Welcome to the Wednesday, Aug. 20, Brew. By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: A look at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention elections on Nov. 4 Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue (D), Kevin M. Dougherty (D), and David N. Wecht (D)—are up for retention elections on Nov.…
Since our last update on July 22, 2025, five members of the U.S. Congress—all members of the U.S. House of Representatives—have announced that they will not seek re-election in 2026. Here are the five members who have announced their retirements since our last update, as well as how three independent race forecasters have rated the…
There are eight open seats in this year’s state legislative elections, four percent of all 180 seats up for election. That is the lowest by percentage of any odd-year cycle since 2011. An open seat is where no incumbent filed to run, meaning it is guaranteed to be won by a newcomer. Ballotpedia uses the…
Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue (D), Kevin M. Dougherty (D), and David N. Wecht (D)—are up for retention elections on November 4, 2025. WHYY’s Carmen Russell-Sluchansky wrote, “State judicial elections typically garner little attention, but Pennsylvania’s 2025 state Supreme Court races are shaping up to be the next major political battleground,” and Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s…
President Donald Trump (R) announced on August 12, 2025, his intention to nominate Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bill Lewis to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. This marks the first potential judicial elevation from a state supreme court since March 2023. The last state supreme court justice to be successfully…
On June 30, the Election Assistance Commission released the results of the 2024 Election Administration and Voting Survey. According to a press release, the report “covers topics such as voter participation, voter registration, voter list maintenance, and election technology, as well as early and Election Day polling place operations for the general election.” Ballotpedia has…
The California State Legislature is set to reconvene on Aug. 18 following its summer recess with proposed changes to the state’s redistricting process on the agenda that would go before voters in November. The legislature has until Aug. 22, according to the California Secretary of State, to vote to place a constitutional amendment on the…