Year: 2025
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Texas House rejects amendment to universal school choice bill that would have placed statutory measure on statewide ballot for first time
In Texas, House Republicans defeated an amendment to Senate Bill 2 on April 16 that would have required the proposed universal education savings account (ESA) program to be placed on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot for voters to decide. Had it been placed on the ballot, Senate Bill 2 would have been the first statewide…
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Trump issues executive order opposing state ESG policies
President Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order last week directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate and block enforcement of state laws promoting ESG policies. Trump argued such laws conflict with national security and economic interests. The order lays the groundwork for federal legal challenges against state ESG laws. It reverses the dynamic…
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Texas voters in largest cities to decide 42 local ballot measures on May 3
Ballotpedia is covering 42 ballot measures in nine counties in Texas on May 3. All 42 ballot measures were referred to the ballot by a vote of a local governing board, such as a county board or city council. This is an increase in ballot measures compared to the previous even-year May election in Texas…
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Incumbent Edward Gainey (D) and Corey O’Connor (D) are running in the Democratic primary for mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 2025
Incumbent Edward Gainey (D) and Corey O’Connor (D) are running in the Democratic primary for mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 2025. A Democrat has held the mayor’s office since 1934. PennLive‘s J.D. Prose wrote, “With Pittsburgh remaining a solidly blue enclave in purple Allegheny County, the party’s primary race winner will be considered…
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Nine members of Congress have announced they will not seek re-election in 2026
Since our March 19 update on congressional retirements, three members of the U.S. House of Representatives—one Democrat and two Republicans—have announced they will not seek re-election in 2026. Those representatives include: Additionally, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) announced his candidacy for Colorado governor on April 10. Since Bennet is not up for re-election until 2028, he…
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Arkansas voters to decide on three constitutional amendments in 2026 addressing the right to bear arms, a citizenship requirement for voting, and the creation of economic development districts
Arkansas voters will decide on three constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, 2026, referred to the ballot by the state legislature. The amendments would expand the constitutional right to bear arms, require citizenship to vote, and allow the creation of economic development districts. Right to bear arms amendment Senate Joint Resolution 11 was sponsored by Sen.…
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Prop 65, the 1970’s Tax Revolt, and California’s long, influential ballot measures legacy
Prop 65, the 1970’s Tax Revolt, and California’s long, influential ballot measures legacy On this episode: The third installment of our Historical Ballot Measures Factbook series! A deep dive into the Golden State’s long and influential history with ballot measures. Former host and ballot measure expert Victoria Rose returns to help us explore how California…