The Politics Desk

Politics

Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.

12 stories · Edition of 2026-07-03 · Curated by AI at Invalid Date

POLITICS

AOC Endorses Abdul El‑Sayed in Michigan Senate Primary

114d ago · Source: guardian-politics

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Abdul El‑Sayed, a physician and former public health director, in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat.

The primary to replace Senator Gary Peters has drawn attention as a contest between candidates with differing levels of establishment support. El‑Sayed, who also has the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders, leads recent polling, while his main opponents include Representative Haley Stevens, who has received support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, who has received endorsements from Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Ocasio-Cortez said the race is existential for the Democratic Party and that El‑Sayed offers the best chance of victory. She made the endorsement during an interview with The New York Times. El‑Sayed’s platform includes proposals to ban tax incentives for large companies, impose higher taxes on billionaires, eliminate medical debt and strengthen antitrust enforcement, as well as ending unconditional military aid to Israel. He previously ran for governor in 2018 and lost to Democrat Gretchen Whitmer. The endorsement marks Ocasio-Cortez’s first in a competitive Senate primary this election cycle. In November, the Democratic nominee is expected to face former Republican Representative Mike Rogers, who previously ran for Senate in 2024 and lost to Elissa Slotkin by a narrow margin.

The primary result will influence Democratic strategies to retain Senate seats and to gain control of the upper chamber in the upcoming midterm elections.

POLITICS

Palm Beach Police Union Endorses Republican Candidate Belinda Keiser for Florida's 22nd Congressional District

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

Republican congressional candidate Belinda Keiser received an endorsement from the Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association for her campaign in Florida's 22nd Congressional District. John Kazanjian, president of the association, said Keiser is a law‑and‑order conservative who will advocate for law enforcement and uphold the rule of law. Keiser said she is grateful for the endorsement and will work to provide law enforcement with the resources, training and support needed for safe and effective work. She also said the Multiple Interactive Learning Objective (MILO) simulator will be made available at Keiser University for criminal justice and homeland security students. Keiser is one of seven Republicans who have qualified to run for the open seat, which has no incumbent under the new congressional map drawn by Governor Ron DeSantis. About 55% of voters in the district supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

POLITICS

Engage Y'All Endorses Democrats Florida Congressional and Legislative Races

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

Engage Y'All, a Democratic political action committee, announced endorsements of 22 candidates in Florida, including two congressional candidates and 16 legislative candidates as well as several local candidates, targeting seats held by Republicans. The PAC was founded by Democratic congressional candidate Gay Valimont after her 2023 special election in Florida's 1st District and has since assisted Democratic candidates in winning seats in the state. It endorsed Pia Dandiya for Florida's 22nd Congressional District and Nicole Locklin challenging Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart in the 26th District. Legislative endorsements included Lauren Donahoo in Senate District 2, Ashley Gantt in Senate District 34, Jane Aman in House District 37, Lucai Baez-Geller in House District 106, Darryl Block in House District 36, Daniel Cicirelli in House District 31, Kyandra Darling in House District 62, Michelle DeJesus in House District 38, Jared Fox in House District 39, Eric Gray in House District 35, August Mangeney in House District 93, Justin Mendoza-Routt in House District 113, May Thach in House District 61, John Taylor in House District 109, Samuel Vilchez Santiago in House District 43 and Ingrid Wadsworth in House District 2. All but three of the legislative candidates are running in Republican-held districts. The PAC also endorsed Dee Galery for Palm Coast City Council, Linsey Grove for St. Petersburg City Council, Susanne Peña for Orange County School Board and Victor Sims for Polk County School Board. Demographic data showed 59% of endorsed candidates are women, 50% are people of color and 86% are millennial or Generation Z. The organization noted it helped state Rep. Emily Gregory and state Sen. Brian Nathan win seats this year and contributed to Eileen Higgins's win in the Miami mayoral race. Katherine Jackson, Senior Communications Advisor for the PAC, said in an email that "These endorsements are a testament to the leaders across the state who are rising to meet this moment for the people they seek to represent."

POLITICS

Senator Ashley Moody Marks First Anniversary of Working Families Tax Cut Act

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

Senator Ashley Moody marked the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, 2024, stating that the law eliminated federal taxes on Social Security benefits, tips for service workers and overtime pay. The legislation was enacted in 2024 after congressional consideration and took effect immediately. According to Moody's office, Americans have claimed $82 billion in individual relief, and 97 percent of taxpayers reported a reduction in federal taxes for the most recent filing season. The office reported that 7.5 million taxpayers paid no federal tax on tips, 29 million avoided taxes on overtime earnings, and 35 million seniors received a larger deduction. Florida filers received an average refund of approximately $4,500, exceeding the national average of $3,300. The act also established investment accounts for children; more than 5.5 million accounts have been opened, and 1.4 million eligible children may receive a $1,000 Treasury contribution if their parents choose to participate, with eligibility limited to infants born between 2025 and 2028. Moody said the legislation provides financial relief by removing those taxes and noted that the figures illustrate the impact. Moody said she will continue to pursue tax reductions, eliminate waste and support economic growth in Florida.

POLITICS

Supreme Court Rulings Expand Presidential Power and Change Social Policies

On July 2, 2026, the U.S.

114d ago · Source: guardian-politics · 2 min read

On July 2, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of rulings that expanded presidential authority, including the power to dismiss heads of federal agencies without congressional approval, and allowed policies that limit birthright citizenship, restrict transgender participation in sports, and alter voting rights, as well as immigration measures that strip temporary protected status from Haitian and Syrian residents. The Court now includes six justices appointed during the Trump presidency, giving it a six‑to‑three conservative majority. The decisions were based on arguments presented by the administration and by opinions written by the justices. In the Slaughter case, the Court held that the president may remove the head of any federal agency at will, overturning a 1935 precedent that had placed limits on such removals. The ruling relied on the unitary executive theory, which holds that the president has sole authority over the executive branch. Justice Gorsuch wrote a separate opinion stating that further actions to curb the administrative state may be required. The birthright citizenship ruling was decided 5‑4. The majority upheld the constitutional guarantee that individuals born in the United States are citizens, while four justices expressed concerns about the principle. The Court also issued orders allowing the administration to bar transgender girls from competing in female sports and to eliminate campaign finance restrictions on party contributions, actions that legal analysts say could influence the upcoming congressional elections. In addition, the Court approved the removal of temporary protected status for residents of Haiti and Syria, advancing the administration’s immigration agenda. Legal scholars have noted that the rulings represent a notable shift in the balance of power. Laurence Tribe, a Harvard law professor, said the Court’s willingness to consider previously unconsidered positions could lead to a majority supporting Trump’s program. Daniel Epps of Washington University observed that the decisions diminish the administrative state by granting the president greater control over agencies. Kim Lane Scheppele of Princeton said the Court’s composition may affect its willingness to rule against the executive’s agenda. The decisions raise questions about congressional oversight and civil service protections, especially if the opposition party gains control of the House in the November midterm elections.

POLITICS

Tampa Bay Defense Firm Supplies Critical Components for F-35 Program

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

TRAK TECOM, a Tampa‑based defense technology company, designs and manufactures RF and communications components for the F-35 Lightning II fighter. The company’s engineers develop antennas, circulators, switch filter banks and related systems that enable the aircraft’s data links and situational awareness in contested environments. These components are integral to the F-35’s operational capability, not peripheral accessories. The F-35 program involves nearly 1,900 businesses across the United States, with more than 160 located in Florida. Together they support over 30,000 jobs and generate an estimated $23 billion in economic impact. In the Tampa Bay region, the program contributes about $150 million annually and provides more than 700 direct jobs, including positions at small and veteran‑owned firms. The F-35 is operated by the United States and 19 partner nations, and its interoperability relies on the seamless communication systems supplied by firms like TRAK TECOM. Sustained funding for production and modernization, as well as a responsive industrial base, are required to maintain the aircraft’s capabilities and the associated economic benefits. The company’s employees note that their work directly supports pilots and mission success, contributing to national security and the strength of the American defense industrial base.

POLITICS

Florida records lowest July residential arson rate among U.S. states

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

Florida recorded the lowest residential arson rate in July among all U.S. states, averaging 17.8 incidents per year from 2021 through 2025, about one per 586,000 homes, roughly one‑sixth of the national average. The analysis, conducted by Besroi Roofing and Siding using FBI Crime Data Explorer data, ranked Florida first, ahead of New Jersey, while neighboring Georgia and Alabama showed rates four and ten times higher, respectively. The report was released as residents prepare for Independence Day celebrations, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson along with the Florida Forest Service urged responsible use of fireworks despite easing drought conditions, noting that wildfire season remains ongoing. The data indicate a relatively low risk of intentional or accidental residential fires in Florida during the holiday period, though officials continue to recommend caution.

POLITICS

Bernard Taylor Campaign Announces $563,000 Raised in Q2 for Florida’s 21st District

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

Bernard Taylor, a Democratic first‑responder running for Congress in Florida’s 21st district, announced that his campaign raised $563,000 during the second quarter. The total includes more than 25,000 individual contributions that averaged $22 per donor. Taylor said the donors were modest contributors rather than wealthy interests and that his campaign declined corporate PAC money and special‑interest donations. Nearly all of the Q2 revenue came from mobile devices, representing about 93% of the total, and roughly 41% was processed through the digital platform ActBlue. Taylor, a fourth‑generation Floridian, is campaigning on affordable healthcare, education investment, job creation, housing affordability, environmental protection, and representation of constituents over political insiders. He faces a primary challenger, Coast Guard veteran James Martin, who entered Q2 with nearly $307,000 raised. Other candidates include independent Alexander Cooke and write‑in candidate David Fabrikant. The primary election is scheduled for August 18, and the general election will be held on November 3. Taylor said he expects stronger fundraising and increased voter contact in the third quarter.

POLITICS

James Pericola Raises $100,000 in Three Weeks for Florida's 11th District

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

James Pericola, a Democrat, reported raising more than $100,000 in three weeks for his campaign in Florida’s 11th Congressional District, and said his campaign retains most of the funds. He is challenging Republican Rep. Daniel Webster, who won re‑election with more than 60 percent of the vote in 2022. Barbie Harden Hall, the Democratic nominee in the 2020 race, endorsed Pericola after ending her own campaign due to health concerns. Hall said Pericola would deliver through compromise and hard work and would bring leadership to the district. Pericola previously served as a Special Assistant to the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board and to the late U.S. Senator Bob Graham, and he founded the Seward Square Group, a government relations firm, in 2009. He said the fundraising reflects support from a range of donors and that asking for contributions is difficult in the current economy. Hall added that Pericola knows how to work across the aisle and will focus on delivering relief for American families. The campaign said it will use the money to build infrastructure and draw national attention ahead of the November election.

POLITICS

Court Upholds Trump Administration's Ability to Remove Historical and Climate Information From National Parks

114d ago · Source: guardian-politics

A United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld the Trump administration's authority to remove historical and climate information from National Park Service signage on Thursday. The decision means the administration does not have to reinstall materials that were taken down under a 2025 executive order. In 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to eliminate signage and narratives described as ideological indoctrination. The interior secretary Doug Burgum then instructed park staff to flag any content that disparages Americans past or present. The National Parks Conservation Association and the Association of National Park Rangers sued in February, arguing that the removals harmed public trust. A federal district court judge in Massachusetts ordered the government to restore the materials within 21 days, saying the administration's actions created a dangerous precedent of censorship. On Thursday a three‑judge appellate panel reversed that finding, holding that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated specific harm and had not provided evidence linking Burgum's directive to reputational injury or reduced membership. The panel concluded that the lower court's determination of censorship did not constitute a specific injury likely to affect the plaintiffs. The litigation may continue as the parks operate without the disputed signage.

POLITICS

Allison Tant Supports Charlie Crist in St. Petersburg Mayor’s Race

114d ago · Source: floridapolitics

State Representative Allison Tant announced her endorsement of Charlie Crist’s campaign for St. Petersburg mayor, noting a longstanding political relationship that has included his service as state senator, governor and congressman. Crist said on Thursday that he valued Tant’s advocacy for students, families and Floridians with disabilities and her former role as chair of the Florida Democratic Party. The endorsement follows statements from other Democratic officials, including U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, former Representatives Cheri Bustos and Matt Cartwright, State Senator Darryl Rouson, former Representative Ben Diamond, former Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman, and several current and former Tampa and St. Petersburg city council members. Although the mayoral race is nonpartisan, it has attracted attention from Democratic elected officials and activists as Crist challenges incumbent Mayor Ken Welch for support among the city’s left‑leaning voters. City Council Member Brandi Gabbard is currently polling with double‑digit support, ahead of several other candidates. The campaign continues as additional endorsements are expected before the election.

POLITICS

Trump Posts AI-Generated Video Claiming to Cure Critics of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

114d ago · Source: guardian-politics

Donald Trump posted an AI‑generated video on his social media account on Thursday, showing himself as a doctor who says he has cured critics of a condition he calls “Trump derangement syndrome.” The video features deepfake versions of celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Edward Norton, Julia Roberts and Robert De Niro, who are portrayed as expressing regret over their criticism of Trump. In the video, the AI version of Trump says he was unsure he could help those with the condition and recommends turning off fake news, praying, and drinking Diet Coke as a treatment. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the post was Trump’s “right.” O’Donnell said her assessment of the president remained unchanged and offered a diagnosis urging removal, impeachment and conviction, referencing the 25th amendment. Officials did not confirm whether the White House had contacted any of the actors depicted about using their likeness. Trump has previously shared AI‑generated images portraying himself as religious figures, a fake Time magazine cover, and a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, which he deleted after backlash.