Year: 2025

  • Ballot measure update: No new 2025 or 2026 ballot measure certifications in July or first week of August

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    The number of certified statewide ballot measures for 2025 is 29, which, as of August 5, is equal to the average for this point in the election cycle compared to previous years (2011-2023). For 2026, the number of certified ballot measures is 55, which is 10 above the average. 2025 ballot measures By late May…

  • Trump executive order creates new federal employee classification for political appointees

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    On July 17, President Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order to expand the number of politically appointed federal employees. The “Creating Schedule G in the Excepted Service” executive order created a new job classification for federal workers, called Schedule G. Employees hired under Schedule G would be considered political appointees, serving without the legal…

  • President Donald Trump (R) issued 15 executive orders in July, the highest monthly total since April

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    President Donald Trump (R) issued 15 executive orders in July, bringing his total to 181. To view the titles and text of each order he issued in July, click here. This is the highest monthly total since April. In June, Trump issued nine orders and in May, Trump issued 14 orders. Trump issued 46 executive…

  • Texas House Democrats leave the state to prevent a quorum for congressional redistricting

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, July 6, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Texas House Democrats leave the state to prevent a quorum for congressional redistricting In the Aug. 4 Daily Brew, we told you about the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature’s plans to pursue congressional redistricting ahead of…

  • European group proposes streamlined ESG reporting standards

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    In this week’s edition of Economy and Society: Around the world European group proposes streamlined ESG reporting standards What’s the story? The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) published its proposed reporting standards for corporations last week under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), reducing the reporting requirements by roughly two-thirds. Why does it…

  • Trump calls on U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to end blue slips for federal judicial, U.S. attorney nominees

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    Welcome to the Tuesday, Aug. 5, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Trump calls on U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to end blue slips for federal judicial, U.S. attorney nominees President Donald Trump (R) took to social media on July 29 to call on U.S. Senate Judiciary…

  • State supreme court vacancy count for July 2024

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    In this month’s state supreme court vacancy update, Ballotpedia tracked announced retirements, nominations, appointments, confirmations, and the swearing-in of justices from July 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Ballotpedia tracks court vacancies in all 52 state supreme courts. Announced retirements: During July 2025, no state supreme court justices announced upcoming retirements. Candidates nominated, appointed, and…

  • Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears running in the general election for Governor of Virginia on Nov. 4

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    Abigail Spanberger (D) and Winsome Earle-Sears (R) are running in the general election for Governor of Virginia on Nov. 4, 2025. Incumbent Glenn Youngkin (R) is term-limited. As one of only two gubernatorial elections– the other being in New Jersey— that take place in the odd year following a presidential election, media outlets and political…

  • Rep. Nancy Mace becomes the eighth Republican representative to announce a gubernatorial bid for 2026

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    Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced on Aug. 4, 2025, that she will run for governor of South Carolina in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster (R) is term-limited. As of July 29, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have rated the…

  • Texas Democrats leave the state to prevent a quorum for redistricting

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    On August 3, 2025, Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives left the state to prevent action on Congressional redistricting during a special legislative session. On June 9, 2025, The New York Times’ J. David Goodman and Shane Goldmacher reported that President Donald Trump (R)’s team had reached out to Texas Republicans to add…