Ally Mutnick
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Articles by Ally Mutnick
Youngkin aide steps down amid controversy over GOP's lieutenant governor candidate Original
A top aide to Glenn Youngkin's political operation has stepped down from his post leading the PAC, Spirit of Virginia, according to a person familiar with his departure and granted anonymity to describe internal matters. Matt Moran, a longtime Youngkin staffer, had become the center of a political firestorm in recent days after allegations emerged that John Reid, the presumptive GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, had maintained a social media account with pornographic images of naked men.
Tammy Duckworth backs Juliana Stratton for Dick Durbin’s Illinois Senate seat Original
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth is wading into the open primary to succeed longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, endorsing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton to join her in representing Illinois in the Senate. Stratton, who was endorsed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week, has now received the backing of two of the state’s top Democrats in the opening days of her campaign, drawing the party establishment to her side even as a crowded primary appears to be taking shape.
Dems reel in Arizona amid ‘public circular firing squad’ Original
Arizona Democrats are scrambling to contain the fallout from feuding that has engulfed their state party and top elected officials, fearing the skirmish will hurt them in 2026. After the state party chair lashed out at Arizona’s Democratic senators this past weekend, local party leaders warned the collapse of key intra-party relationships in the state could damage the party’s prospects in the midterms.
Club for Growth wades into Arizona governor race, with a shot at Karrin Taylor Robson Original
Three years after losing to Kari Lake, Karrin Taylor Robson is running again for Arizona governor with a much clearer path toward claiming the MAGA mantle. But the Club for Growth is firing a warning shot. The influential anti-tax group is wading into the Arizona gubernatorial race with a new poll, shared first with POLITICO, touting the electability of GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, Robson’s chief opponent. The Republican contest to face Democratic Gov.
Where Republicans are winning the money race
Democrats have been riding an enthusiasm high, fueled by backlash to the chaotic start to the second Trump administration. But it’s the vulnerable House GOP incumbents who ran fundraising circles around their Democratic counterparts during the first three months of the year. Just look at the numbers. All of the 19 members the House GOP campaign arm designated as endangered raised more than $500,000, according to a POLITICO analysis of campaign finance data.
Arizona Democrats devolve into infighting Original
Arizona’s Democratic Party is in a meltdown. Bitter infighting among the state’s top Democrats, apparently building for weeks, spilled into public view on Saturday when the state party chair, Robert E. Branscomb II, sent a letter to members of Arizona’s state Democratic committee attacking Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and airing private disagreements among them. The senators and Democratic Gov.
Democrat eyes challenge to Susan Collins in Maine Original
Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer, would be one of the first Democrats to enter the race. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is seen at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 14, 2025. | Francis Chung/POLITICO Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer from Maine, has told fellow Democrats that he plans to launch a bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, according to two people familiar with his plans who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them.
How David Hogg ignited a firestorm inside the DNC Original
When newly elected Democratic National Committee officers gathered in late March at a Washington hotel, the agenda included a brief but robust discussion of a pledge not to intervene in party primaries, according to two people who attended the meeting and a third who was briefed on it.
New fundraising data shows warning signs for key Senate incumbents and strength for others Original
Democrats are off to an early fundraising lead in key Senate battlegrounds. Progressives in uncompetitive seats raised big money. And some GOP incumbents are gearing up for tough primary challenges. Facing a brutal Senate map, Democrats have an extremely difficult path back to the majority. They have to defend Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and three open seats in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire. Republicans are looking to hold onto North Carolina and Maine.
Senate Republicans fear they can't stop Trump from backing primary challengers Original
Ken Paxton’s entry into the U.S. Senate race in Texas is becoming a major headache for Republicans. Top GOP senators were maneuvering to undercut the Texas attorney general even before he announced his primary campaign this week against four-term Sen. John Cornyn. Others urged President Donald Trump after Paxton got into the race to endorse the incumbent leadership adviser and former chair of the Senate campaign arm with a deep donor base.
Democrats begin to confront their age problem in primary campaigns Original
A new crop of Democratic candidates is trying to turn the midterms into a referendum on age and complacency in their party’s ranks. In recent weeks, Jake Rakov, a 37-year-old former staffer to Rep. Brad Sherman of California, announced he is challenging his onetime boss, lambasting the 70-year-old, 15-term incumbent for not doing enough when the district was engulfed by wildfires. Progressive YouTuber Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is taking on 80-year-old Rep.
Democrats reveal their top targets to flip in 2026 Original
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s list includes 10 seats that President Donald Trump won by 10 percentage points or more. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries departs a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, March 24, 2025. | Francis Chung/POLITICO Full of optimism after strong showings in Florida and Wisconsin elections, Democrats are unveiling an ambitious list of nearly three dozen GOP-held House seats they will try to flip in 2026.
Democrats look to push into GOP turf with buzzy candidate recruits for the midterms Original
In Iowa, two state lawmakers are considering runs against Rep. Zach Nunn in a district sure to be impacted by tariffs. Two prospective candidates in Pennsylvania and Michigan lost or left jobs thanks to the Trump administration, giving them a powerful story on the campaign trail. A pair of former representatives are considering comeback bids for battleground districts in the Rust Belt. And Democrats think at least two districts in Virginia, held by GOP Reps.
Former aide skewers California Rep. Brad Sherman in primary launch Original
Jake Rakov is running against his ex-boss, Rep. Brad Sherman, a 15-term incumbent representing Los Angeles’ fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades. Jake Rakov is challenging his former boss, Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman, in California's 32nd Congressional District. | Jake Rakov Another House Democrat is getting an age-driven primary challenge. Jake Rakov, a former staffer to Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), is launching a bid Wednesday to oust his one-time boss.
The hidden 2024 trend that complicates the Latino shift toward Trump Original
Many of the Latino voters who broke for Donald Trump also backed Democrats for Congress. What that means will shape politics for elections to come. Supporters hold a sign before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign event, Sept.12 in Tucson, Arizona.
Stefanik's withdrawal suggests Republicans are sweating their thin margins Original
Democrats insist Republicans are panicking. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) looks on during a press conference on Capitol Hill March 6, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICO President Donald Trump’s decision to keep Rep. Elise Stefanik in Congress is the clearest sign yet that the political environment has become so challenging for Republicans that they don’t want to risk a special election even in safe, red seats.
Will Democrats finally get a shot at taking out Susan Collins?
Captain Ahab had Moby Dick. Wile E. Coyote had Road Runner. Senate Democrats have Susan Collins. Even as ticket-splitting rates have plummeted, Collins has stymied all previous Democratic attempts to oust her from her Maine Senate seat and she remains the only Republican senator left standing in a state that Donald Trump lost in 2024.
Will Democrats finally get a shot at taking out Susan Collins?
12 hours ago NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Nothing is ever certain in American politics, but the tidal charts of federal elections have proven pretty reliable over the years. "The people" have established firm patterns, but they also allow for upsets. According to those tidal charts, the GOP should …
Dems fume over war plan group chat. And look for how to make the controversy stick. Original
Auchincloss likened the political ramifications of the incident to then-President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, even as one involved major military decisions and the other a discussion of war plans. He said, “His approval ratings took a 10-point hit and never recovered. I don’t think people went to the polls three years later and said, ‘I’m going to vote for Trump because of Afghanistan.
Dems run into angry crowds at town halls 😂
Free Republic Browse · Search News/Activism Topics · Post Article Skip to comments. ‘You’re not fighting!’: Dems run into angry crowds at town halls 😂 Politico ^ | March 19 | By Ally Mutnick and Brakkton Booker Posted on by RandFan Congressional Democrats — who were hoping to blast Republicans over budget cuts — instead took incoming from their exasperated constituents when they traveled home to host town halls. In Arizona, Sens.
Dems run into angry crowds at town halls
Original Article Posted By: NorthernDog, 3/19/2025 7:54:08 PM Congressional Democrats - who were hoping to blast Republicans over budget cuts - instead took incoming from their exasperated constituents when they traveled home to host town halls. In Arizona, Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly were confronted at a joint forum Monday by an attendee demanding to know if they "would support removing" Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. In Oregon, an audience member told Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep.
‘You’re not fighting!’: Dems run into angry crowds at town halls Original
Congressional Democrats — who were hoping to blast Republicans over budget cuts — instead took incoming from their exasperated constituents when they traveled home to host town halls. In Arizona, Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly were confronted at a joint forum Monday by an attendee demanding to know if they “would support removing” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. In Oregon, an audience member told Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep.
Senate Dems’ shutdown politics
Nine Democrats (and one independent aligned with them) enraged their liberal base when they broke with the majority of the party on Friday to advance the GOP’s spending bill. It’s possible that not a single one of them will be on the ballot next year. Of the Democratic senators who voted to move the bill forward, only three seats are up for reelection in 2026: Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Top Illinois Democrat readies a Senate bid — and tells people she has major backing Original
Ambitious Illinois Democrats are dreaming about Sen. Dick Durbin’s exit in 2026. The latest contender: the state’s lieutenant governor. Juliana Stratton, who first took office in 2019, is quietly positioning herself for a Senate bid if Durbin bows out, calling key Democratic figures to ask for support, according to three people with knowledge of her plans, one of whom spoke with her directly and the other two who spoke with members of her team.
Senate Democrats face 'tough map' as a slate of retirements hit Dem-friendly states Original
There might be more departures for Democrats to come, though in much bluer states: Sen. Dick Durbin is on retirement watch in Illinois and Sen. Michael Bennet is eyeing a possible run for governor in Colorado. Durbin, who is 80, declined to share his own reelection plans on Wednesday but acknowledged that the party’s 2026 Senate map is “challenging.” Democrats’ biggest challenge was always going to be a limited number of pick-up opportunities as they try to claw their way back to power: Sens.
‘We’re moving forward with the cuts’
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House Republicans unfazed by protests: ‘We’re moving forward with the cuts’ Original
Many GOP lawmakers insisted their constituents back Musk’s moves. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) speaks following the House Republican leadership elections on Capitol Hill on Nov. 13, 2024. | Angelina Katsanis/POLITICO Rep. Jay Obernolte’s town hall in California last week was drowned out by shouts of “No king!” Rep. Glenn Grothman entered his Wisconsin town hall to boos and jeers, while Rep. Cliff Bentz of Oregon faced so much heckling that he threatened to leave.
Virginia Dems’ new ad campaign weaponizes Musk
Virginia Democrats are launching an opening salvo in their quest to make Elon Musk a political liability for Republicans trying to regain ground in the House of Delegates this year. The world’s richest man takes on a starring role in a new digital and streaming ad campaign from the Virginia House Democratic Caucus.
Dems said they want to work with Musk. DOGE is making that hard. Original
A handful of Democrats once sounded open to working with the tech billionaire. His wrecking ball to the federal government has made them question that. Rep. Ro Khanna suggested on X that Elon Musk was launching “unconstitutional” attacks on American institutions. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Fresh off an electoral rout, some Democrats pledged to work with Elon Musk on his mission to reduce waste and fraud.
Former Dem considers run against Cuellar
Republicans may have found a formidable candidate to help them grow their footprint in South Texas: a former Democrat who switched parties on national television. Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, the top elected official in the county, is considering a run against Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar in his border district, which has swung hard to the right over the past eight years. Republican recruiters believe his profile could help the party expand its gains with Latino voters.
Haley Stevens eyes open Michigan Senate seat Original
The centrist Democrat would be a strong contender, but she’s not the only one considering the newly open seat. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill Feb. 6, 2025. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images) | AP Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens is taking steps toward a Michigan Senate bid. The four-term centrist congresswoman is seriously considering a run to succeed retiring Sen.
Robson launches bid for Arizona governor, with Trump’s support
Karrin Taylor Robson, an attorney and business executive with ties to the state’s GOP establishment, launched a second run for governor of Arizona on Wednesday — this time with Donald Trump’s backing. Her bid comes roughly three years after she lost a brutal Republican governor primary to Kari Lake in a race that drew national attention because of Lake’s personal and nasty attacks on Robson. In 2022, Lake had Trump’s endorsement.
How Trump’s assault on bureaucracy could rock Virginia elections Original
The off-year races are often a bellwether for the national mood a year before the midterms. Democrats control both chambers of the Virginia legislature, and while they work to weaponize Elon Musk, Republicans will be painting Democrats as ineffectual incumbents in Richmond.
Inside the NRSC’s winter meeting: ‘Cash is king’
Senate GOP campaign chief Tim Scott previewed his 2026 game plan over the weekend to some of the party’s top donors at a retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. His main takeaway: It’s going to be mighty costly. Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said his team believes the battleground map will include six states — three offensive targets in Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire and three defensive ones in Maine, North Carolina and Ohio.
Live updates on Trump transition and Congress news
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By Mia McCarthy Verified, Jordain Carney Verified, Ally Mutnick Verified, Nicholas Wu Verified, Meredith Lee Hill Verified
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POLITICO
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Democrats zero in on Musk as a way to attack Trump Original
The billionaire’s strategy of moving fast and breaking things isn’t going over so well with the public. Elon Musk arrives to President-elect Donald Trump's pre-inauguration victory rally at Capitol One Arena in Washington, on Jan. 19, 2025. | Angelina Katsanis/POLITICO Democrats are starting to wake up and sketch out a plan to help them win back the working class: Turn the world’s richest person into their boogeyman. They’ve set their sights on holding Elon Musk to account.
What new House and Senate campaign-finance data tells us about the midterms
Friday’s campaign-finance deadline brought a trove of new data to the Federal Election Commission. Candidates, incumbents, super PACs and party committees gave a clear picture of how their finances looked at the end of 2024. It’s hard to glean too much when midterms are still two years away, but these reports give an early indication of how 2026 might play out. How much did the parties spend in the run-up to the last election?
Open Senate seat puts Democrats on defense in Michigan Original
His unexpected retirement in the battleground states comes in an already difficult Senate cycle for Democrats. Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement sent shockwaves through the Michigan political establishment on Tuesday morning. | Francis Chung/POLITICO Gary Peters’ unexpected retirement from a crucial swing state Senate seat has put Democrats on defense in an already rough Senate cycle — and amid a painful round of soul-searching within the party.
The boycott that wasn’t
A unified boycott of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration by Democratic lawmakers never materialized. At this point four years ago, nearly 70 House Democrats put their names on a list of those sitting out the swearing-in ceremony — a formal protest of Trump’s 2016 campaign, Russian interference in the election and his treatment of the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), whom he attacked on Twitter. It even had a hashtag #IStandWithJohnLewis. It’s not 2017 anymore.
Dozens of Dems boycotted the first Trump inauguration. Some are attending the second.
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I didn’t even go to to Biden’s inauguration. It’s too cold and unpleasant, so maybe not, but it’s not making a statement. I don’t go to those just as a general rule. … I’ve been to two in 28 years. I am hoping to be at the National Championship game in Atlanta, where my alma mater, Notre Dame, is playing. My plan is to be at home in San Antonio at the MLK March. I got asked to speak there. I wouldn’t enjoy it. The “American Carnage” speech made me glad I didn’t go the last time.
By Ally Mutnick Verified, Nicholas Wu Verified, Daniella Diaz Verified, Paula Friedrich, Anna Wiederkehr, Abhinanda Bhattacharyya Verified
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POLITICO
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Justice Democrats say primary challenges are back on the menu
A top progressive group has a plan to forge a way forward after Democrats’ brutal election cycle: a renewed push to primary members of its own party. Justice Democrats, the organization that rose to prominence for its association with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), is launching a formal candidate recruitment effort on Tuesday.
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