THREAD: us midterm elections

LIBERAL WIN In Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Shocks Conservatives

02 April 2025 — Democratic-backed Susan Crawford claimed victory in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, keeping the liberal majority intact. This win comes less than three months into President Donald Trump’s second term. Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel, who had Trump’s endorsement.

The loss for conservatives in Wisconsin is seen as a setback amid early challenges faced by the Trump administration. Influential figures like Elon Musk played a role in this outcome, sparking questions about future Republican strategies.

In response to these political shifts, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign automakers, aiming for reciprocal tariffs globally. This move could reshape trade talks and impact economic policies before upcoming elections.

These developments highlight significant changes within the political landscape under Trump’s leadership and point to potential implications for future electoral contests and policy decisions.

TRUMP’S BOLD Move: Stefanik’s UN Nomination Withdrawn to Boost GOP Strength

28 March 2025 — President Donald TRUMP has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The decision aims to keep Republican strength in the House, where every vote counts due to their narrow majority. Trump stressed that keeping Stefanik in Congress is crucial for party stability during these critical times.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commented on the changing political landscape Republicans face, hinting at challenges ahead for the GOP. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the “political realities” confronting Trump’s administration as they work to maintain a functional majority in Congress.

Stefanik, a strong Trump ally and influential GOP figure, was initially seen as an ideal candidate for the ambassador role. However, Trump’s decision highlights internal party dynamics and strategic considerations amid current political challenges.

This move raises questions about future cabinet appointments under Trump and potential impacts on Republican strategies as they navigate a complex political environment. The withdrawal reflects broader concerns about maintaining legislative power and unity within the party during this pivotal period.

FEDERAL Election MONITORING Cuts: Security Risks Soar

17 February 2025 — The dismantling of federal election monitoring efforts has sparked concern among lawmakers and national security experts. Critics argue this move opens the door for foreign interference in upcoming elections. The lack of strong oversight could lead to vulnerabilities being exploited, prompting bipartisan talks on restoring effective monitoring mechanisms.

Democratic officials call the decision irresponsible, claiming it threatens democracy by reducing transparency in election processes. They urge a recommitment to safeguarding electoral integrity. Republican leaders are divided, with some supporting reduced federal involvement to limit overreach.

This development has raised alarms and prompted congressional hearings to assess the impact on election security. Various stakeholders call for immediate action to restore monitoring capabilities against potential foreign manipulation. As critical electoral events approach, the need for reinstating protective measures becomes clear.

ARIZONA ELECTORS Celebrate Legal Triumph

11 February 2025 — Arizona’s so-called fake electors scored a major legal win in their fight to dismiss a criminal case against them. The case, led by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, was challenged under an Arizona law that prevents politically motivated prosecutions. The electors argued the prosecution violated Arizona’s anti-SLAPP law, claiming it aimed to retaliate against their constitutional rights.

CRYPTO HACKS SURGE AS ILLEGAL DEALS FALL

The TRM Labs 2025 Crypto Crime Report shows a drop in illegal crypto transactions but a rise in hacks and misuse by bad actors. This trend underscores ongoing security worries in the crypto world. Legal experts are advised to stay alert as these cyber threats continue to change and grow.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN OXFORD

An Oxford woman is charged with leaving three kids alone in a car while she drank nearby. Raleigh police found the children safe after responding around 12:45 a.m. This incident raises serious questions about child safety and potential legal consequences for negligence.

Ocean City Elementary School went into lockdown due to an unspecified threat, which was later deemed unverified, allowing normal activities to resume safely for students and staff alike.

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

TRUMP’S Triumph: Disillusioned Voters Reject Harris-Biden Agenda

06 November 2024 — Former President Donald Trump has made a comeback to the White House, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s nearly four-year term. Many voters, unhappy with America’s path, embraced Trump’s bold approach. AP VoteCast showed about 3 in 10 voters wanted a complete government overhaul.

Economic concerns were key in Trump’s victory, overshadowing issues like democracy and abortion protections favored by Harris’ supporters. Voters worried about the economy supported stronger immigration enforcement and believed Trump was better suited to tackle economic challenges. This sentiment was strong in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Even though he won the electoral college, some voters had reservations about Trump’s potential use of power. A notable number expressed concern over possible authoritarianism under his leadership. Yet more than 1 in 10 concerned voters still backed him despite these fears.

Inflation anxiety was a major concern nationwide as families felt their financial situations worsening since the last election cycle. The rising cost of living remained an urgent issue for many Americans struggling with higher prices on essentials like groceries and housing costs. These economic pressures greatly boosted Trump’s appeal among disenchanted voters seeking change.

SUPREME COURT Decision Sparks Fury: Virginia Voter Purge Backed

31 October 2024 — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority upheld Virginia’s voter registration purge on Wednesday. The state argues this action prevents non-citizens from voting. This decision aligns with Virginia’s Republican administration under Governor Glenn Youngkin.

A Virginian affected by the purge criticized it as “a very bad October surprise,” despite living in the state her entire life. The court’s ruling came over the dissent of its three liberal justices, highlighting a clear ideological divide.

The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its decision, which is common in emergency appeals. This move underscores ongoing debates about voter registration and election integrity across the nation.

HISPANIC Voters TURN to Trump: Discontent with Biden’s Policies

23 October 2024 — A recent poll from The New York Times shows 35% of Hispanic voters feel Donald Trump’s policies helped them, compared to just 22% for President Biden. This suggests a preference for Trump’s approach over the current administration. The data raises questions about President Biden’s absence from campaign trails alongside Vice President Harris.

Munoz emphasized growth and improvement in key economic areas under Vice President Harris’s vision, claiming it resonates with Latino voters. However, he acknowledged the challenge of effectively reaching these communities through traditional polling methods. Munoz argued that Latino voters seek candidates who promise change rather than maintaining the status quo associated with Trump.

Burman highlighted that only 20% of Hispanic voters rate the economy as excellent or good, while 80% describe it as fair or poor — indicating dissatisfaction with current economic conditions. Despite this, Munoz remained optimistic about influencing voter perception in the remaining days before elections. He stressed focusing on ground-level engagement over relying solely on polling numbers to sway opinions among Hispanic constituents.

TRUMP And HARRIS Neck-And-Neck: What’s Behind the Poll Shocker?

15 October 2024 — Recent polls show a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both candidates nearly tied. Just last month, Harris was ahead in election and favorability ratings. Now, her lead is gone, sparking questions about why voters are changing their minds.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie talked with analyst Steve Kornacki about this shift. He explained how Harris’s favorability ratings have reversed. Last month, she had a 48% positive rating compared to Trump’s steady numbers. Now her positive rating has fallen to 43%, while her negative rating jumped to 49%.

Kornacki noted that this change brings Harris’s ratings closer to Trump’s figures. He also mentioned an interesting twist about public views on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling shows that 44% of voters think Trump’s policies helped their families more than during his time in office.

REFORMIST VICTORY: Iran’s New President Promises Change

06 July 2024 — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian promised to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the mandatory headscarf law. He secured 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in an election with a 49.6% turnout.

Pezeshkian assured no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, acknowledging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final authority. Despite his modest aims, he faces challenges from hard-liners and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Western concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Supporters celebrated in Tehran and other cities as Pezeshkian’s lead grew over Jalili. The heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker addressed journalists at Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s mausoleum, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and fulfilling promises made during his campaign.

Pezeshkian’s victory comes at a delicate time with high tensions in the Mideast and an upcoming U.S. election that could impact relations between Tehran and Washington. His win wasn’t a landslide, indicating he must navigate Iran’s complex internal politics carefully as he lacks experience in high-level security roles.

BRITISH Election Sees NEW Voter ID LAW in Action

04 July 2024 — Polling stations across the UK opened this morning at 7 AM and will close at 10 PM. Ipsos pollsters are gathering exit poll data to provide an early picture of the election results. Detailed seat-specific results will only be available in the early hours of Friday.

British and Irish citizens, along with some Commonwealth immigrants, are eligible to vote if they are over 18. This election marks the first time voters must show legal identification to cast their ballots in person, a measure aimed at reducing voter fraud. The Electoral Commission has approved 22 forms of ID, including passports and driving licenses.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty were seen voting at Kirby Sigston Village Hall today. Reporting on the election is restricted while polling places are open, with broadcasters banned from discussing outcomes or publishing polls until voting ends. Violating these rules can result in imprisonment for news editors.

GLOBAL Elections SHAKE-UP: Major Voter Impact in Coming Days

28 June 2024 — In the coming days, voters in countries like Mauritania, Mongolia, Iran, Britain, and France will head to the polls. These elections could significantly impact global politics amid ongoing conflicts and economic concerns.

Iran faces a critical election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks a successor among hard-liners Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.

National elections this year are happening in over 50 countries with significant political changes in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Russia remains unchanged despite global shifts.

ALDERMAN’S Anti-Israel Stance Sparks Outrage

04 May 2024 — Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez was spotted at an anti-Israel gathering at the University of Chicago. This event comes after his participation in a March rally where the American flag was desecrated. Critics are now questioning his ability to uphold American values.

Sigcho-Lopez has received criticism from fellow aldermen and veterans, who are alarmed by his actions. Army veteran Marco Torres expressed dismay, questioning Sigcho-Lopez’s commitment to veterans given his recent behavior. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the alderman’s judgment and priorities as a public servant.

The alderman’s involvement in these events is particularly controversial as it precedes the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August. His behavior has ignited discussions about whether it is appropriate for someone in his position, especially during such a critical time leading up to elections.

Observers are keenly watching how these controversies might affect both the DNC and Sigcho-Lopez’s political future. The stakes are high for party unity and public trust, with significant interest from local voters and national commentators.

USC CHAOS: Students’ Milestones Disrupted Amid Protests

28 April 2024 — Grant Oh faced a maze of police blockades at the University of Southern California as officers detained protesters of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This turmoil is just one of many disruptions during his college years, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh has already missed crucial events like his high school prom and graduation due to global upheavals.

The university recently canceled its main commencement ceremony, which was expected to host 65,000 attendees, adding another missed milestone to Oh’s college experience. His academic journey has been marked by continuous global crises, from pandemics to international conflicts. “It feels definitely surreal,” Oh commented on his disrupted educational path.

College campuses have long been hubs for activism, but today’s students are encountering unprecedented challenges. These include increased social media influence and isolation caused by pandemic restrictions. Psychologist Jean Twenge notes that these factors significantly contribute to elevated anxiety and depression rates among Generation Z compared to earlier generations.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

25 March 2024 — A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

TRUMP’S EYE on Burgum: A Potential Power Player in Second Administration

21 January 2024 — Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has recently been spotlighted by former President Trump as a potential key player for his possible second term. This news emerged following Trump’s unprecedented victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Responding to conjecture about a potential role in Trump’s administration, Burgum, who had previously endorsed Trump just before the Iowa Caucuses said, “Well, it’s very flattering... but you know, these are all hypotheticals.”

The Governor underscored his dedication to his current position and to backing Trump’s nomination and election endeavors. He further explained that his previous campaign was motivated by concerns about the economy, energy and national security issues that America is facing.

SMITH’S Triumphant Return: Reclaims Mayoral Seat, AMO Breaks Barriers in Rhode Island, and Beshear Clinches Kentucky Governorship

08 November 2023 — Mr. Smith has successfully reclaimed his position as mayor, defeating the current office holder Kimberly Mata-Rubio. This victory marks his third term in office, having previously served from 2008 to 2010.

Rhode Island is now home to its first black congressman, Mr. Amo. Despite this historic achievement, Amo maintains that he didn’t run for recognition but to champion women’s rights and the interests of the working class.

In a nail-biting Kentucky gubernatorial race closely watched nationwide, Mr. Beshear came out on top. As the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, he managed a slim victory over incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin by a margin of roughly 5,000 votes.

The recent U.S ballot initiative establishes individual rights relating to reproductive decisions following last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — a move that returns abortion regulation power back to individual states.

TRUMP’S FIGHT: The Fourteenth Amendment Takes Center Stage in Ballot Battle

03 November 2023 — A brewing legal battle is placing the spotlight on the Fourteenth Amendment’s “Insurrection Clause”. Plaintiffs argue that President Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, should bar him from appearing on future ballots.

This legal challenge is not unique to one state. Similar cases are popping up across the country, including Colorado. Here, Judge Sarah Wallace, an appointee of Democrat Governor Jared Polis, presides over the case. There is a possibility that this issue may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump’s defense team counters by asserting that this amendment doesn’t extend to presidents. They highlight that while it mentions Senators and Representatives among others, it does not explicitly include presidents. The presidential oath has its own separate provision in the Constitution.