State and local government news covering governors, state legislatures, mayors, city councils, and regional political developments across America.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is reviving his campaign for Wisconsin governor after briefly ending it and endorsing Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who withdrew on July 17 amid a campaign finance scandal. Gov. Tony Evers is considering backing Crowley's return. Crowley will announce his re-entry at a Milwaukee rally.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to 'suck on a salt lick' in response to pressure to cooperate with national security measures on local elections. Attorney General Kris Mayes also vowed to fight any federal intervention, calling Arizona's elections 'safe, secure and successful.'
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro launched a $3.3 million organizing effort called 'Rise Up Pennsylvania' to boost Democrats in the 2026 midterms. The campaign targets four GOP-held House districts and aims to win unified control of state government for the first time in 30 years.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley's revived gubernatorial campaign on Saturday. Crowley re-entered the race after suspending his campaign to rally support for Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who ended her bid due to financial reporting errors. The primary is Aug. 11.
A new poll shows Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms ahead of Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia's open governor's race. Bottoms won the Democratic primary in May, while Jackson secured the GOP nomination in June. A Bottoms victory would make her the first Democrat elected governor since 1998.
Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said business leaders are considering leaving Washington state due to concerns about state spending and fiscal management by majority Democrats. He cited Starbucks' expansion in Nashville as an example and noted credit rating agencies have flagged the state's financial outlook as negative.
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum tested negative for drugs after voluntarily enrolling in a drug testing program following his July 2 arrest in Alabama. He faces charges including felony possession of a controlled substance and has pleaded not guilty.
Oregon's Initiative Petition 28, which would ban killing animals with almost no exceptions, failed the first round of signature verification. A second review is underway, requiring at least 6,139 verified signatures with about 82% validity for the measure to qualify. Results are due by August 2.
Supporters of Initiative 195, which would replace Colorado's flat income tax with a graduated rate on top earners, rallied canvassers in Denver for a final signature push. More than a dozen Democratic lawmakers endorsed the effort, with State Rep. Lorena Garcia warning of cuts to services if the measure fails.
California filed lawsuits against Calexico, Costa Mesa, Half Moon Bay, Ridgecrest, and Turlock for failing to adopt state-approved housing plans. Governor Newsom stated 'no city gets a pass,' emphasizing the housing law applies statewide. The five cities collectively failed to plan for approximately 24,000 new homes.