressional map that she needs to know what map will be used by 2/23.
drive.google.com/file/d/1mXk_...
drive.google.com/file/d/1mXk_...
February 11, 2026 at 6:15 PM
In a new filing, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who is the state's chief election officer, tells the 3-judge panel in Rs federal challenge to the new congressional map that she needs to know what map will be used by 2/23.
drive.google.com/file/d/1mXk_...
drive.google.com/file/d/1mXk_...
Today in 1812, Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed into law the infamous map that gave rise to the term gerrymandering.
blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/02/...
blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/02/...
Elbridge Gerry and the Monstrous Gerrymander | In Custodia Legis
The first “gerrymander” was drawn on a map and signed into law on February 11, 1812.
blogs.loc.gov
February 11, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Today in 1812, Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed into law the infamous map that gave rise to the term gerrymandering.
blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/02/...
blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/02/...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
House refuses to approve a new tariff Gag Rule, voting against a plan to prevent votes on Trump tariffs through the end of July. 3 GOP 'No' votes were Kiley CA, Bacon NE, and Massie KY. Tariff votes expected now on Wednesday from Democrats.
February 11, 2026 at 2:56 AM
House refuses to approve a new tariff Gag Rule, voting against a plan to prevent votes on Trump tariffs through the end of July. 3 GOP 'No' votes were Kiley CA, Bacon NE, and Massie KY. Tariff votes expected now on Wednesday from Democrats.
As of today, three weeks to go until the first primaries of the 2026 midterms in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas.
In-person early voting in NC begins this Thurs, 2/12 and Tues, 2/17.
In-person early voting in NC begins this Thurs, 2/12 and Tues, 2/17.
February 10, 2026 at 3:15 PM
As of today, three weeks to go until the first primaries of the 2026 midterms in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas.
In-person early voting in NC begins this Thurs, 2/12 and Tues, 2/17.
In-person early voting in NC begins this Thurs, 2/12 and Tues, 2/17.
Maine Senator Susan Collins officially announces that she is running for re-election.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/10/n...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/10/n...
Susan Collins launches bid for record sixth term, setting up marquee 2026 Senate race - The Boston Globe
Collins, 73, is the only Republican serving in Congress from all of New England.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Maine Senator Susan Collins officially announces that she is running for re-election.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/10/n...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/10/n...
The DCCC has added five districts to its target list for the 2026 midterms:
*CO-05 (Crank)
*MN-01 (Finstad)
*MT-01 (Zinke)
*SC-01 (open, currently Mace)
*VA-05 (McGuire)
www.ms.now/news/house-d...
*CO-05 (Crank)
*MN-01 (Finstad)
*MT-01 (Zinke)
*SC-01 (open, currently Mace)
*VA-05 (McGuire)
www.ms.now/news/house-d...
House Democrats are getting increasingly bullish about the 2026 midterms
The DCCC is adding five seats to its list of targets for this year's elections.
www.ms.now
February 10, 2026 at 1:55 PM
The DCCC has added five districts to its target list for the 2026 midterms:
*CO-05 (Crank)
*MN-01 (Finstad)
*MT-01 (Zinke)
*SC-01 (open, currently Mace)
*VA-05 (McGuire)
www.ms.now/news/house-d...
*CO-05 (Crank)
*MN-01 (Finstad)
*MT-01 (Zinke)
*SC-01 (open, currently Mace)
*VA-05 (McGuire)
www.ms.now/news/house-d...
NEW:: The three-judge panel in Republicans' federal court challenge to the new Utah congressional map is complete.
In addition to Judge Shelby (Obama), other members of the panel will be 10th Cir Judge Timothy Tymkovich (W. Bush) & Judge Holly Teeter (Trump) from the District of Kansas.
In addition to Judge Shelby (Obama), other members of the panel will be 10th Cir Judge Timothy Tymkovich (W. Bush) & Judge Holly Teeter (Trump) from the District of Kansas.
February 9, 2026 at 9:55 PM
NEW:: The three-judge panel in Republicans' federal court challenge to the new Utah congressional map is complete.
In addition to Judge Shelby (Obama), other members of the panel will be 10th Cir Judge Timothy Tymkovich (W. Bush) & Judge Holly Teeter (Trump) from the District of Kansas.
In addition to Judge Shelby (Obama), other members of the panel will be 10th Cir Judge Timothy Tymkovich (W. Bush) & Judge Holly Teeter (Trump) from the District of Kansas.
NEW: In the New York redistricting case, Justice Pearlman has set a hearing for Wed, 2/11, at 2:30 about adding the state's advisory redistricting commission to the case for remedial phase.
drive.google.com/file/d/1QVwB...
drive.google.com/file/d/1QVwB...
February 9, 2026 at 9:06 PM
NEW: In the New York redistricting case, Justice Pearlman has set a hearing for Wed, 2/11, at 2:30 about adding the state's advisory redistricting commission to the case for remedial phase.
drive.google.com/file/d/1QVwB...
drive.google.com/file/d/1QVwB...
Change we can believe in
February 9, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Change we can believe in
The post-trial briefing deadlines in the Florida racial gerrymandering case (challenging FL-26 and various state house districts) has been extended to the end of the month at request of the parties, which functionally means no decision until March at the earliest.
February 9, 2026 at 6:18 PM
The post-trial briefing deadlines in the Florida racial gerrymandering case (challenging FL-26 and various state house districts) has been extended to the end of the month at request of the parties, which functionally means no decision until March at the earliest.
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
“I Have Been Here Too Long”: Read Letters from the Children Detained at ICE’s Dilley Facility
“I Have Been Here Too Long”: Read Letters from the Children Detained at ICE’s Dilley Facility
Hundreds of children are currently being held with their parents at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. In letters and drawings, eight kids convey the pain of feeling trapped with no end...
www.propublica.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:18 PM
“I Have Been Here Too Long”: Read Letters from the Children Detained at ICE’s Dilley Facility
New University of Houston poll of the Texas Senate primaries have on the GOP side:
*Paxton: 38%
*Cornyn: 31%
*Hunt: 17%
*Undecided: 12%
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar... #txlege
*Paxton: 38%
*Cornyn: 31%
*Hunt: 17%
*Undecided: 12%
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar... #txlege
February 9, 2026 at 1:25 PM
New University of Houston poll of the Texas Senate primaries have on the GOP side:
*Paxton: 38%
*Cornyn: 31%
*Hunt: 17%
*Undecided: 12%
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar... #txlege
*Paxton: 38%
*Cornyn: 31%
*Hunt: 17%
*Undecided: 12%
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar... #txlege
NEW in Utah redistricting:
The district court did not agree to the ultra-fast preliminary injunction schedule proposed by GOP plaintiffs who are challenging the new congressional map in federal court. (They wanted a decision by 2/13.)
But court did schedule a 2/18 hearing.
The district court did not agree to the ultra-fast preliminary injunction schedule proposed by GOP plaintiffs who are challenging the new congressional map in federal court. (They wanted a decision by 2/13.)
But court did schedule a 2/18 hearing.
February 8, 2026 at 10:33 PM
NEW in Utah redistricting:
The district court did not agree to the ultra-fast preliminary injunction schedule proposed by GOP plaintiffs who are challenging the new congressional map in federal court. (They wanted a decision by 2/13.)
But court did schedule a 2/18 hearing.
The district court did not agree to the ultra-fast preliminary injunction schedule proposed by GOP plaintiffs who are challenging the new congressional map in federal court. (They wanted a decision by 2/13.)
But court did schedule a 2/18 hearing.
Next year, for the first time ever, the Super Bowl will be on Valentine’s Day.
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
The Next Super Bowl Is on Valentine’s Day. I Love You—and I’m Sorry.
The first-ever Feb. 14 overlap will force you to decide between your two true loves: football and your spouse.
www.wsj.com
February 8, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Next year, for the first time ever, the Super Bowl will be on Valentine’s Day.
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/re...
A victory in Thailand also for the main conservative, nationalist party in parliamentary elections, though not an outright majority.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/w...
Seeking Stability, Thai Voters Decisively Reject Progressive Party
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
A victory in Thailand also for the main conservative, nationalist party in parliamentary elections, though not an outright majority.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/w...
On the redistricting front: There could be some greater clarity this week on what will happen re New York's congressional map.
On 2/9 at 10 a.m., the intermediate appellate court is scheduled to take up requests to fully stay the order striking down the map pending appeal.
On 2/9 at 10 a.m., the intermediate appellate court is scheduled to take up requests to fully stay the order striking down the map pending appeal.
February 8, 2026 at 6:37 PM
On the redistricting front: There could be some greater clarity this week on what will happen re New York's congressional map.
On 2/9 at 10 a.m., the intermediate appellate court is scheduled to take up requests to fully stay the order striking down the map pending appeal.
On 2/9 at 10 a.m., the intermediate appellate court is scheduled to take up requests to fully stay the order striking down the map pending appeal.
It looks like Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi has secured an outright parliamentary majority in today’s snap election.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02...
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02...
Live Updates: Japan’s Leader Set for Big Win in Snap Election
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM
It looks like Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi has secured an outright parliamentary majority in today’s snap election.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02...
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
RESULT: Democrat Chasity Martinez wins a special election for a legislative seat in Louisiana, 62% to 38%.
This was a district that Trump carried by 13% last year, so a big overperformance by Dems, but the seat was already Dem-held.
This was a district that Trump carried by 13% last year, so a big overperformance by Dems, but the seat was already Dem-held.
February 8, 2026 at 3:14 AM
RESULT: Democrat Chasity Martinez wins a special election for a legislative seat in Louisiana, 62% to 38%.
This was a district that Trump carried by 13% last year, so a big overperformance by Dems, but the seat was already Dem-held.
This was a district that Trump carried by 13% last year, so a big overperformance by Dems, but the seat was already Dem-held.
One more Saturday Utah update:
Republicans seeking to block the state's new congressional map in federal court have now filed their motion for preliminary injunction. They are asking for a ruling by Friday, Feb. 13.
drive.google.com/file/d/1iQXe...
Republicans seeking to block the state's new congressional map in federal court have now filed their motion for preliminary injunction. They are asking for a ruling by Friday, Feb. 13.
drive.google.com/file/d/1iQXe...
February 8, 2026 at 1:35 AM
One more Saturday Utah update:
Republicans seeking to block the state's new congressional map in federal court have now filed their motion for preliminary injunction. They are asking for a ruling by Friday, Feb. 13.
drive.google.com/file/d/1iQXe...
Republicans seeking to block the state's new congressional map in federal court have now filed their motion for preliminary injunction. They are asking for a ruling by Friday, Feb. 13.
drive.google.com/file/d/1iQXe...