The Downballot
@the-downballot.com
The premier source of information for the thousands of elections below the presidency, from Senate to city council.
Our site: http://the-downballot.com/
Our site: http://the-downballot.com/
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Presenting the Third Annual Downballot Awards!
Listen now | We're handing out trophies for everything from Best Campaign to Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election, and much more
www.the-downballot.com
It's our pleasure to present the Third Annual Downballot Awards! On our final podcast of 2025, we hand out honors for the year's highlights & lowlights, including:
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
Reposted by The Downballot
NEW: @GovWesMoore's Redistricting Advisory Commission is asking Marylanders to submit new congressional maps for consideration
After Christmas, they will hold two additional public hearings as they continue their work to recommend redistricting plans to the MD General Assembly
After Christmas, they will hold two additional public hearings as they continue their work to recommend redistricting plans to the MD General Assembly
December 18, 2025 at 11:28 PM
NEW: @GovWesMoore's Redistricting Advisory Commission is asking Marylanders to submit new congressional maps for consideration
After Christmas, they will hold two additional public hearings as they continue their work to recommend redistricting plans to the MD General Assembly
After Christmas, they will hold two additional public hearings as they continue their work to recommend redistricting plans to the MD General Assembly
Reposted by The Downballot
Maryland redistricting commission expected to recommend new congressional maps www.cbsnews.com/baltimo…
Maryland redistricting commission expected to recommend new congressional maps
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's Redistricting Advisory Commission is expected to recommend new congressional maps following a vote, according to State Senate President Bill Ferguson.
www.cbsnews.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Maryland redistricting commission expected to recommend new congressional maps www.cbsnews.com/baltimo…
Truly shows how judicial elections matter. The new justice, Pamela Goodwine, had the support of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear but still won an officially nonpartisan race for a Trump+6 district in a 77-23 landslide. The win also made her the first Black woman on the court.
A year after upholding a law limiting the power of the Jefferson County school board, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck it down in a new ruling Thursday, thanks to a new justice on the court. #kyga26
Kentucky Supreme Court reverses course, strikes down law limiting JCPS board power
A year after upholding a law limiting the power of the Jefferson County school board, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck it down in a new ruling, thanks to a new member.
www.lpm.org
December 18, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Truly shows how judicial elections matter. The new justice, Pamela Goodwine, had the support of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear but still won an officially nonpartisan race for a Trump+6 district in a 77-23 landslide. The win also made her the first Black woman on the court.
It's our pleasure to present the Third Annual Downballot Awards! On our final podcast of 2025, we hand out honors for the year's highlights & lowlights, including:
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
Presenting the Third Annual Downballot Awards!
Listen now | We're handing out trophies for everything from Best Campaign to Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election, and much more
www.the-downballot.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
It's our pleasure to present the Third Annual Downballot Awards! On our final podcast of 2025, we hand out honors for the year's highlights & lowlights, including:
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
• Funniest Cancellation of a Special Election
• The Lighting Money on Fire Award
• Special Achievement in Stealth Politics
And more!
Once again, NH Republicans have avoided calling a special election for a state House district they could have lost.
Republican Rep. Matthew Lunney rep'd the town of Meredith, which is run by the GOP. It voted 51-48 for Trump last year. The town gov't decided not to request a special election.
Republican Rep. Matthew Lunney rep'd the town of Meredith, which is run by the GOP. It voted 51-48 for Trump last year. The town gov't decided not to request a special election.
Lunney resigns from Statehouse, served Meredith
MEREDITH — A former first-term state representative resigned his elected position in September.
www.laconiadailysun.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Once again, NH Republicans have avoided calling a special election for a state House district they could have lost.
Republican Rep. Matthew Lunney rep'd the town of Meredith, which is run by the GOP. It voted 51-48 for Trump last year. The town gov't decided not to request a special election.
Republican Rep. Matthew Lunney rep'd the town of Meredith, which is run by the GOP. It voted 51-48 for Trump last year. The town gov't decided not to request a special election.
"Like Michael Scott shouting 'I declare bankruptcy!' Utah’s GOP lawmakers seem to think you can appeal by vibes alone."
🤣🤣🤣
From @schotthappens.com, on the Utah GOP's strangely bumbling efforts to appeal a redistricting ruling they loathe.
🤣🤣🤣
From @schotthappens.com, on the Utah GOP's strangely bumbling efforts to appeal a redistricting ruling they loathe.
Utah legislature misses redistricting appeal window, now seeks do-over
Utah lawmakers missed their chance for a fast-track appeal after a judge voided their congressional map. Now they want a do-over.
utahpolitics.news
December 18, 2025 at 5:32 PM
"Like Michael Scott shouting 'I declare bankruptcy!' Utah’s GOP lawmakers seem to think you can appeal by vibes alone."
🤣🤣🤣
From @schotthappens.com, on the Utah GOP's strangely bumbling efforts to appeal a redistricting ruling they loathe.
🤣🤣🤣
From @schotthappens.com, on the Utah GOP's strangely bumbling efforts to appeal a redistricting ruling they loathe.
Morrow, who was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, called public schools "indoctrination centers," called for Donald Trump to use the military to remain in power, and made a "joke" about executing Barack Obama. She spent campaign for state superintendent firing off homophobic rhetoric. She narrowly lost.
BREAKING: Former NC superintendent candidate Michele Morrow is running for U.S. Senate, where she'll square off against former NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. #ncpol
December 18, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Morrow, who was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, called public schools "indoctrination centers," called for Donald Trump to use the military to remain in power, and made a "joke" about executing Barack Obama. She spent campaign for state superintendent firing off homophobic rhetoric. She narrowly lost.
Also in the new Digest:
• North Carolina Republican seeks rematch against Dem congressman in seat her party just re-gerrymandered
• Texas Dems fielding first "entire slate" in modern history
• One of the two remaining House Rs who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots is calling it a career
• North Carolina Republican seeks rematch against Dem congressman in seat her party just re-gerrymandered
• Texas Dems fielding first "entire slate" in modern history
• One of the two remaining House Rs who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots is calling it a career
Longtime Rep. Bennie Thompson, 77, has always won renomination with ease in Mississippi's only safely Democratic district. A well-connected attorney who is less than half his age is hoping that primary voters want change next year.
Morning Digest: Another senior House Democrat draws a challenge from a much younger opponent
Newcomer laments that the "poorest district in the poorest state" has remained that way for decades
www.the-downballot.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Also in the new Digest:
• North Carolina Republican seeks rematch against Dem congressman in seat her party just re-gerrymandered
• Texas Dems fielding first "entire slate" in modern history
• One of the two remaining House Rs who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots is calling it a career
• North Carolina Republican seeks rematch against Dem congressman in seat her party just re-gerrymandered
• Texas Dems fielding first "entire slate" in modern history
• One of the two remaining House Rs who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riots is calling it a career
Longtime Rep. Bennie Thompson, 77, has always won renomination with ease in Mississippi's only safely Democratic district. A well-connected attorney who is less than half his age is hoping that primary voters want change next year.
Morning Digest: Another senior House Democrat draws a challenge from a much younger opponent
Newcomer laments that the "poorest district in the poorest state" has remained that way for decades
www.the-downballot.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Longtime Rep. Bennie Thompson, 77, has always won renomination with ease in Mississippi's only safely Democratic district. A well-connected attorney who is less than half his age is hoping that primary voters want change next year.
Victoria Spartz is going to Victoria Spartz: The Indiana Republican tells NOTUS on whether she'll seek reelection: "We’ll announce in January, or whatever, when we file. A few weeks to decide." The congresswoman said she would retire in 2023 only to file to run again in 2024.
These House Republicans Won’t Commit to Running in 2026
As retirement rumors swirl, NOTUS asked dozens of House Republicans whether they planned to run again. The answers were revealing.
www.notus.org
December 18, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Victoria Spartz is going to Victoria Spartz: The Indiana Republican tells NOTUS on whether she'll seek reelection: "We’ll announce in January, or whatever, when we file. A few weeks to decide." The congresswoman said she would retire in 2023 only to file to run again in 2024.
Reposted by The Downballot
trump is panicking because democrats have a huge lead on affordability right now www.gelliottmorris.com/p/affordabil...
December 18, 2025 at 2:23 AM
trump is panicking because democrats have a huge lead on affordability right now www.gelliottmorris.com/p/affordabil...
Reposted by The Downballot
The Downballot, @the-downballot.com , @boltsmag.org , and @taniel.bsky.social are some of the best resources I can recommend for keeping up with local elections.
In case you missed it last night (watching the NBA Cup, of course), Kentucky Democrat Gary Clemons racked up a *wild* 42-point overperformance in a special election for a Harris+5 Senate seat in Louisville. Our writeup: www.the-downballot.com/p/morning-di...
December 17, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The Downballot, @the-downballot.com , @boltsmag.org , and @taniel.bsky.social are some of the best resources I can recommend for keeping up with local elections.
Last week, @peoplenotpolsmo.bsky.social submitted 300K+ signatures to put a referendum on the ballot that could repeal the Missouri GOP's new congressional gerrymander. That should have paused the map from taking effect, but GOP officials insist otherwise. Organizers just laid out their arguments.
What’s Happening in Missouri – People Not Politicians
peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Last week, @peoplenotpolsmo.bsky.social submitted 300K+ signatures to put a referendum on the ballot that could repeal the Missouri GOP's new congressional gerrymander. That should have paused the map from taking effect, but GOP officials insist otherwise. Organizers just laid out their arguments.
In case you missed it last night (watching the NBA Cup, of course), Kentucky Democrat Gary Clemons racked up a *wild* 42-point overperformance in a special election for a Harris+5 Senate seat in Louisville. Our writeup: www.the-downballot.com/p/morning-di...
December 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
In case you missed it last night (watching the NBA Cup, of course), Kentucky Democrat Gary Clemons racked up a *wild* 42-point overperformance in a special election for a Harris+5 Senate seat in Louisville. Our writeup: www.the-downballot.com/p/morning-di...
"A Democrat is running in every state and federal race on the Texas ballot next year, the first time in modern state history that either party has fielded a full slate of candidates, according to the Texas Democratic Party."
From the @texastribune.org
From the @texastribune.org
Texas Democrats fill up every state and federal race in 2026
Texas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious ...
www.texastribune.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:48 PM
"A Democrat is running in every state and federal race on the Texas ballot next year, the first time in modern state history that either party has fielded a full slate of candidates, according to the Texas Democratic Party."
From the @texastribune.org
From the @texastribune.org
What a headline
Elise Stefanik Tries to Scrub Ties to Org That Invited Nazis to Party
The group recently hosted a gala chock full of white supremacists.
newrepublic.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:31 PM
What a headline
Longtime Dem operative Matt Ortega, who was Hillary Clinton's digital communications director in 2016, has joined the race for the open #CA14 (Eric Swalwell is running for gov)
Progressive activist Matt Ortega announces congressional run to fight for an affordable future for CA-14 — Matt Ortega for Congress
Longtime organizer and progressive activist Matt Ortega announced his candidacy for the open seat in California's 14th Congressional District pledging to
mattortega.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Longtime Dem operative Matt Ortega, who was Hillary Clinton's digital communications director in 2016, has joined the race for the open #CA14 (Eric Swalwell is running for gov)
Reposted by The Downballot
GOP departures up to 27, the 3rd-most of either party since 2006. 1 and 2 are the GOP in 2018 and 2020. "Trump is president" really seems to be the highest-powered explanatory variable of the modern era.
As always, the loudest of shout-outs to @the-downballot.com for the invaluable departure data.
As always, the loudest of shout-outs to @the-downballot.com for the invaluable departure data.
December 17, 2025 at 4:11 PM
GOP departures up to 27, the 3rd-most of either party since 2006. 1 and 2 are the GOP in 2018 and 2020. "Trump is president" really seems to be the highest-powered explanatory variable of the modern era.
As always, the loudest of shout-outs to @the-downballot.com for the invaluable departure data.
As always, the loudest of shout-outs to @the-downballot.com for the invaluable departure data.
Reposted by The Downballot
Something to give you hope
December 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Something to give you hope
A point from @politicalwire.com very much worth emphasizing: Even if a 2018-style wave—and its 40-seat pickup in the House—isn't in the cards for Democrats, that's not especially relevant to the question of control of the House. Dems needed 24 flips that cycle but just three this time.
Why 2026 Might Not Be Like 2018
A new Politico analysis suggests the 2026 midterms are unlikely to resemble the 2018 blue wave — largely because the House map has been engineered to prevent it. Two rounds of post-2018 gerrymandering...
politicalwire.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
A point from @politicalwire.com very much worth emphasizing: Even if a 2018-style wave—and its 40-seat pickup in the House—isn't in the cards for Democrats, that's not especially relevant to the question of control of the House. Dems needed 24 flips that cycle but just three this time.
Also in the new Digest:
• Kentucky Democrats score an epic overperformance in special election for state Senate
• Tom Steyer has already spent or reserved close to $16 million for campaign for governor of California
• Progressive enters race for Utah's first reliably blue House seat in modern times
• Kentucky Democrats score an epic overperformance in special election for state Senate
• Tom Steyer has already spent or reserved close to $16 million for campaign for governor of California
• Progressive enters race for Utah's first reliably blue House seat in modern times
Oregon conservatives have submitted signatures for a campaign to repeal major parts of a transportation funding plan championed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek. While the vote would take place in November 2026, the law is already suspended and Kotek is warning of major cutbacks.
Morning Digest, sponsored by Grassroots Analytics: GOP-backed referendum puts Oregon's new transportation funding plan at risk
With new revenues now paused, Democrats are warning of major cutbacks
www.the-downballot.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Also in the new Digest:
• Kentucky Democrats score an epic overperformance in special election for state Senate
• Tom Steyer has already spent or reserved close to $16 million for campaign for governor of California
• Progressive enters race for Utah's first reliably blue House seat in modern times
• Kentucky Democrats score an epic overperformance in special election for state Senate
• Tom Steyer has already spent or reserved close to $16 million for campaign for governor of California
• Progressive enters race for Utah's first reliably blue House seat in modern times
Oregon conservatives have submitted signatures for a campaign to repeal major parts of a transportation funding plan championed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek. While the vote would take place in November 2026, the law is already suspended and Kotek is warning of major cutbacks.
Morning Digest, sponsored by Grassroots Analytics: GOP-backed referendum puts Oregon's new transportation funding plan at risk
With new revenues now paused, Democrats are warning of major cutbacks
www.the-downballot.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Oregon conservatives have submitted signatures for a campaign to repeal major parts of a transportation funding plan championed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek. While the vote would take place in November 2026, the law is already suspended and Kotek is warning of major cutbacks.
Rep. Dan Newhouse, who is one of just two House Republicans still in office who voted to impeach Trump after Jan. 6, announces he won't seek reelection next year. Newhouse represents a conservative seat in central Washington.
Dan Newhouse won't seek re-election in 2026, retiring after 12 years representing Central Washington in Congress
WASHINGTON – Rep. Dan Newhouse will announce Wednesday that he won't seek re-election and will retire at the end of 2026, stepping down after a dozen years representing Central Washington's 4th Congre...
www.spokesman.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Rep. Dan Newhouse, who is one of just two House Republicans still in office who voted to impeach Trump after Jan. 6, announces he won't seek reelection next year. Newhouse represents a conservative seat in central Washington.
Attorney Evan Turnage, who was chief counsel to Chuck Schumer after working for Elizabeth Warren, launches primary challenge to Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi. Thompson, 77, told Axios in May he would run again, though he didn't respond to media inquiries following Turnage's entry.
Evan Turnage, Ex-Schumer Counsel, Is Primarying U.S. House Rep. Bennie Thompson
Democrat Evan Turnage is challenging U.S. House Rep. Bennie Thompson to represent Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 Democratic primaries.
www.mississippifreepress.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Attorney Evan Turnage, who was chief counsel to Chuck Schumer after working for Elizabeth Warren, launches primary challenge to Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi. Thompson, 77, told Axios in May he would run again, though he didn't respond to media inquiries following Turnage's entry.
Reposted by The Downballot
With a resounding victory by Gary Clemons in Kentucky tonight, we now have 65 special elections to consider in 2025 1/
December 17, 2025 at 2:35 AM
With a resounding victory by Gary Clemons in Kentucky tonight, we now have 65 special elections to consider in 2025 1/