US House Of Representatives

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race Divides Democrats

Ronald 3 Comments

The state of Wisconsin has no Senate race in 2026, but does have a gubernatorial race to succeed Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who chose not to run for reelection, after two terms, even though he was eligible under the state constitution to run again, had he chosen to do so.

The Republican nominee will be Congressman Tom Tiffany, but the Democrats are deeply divided between “Establishment” Democrats and “Democratic Socialists”.

Three Democrats are contending, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley endorsed by Governor Evers.

Also running is former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, backed by California Senator Adam Schiff, and state assemblywoman Francesca Hong, who is backed by California Congressman Ro Khanna, and identifies with “Democratic Socialism”.

The thought is that Hong may have an edge in public opinion polls, but would have more trouble winning the race against Tom Tiffany, than either Crowley, or Barnes.

Were Hong to end up as the nominee, she would be the highest ranking “Democratic Socialist” on the ballot in the nation in November, other than Michigan Senate contender Abdul El Sayed if he defeats Haley Stevens in the primary on August 4, more prominent than the two women in New York City and the woman in Denver who have been nominated, and likely will sit in Congress.

Hong would be seen, if she won in the primary on August 11, as the most prominent “Democratic Socialist”, as would El Sayed, if either won, other than NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

But there is strong concern that not only could Michigan’s Senate race go to the Republicans, but also that the Wisconsin Governorship could go to the Republicans, if the opposition can convice voters that El Sayed and Hong are too extremist in their orientation.

Democratic Party Division In Michigan Could Affect Senate Race And Majority In The 120th Congress (2027-2029)

Ronald 26 Comments

In the first two weeks of August, the upper Midwest states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota will hold primaries for Governor and US Senate, along with House races and state legislative races.

The Democratic Party is facing splits, whereby “Democratic Socialists” are challenging establishment Democrats, which might lead to future problems against Republican opponents.

Today, the situation in Michigan will be discussed, followed by Wisconsin and Minnesota over the next two days.

In Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running for Governor, while the likely Republican nominee is African American Congressman John James, who ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2018 and 2020, after graduating West Point and serving for eight years in the military.

More controversial is the battle for the Democratic Senate nomination between Congresswoman Haley Stevens and physician Abdul El Sayed, who was Health Director for Detroit and for Wayne County, and was a competitor in 2018 for the Michigan Gubernatorial race.

Abdul El Sayed is backed by Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren, and is vehemently opposed by the pressure group AIPAC, since he is a major critic of Israel and its war in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank against Palestinians.

Stevens is supported by mainstream Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, among others.

The concern of many is that Abdul El Sayed, who would be the first Muslim Senator if he won the Senate race, would have major problems against Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in the election, when Democrats need to gain four seats in the Senate to win the majority of the chamber, and with Democratic Senator Gary Peters presently holding that seat.

The strong belief of many is that IF Michigan is lost to the Republicans, there is no way for Democrats to gain the four seats needed to be the majority in the US Senate in the 120th Congress (2027-2029).

Personal Scandals, Democrats And Republicans , And Accountability

Ronald 27 Comments

The treatment and handling of personal scandals is totally different between Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats rapidly working to eliminate such individuals, while Republicans ignore the issue.

Examples of Democrats who were rapidly repudiated are:

Congressman Eric Swalwell of California, who dropped his bid to run for California Governor, and resigned from the House of Representatives, after being accused of sexual misbehavior.

Senate nominee Graham Platner of Maine, who had already won the nomination to oppose Republican Senator Susan Collins, but withdrew after being accused of sexual misbehavior.

Minnesota Senator Al Franken who resigned in 2018 under pressure after accusations of inappropriate behavior lodged by several women.

Examples of Republicans who have not been removed or withdrawn from future races include:

New Arizona House Nominee Mark Lamb of Arizona, who has been accused of inappropriate “sexting” and other such misbehavior while formerly being Sheriff of Pinal County, and also utilizing racist language, and yet claiming to be a loyal member of the Mormon Church.

Congressman Max Miller of Ohio, who is accused of engaging in violence against his ex-wife, the daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, and also against former girlfriend Stephanie Grisham, who was White House Press Secretary for part of the first Donald Trump Presidency. But Miller is running for reelection.

Congressman Corey Mills of Florida, who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct and dating violence. But Mills is running for reelection.

Considering that the President of the United States has been involved in multiple such sex scandals over the years, it is not at all shocking how Republicans overlook such scandals, and yet, claim to be “good Christians”!

Four Republican Gubernatorial Candidates A Total Disaster!

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Arizona—Andy Biggs–is clearly an extremist right wing Republican Congressman, who is now involved in a controversy over having prevented an investigation into a Mormon sect a decade ago, an extremist group that promoted child sexual abuse while Biggs was then President of the Arizona State Senate. Biggs is seen as the likely Republican Gubernatorial nominee against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs.

Colorado—Victor Marx–a first time politician, who claims he killed a person at age 7 when ordered to do so by his stepfather, and will not say if he has killed since then. He is the Republican nominee for Governor against Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Florida—James Fishback–a white supremacist and antisemite running for the Republican Gubernatorial nomination, and using racist language against Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, the likely Republican nominee for Governor in Florida. Fishback is a long shot, with Donalds almost certainly the nominee of his party for Governor, not that Donalds is a moderate, which he most certainly is not.

Minnesota—Mike Lindell–the MY PILLOW businessman, and conspiracy theorist,who has claimed until this moment that the 2020 Presidential Election was fixed, and lost a case in court for his lies, causing him to lose a lot of his fortune and his reputation. He is now running to be the Republican nominee for Governor, even though he is not registered to vote in the state. His opponent, if he wins the Republican nomination, is well regarded Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Fortunately, in Arizona, Colorado, and Minnesota, the Democratic candidates for Governor—Katie Hobbs, Phil Weiser, Amy Klobuchar—are heavy favorites to win and keep those Governorships in Democratic hands.

In Florida, Byron Donalds is the heavy favorite to be the Republican nominee despite the challenge of James Fishback, and the Democrats are likely to nominate David Jolly, former one term Congressman, who switched parties, and is seen as having a reasonable chance to compete with Donalds in November.

“Democratic Socialists” Vs Democratic Party

Ronald 23 Comments

The Democratic Party has brought about in the past century, since Franklin D. Roosevelt onward through Joe Biden, a massive number of major reforms.

The vast number of them came under FDR and the New Deal in the 1930s, and Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Society in the 1960s, both periods where the Democratic Party had massive majorities in both houses of Congress.

Under other Democratic Presidents, fewer reforms were possible, but there were domestic accomplishments and advancements under Presidents Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.

Now, however, so called “Democratic Socialists” are trying to turn the Democratic Party further to the left, and have succeeded in electing Zohran Mamdani as NYC Mayor and likely will elect Janeese Lewis George as Washington DC Mayor in November.

The best known “Democratic Socialist” is Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who caucuses with the Democratic Party, and is seen by others as a “model”, but is not technically seen as part of this updated “Democratic Socialists”.

Also, there are three members, presently, in the House of Representatives;

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
Rashida Tlaib of Michigan
Greg Casar of Texas

In the upcoming 120th Congress (2027-2029), the following additions are to be added to the House of Representatives:

Dairaliza Avila Chavalier of New York
Claire Valdez of New York
Melat Kiros of Colorado
Chris Rabb of Pennsylvania

There are others who are termed as “The Squad”, but do not call themselves “Democratic Socialists”, including

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota
Ayanna Presley of Massachusetts
Delia Ramirez of Illinois
Summer Lee of Pennsylvania

The “Democratic Socialists” and “The Squad” membership could be a problem if the Democrats gain the majority in the House of Representatives by only a small margin, as that could interfere with the ability of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York to become the first Black Speaker of the House.

“Democratic Socialists” promote the following:

32 Hour Work Week
Minimum Wage of $30
Medicare For All
High Taxation of the Rich
Housing Reform And Universal Rent Control
Cuts In Military Spending
Opposition to NATO and Aid to Ukraine
Replacement of Capitalism
Hostility To Israel Since Israel-Gaza War

This author and blogger, proud to be a “Progressive”, sees these goals as unrealistic or objectionable.

Lowering the work week to less than 40 hours is possible, and a minimum wage goal over time of $25 seem reasonable.

Movement toward Medicare to cover Americans over 50, and some taxation of the rich is also reasonable.

Housing Reforms including for renters in a moderate way is also reasonable.

Some Cuts in Military Spending, but support of NATO and of Aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia is the proper way for the future.

Capitalism will not be replaced, but could come under greater regulation and controls.

Criticism of Israel, and ending military support of the government due to its actions in Gaza and the West Bank, can occur, but not total hostility to the right of Israel to its own nationhood.

So there is potential for reforms and change, but not to the extreme promoted by the “Democratic Socialists” and “The Squad”.

They will continue to “make noise” as their small number in Congress grows, but the Democratic Party is not going to go as far left as these groups promote, as they are totally unrealistic.

Medical Doctors Running For Senate And Governorship

Ronald 2 Comments

Three medical doctors are running for public office, two for the US Senate, and one for a governorship, who have a good opportunity for possible success.

Abdul El-Sayed seems to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan, with the primary occurring on August 4. Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen have endorsed him. Congresswoman Haley Stevens is his primary opponent, backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Former Michigan Congressman Mike Rogers will be the Republican nominee.

Annie Andrews is the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in South Carolina, challenging Lindsey Graham, who has been in the Senate for 24 years.

Amy Action is the Democratic nominee for Governor in Ohio, challenging billionaire and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Republican Governor Mike DeWine.

All three have a tough race ahead, but if they won, it would represent a challenge to the looney health leadership of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Tremendous Turnover Of Membership Coming In Future 120th Congress (2027-2029)

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It is already evident that at least one out of every eight members of Congress will not be returning in 2027, as either they are retiring; have lost renomination; or are running for another office other than the one they now hold.

Eleven US Senators and 59 House members are definitely leaving, with 7 Republicans and 4 Democrats leaving the Senate, and 38 Republicans and 21 Democrats leaving the House of Representatives.

So a total of 45 Republicans and 25 Democrats are leaving Congress.

This does not include those members of Congress who have died or resigned during this two year term.

The aging of Congress is a factor, but also those who desire to move on to another political goal, or are facing the reality of primaries and also the reapportionment of seats by gerrymandering that will eliminate others who had planned to run for reelection.

So the future 120th Congress (2027-2029) will have record turnover, and it is certain, there will be more “new” members of both houses of Congress, than just the present number of 70 members leaving.

Texas Senate Race Likely To Promote Flip Of Senate To Democrats!

Ronald 21 Comments

In a surprise, but not shocking development, President Donald Trump has abandoned Texas Senator John Cornyn, who voted with him almost all of the time, and instead, has thrown his support and endorsement to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a highly divisive and corrupt figure, for the upcoming Senate Republican Primary runoff, taking place on May 26.

Trump has proved yet again that loyalty is a one way street, as no matter how much any Republican backs him, if such individual shows any independence or expresses doubt about some Trump utterance or policy, Trump is very willing to abandon him.

This led to the defeat of Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie, because of his persistence in pursuing the Epstein Scandal, and speaking out in criticism of the Iran War.

This led to the defeat of Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who went against his own best judgment to support Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, despite his crazy views on vaccines. But Cassidy also voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges after the January 6, 2021 US Capitol Insurrection, so Trump went on the attack for Cassidy’s “disloyalty”.

Now, Cornyn, who was Senate Majority Whip after 2014, and was a contender for Senate Majority Leader in 2024, faces the likelihood that he will lose his seat to a man, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was impeached but not convicted in the Texas state legislature, for corruption, and also was cheating on his wife, who is presently suing him for divorce. But Trump says Paxton is a “True” MAGA Republican.

The end result is the strong likelihood that Texas State Senator and Democratic Senatorial nominee James Talarico, who has great charisma and personal presence, will have an easier time winning the Senate seat, the first Democratic statewide victory in 30 years. If Talarico wins, the likelihood of Democratic control of the US Senate in the 120th Congress (2027-2029) seems assured.

Talarico will turn 37 this summer, and is perceived by many as a future leader of the Democratic Party nationally, if he can win the Texas Senate seat, and some observers see him as having potential for national office.

Only Two Senators And One House Member Who Voted For Impeachment Of Trump After January 6, 2021 Remain In Congress

Ronald 15 Comments

After the January 6, 2021 US Capitol Insurrection, incited by President Donald Trump, 10 Republicans in the House voted to impeach Trump, and 7 Republican Senators voted to convict Trump.

Sadly, as we face the Midterm Elections of 2026, only ONE House member, and only TWO Senators remain in Congress for the future, and one of the Senators, Susan Collins of Maine, faces a tough contest against Democrat Graham Platner, for her desired sixth term in the upper body.

David Valadao of California is running for reelection, and while the district lines are likely to change, due to the vote of Californians to promote redistricting to favor Democrats, it seems likely that Valadao will keep his House seat.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska does not face voters again until 2028, but having already beaten back an attempt to defeat her in 2010, when she lost the Republican primary, ran as an Independent, and still was elected again, as she was in 2016 and 2022.

Four of the other five Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump all retired at the end of their term—Richard Burr of North Carolina in 2022; Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania in 2022; Ben Sasse of Nebraska by resigining in 2023; Mitt Romney of Utah in 2024; and now Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has been defeated in the Republican primary yesterday.

This is a sad commentary on the reputation of the Republican Party, as Donald Trump works to wipe out the truth and the facts that led to the impeachment trial, and the first time to have multiple members of his party vote to convict and remove.

Speculation On Long Shot Democratic Presidential Contenders For 2028

Ronald 2 Comments

With speculation about the future Presidential Election of 2028 heating up, as we near the Midterm Congressional and Gubernatorial Elections of 2026, Reid J. Epstein of the NY Times published on May 13 an exhaustive list of potential contenders in both parties, totaling the “crazy” number of 62 individuals—30 Democrats and 32 Republicans.

This author and blogger thinks this massive list is “off the wall”, and that the vast number of these potential 62 contenders will never even announce a Presidential candidacy.

However,there are some who are intriguing on the Democratic Party side.

Newcomers who have to prove themselves by winning in November

James Talarico of Texas, Senate
Graham Platner of Maine, Senate
Rob Sand of Iowa, Governor

Democrats in office who would be fascinating candidates

Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Senator
Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Senator
Jason Crow of Colorado, House of Representatives

Realistically, of the above list, the only likely contenders who would announce for President would be Slotkin and Ossoff.

However, there is speculation that Talarico, who has really inspired and excited many about his prospects, could end up running for Vice President, as after all, Vice President JD Vance only had one and a half years in office as Ohio Senator, before being tapped for the Vice Presidency.

And also, Barack Obama announced for President only two years after winning his Illinois Senate seat, and became President after four years of service.