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Joanna Lydgate

@joannalydgate.bsky.social
510 followers 67 following 79 posts

Protecting democracy like it’s my job. No really, CEO @statesunited.org & @statesunitedaction.bsky.social I Former Chief Deputy AG at Mass AGO (she/her)

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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I wrote for @democracyproject.bsky.social about how we can restore trust in elections. Voters are already telling us where to start: with the state and local officials who run our elections. When people trust the process, and know their vote will count, they show up. bit.ly/4xZUgtg
democracyproject.org
How to Restore Trust in Elections? Voters Are Telling Us.
A broad range of views on democracy to help break the stalemate caused by partisan conflict.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Where do Americans stand on democracy and the rule of law? The @statesunited.org team just launched the Polling Hub—four years of polling, searchable in one place. pollinghub.statesunited.org
pollinghub.statesunited.org
Polling Hub
Polling from States United and YouGov on elections, democracy, and the rule of law. Search surveys, questions, and trends.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
States run elections in this country—and today the Supreme Court reaffirmed it. SCOTUS upheld state laws establishing grace periods for mail ballots. State and local officials know what policies work best for their voters. statesunited.org/press-release-wats…
statesunited.org
States United Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Confirming States’ Right to Set Mail-Ballot Grace Periods - States United Democracy Center
States run elections in this country—and state and local officials know what policies work best for their people.
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Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Remarkable interview with a remarkable lawyer, Janai Nelson open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com
Janai Nelson, The Lawyer Who Argued The Callais Gerrymandering Case
Every Tuesday, I co-host the Insider podcast on the Stay Tuned with Preet channel here on Substack, with my former US Attorney colleague Preet Bharara, who many of you already know.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
On #NationalNursesDay, and every day, we thank the brave nurses who keep us safe. Nurses stand on the frontline, risking their own health and safety, to protect New Yorkers. We are forever grateful for everything they do.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
NEW 2026 data from our research team @statesunitedaction.bsky.social shows Election Deniers on the ballot in at least half the country for statewide and congressional races so far. Voters deserve to see the full picture. ElectionDeniers.org makes that possible
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States United Action @action.statesunited.org · 04/05/2026
NEW >> States United Action has launched its 2026 tracking of Election Deniers running for statewide and congressional office. The latest data finds Election Deniers on the ballot in at least half the states across the country. statesunited.org/press-releas...
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Olivia of Troye @oliviaoftroye.com · 30/04/2026
Justice Kagan warned: the Voting Rights Act is now “all but a dead letter.” States can dilute minority voting power by calling it “partisanship.” This is happening in plain sight. Vote like your rights depend on it. They do.
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 29/04/2026
Today, the Supreme Court further gutted a major protection against racially discriminatory election practices, making it harder to challenge unfair redistricting under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.🧵 Read our statement regarding the ruling: statesunited.org/press-releas...
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 27/04/2026
The Constitution gives states—not the federal government—the power to run elections. That safeguard is by design. It means no one person can control the system. As @joannalydgate.bsky.social put it, "Trump can’t do everything, everywhere, all at once.” www.wbur.org/news/2026/04...
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
This shoddy indictment seeks to silence those who would hold the Trump Admin accountable. The FBI regularly uses these same tactics in their own work. This is a clear abuse of power that puts our democracy at risk. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center over paid informants
The civil rights group is being investigated over how it has sought to infiltrate extremist groups, its CEO says, adding that it “will not be intimidated.”
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 17/04/2026
NEW >> States United, @protectdemocracy.org, & @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social file second amicus brief on behalf of 73 retired national security leaders, urging an appeals court to uphold First Amendment protections for Navy veteran Sen. @captmarkkelly.bsky.social. statesunited.org/press-releas...
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
HUGE NEWS out of California >> John Eastman has been DISBARRED for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. @statesunited.org has led the charge to hold Eastman accountable since 2021, and this is a clear and pointed reminder that no one is above the law. thehill.com/homenews/583...
thehill.com
John Eastman disbarred in California over efforts to overturn 2020 election
John Eastman, a lawyer who spearheaded efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in President Trump’s favor, has been formally disbarred in California The California S…
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 15/04/2026
BREAKING >> The California Supreme Court has officially disbarred John Eastman, a key architect of President Trump’s unlawful plan to overturn the results of the 2020 election. statesunited.org/eastman-ca-d...
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Lies about elections undermine public trust, but they can also be weaponized against our election system. This new report from @statesunited.org shows how baseless claims published by an election skeptic eventually led to a Trump admin raid against a local election office.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
There are so many people fighting the good fight against election denial, but I'm especially grateful to leaders like Stephen Richer who understand that protecting our democracy means putting country over party. Upholding the Constitution isn't political -- it's patriotic.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: States are on the frontlines of defending our democracy. State AGs, Secretaries of State, and Governors lost no time taking Trump's illegal executive order to court this week. They will protect our elections.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Targeting lawyers for doing their jobs threatens the rule of law — and our democracy. Proud to have @statesunited.org filing this brief on behalf of leading experts in this space.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
States run elections, not the President. In a new op-ed for @time.com, @votingrightslab.bsky.social's Samantha Tarazi and I break down how Trump is trying to change that – and why he won't succeed. time.com/article/2026...
time.com
Trump Is Trying to Nationalize Elections. States Won’t Let Him
"State and local officials are holding the line against federal overreach," write Joanna Lydgate and Samantha Tarazi.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
President Trump's actions are increasingly desperate, as he tries to once again grab election powers for himself. Americans don't want the president more involved in elections, and states are ready to fight this illegal overreach. statesunited.org/elections-ex...
statesunited.org
States United Statement: March 2026 Elections Executive Order - States United Democracy Center
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 30/03/2026
ACLU Legal Director Cecillia Wang will appear before the Supreme Court this week to fight against ending birthright citizenship. She credits changes in federal immigration law in the 1960s for providing her family a path to succeed.
washingtonpost.com
Daughter of immigrants brings history to bear in fight for birthright citizenship
Cecillia Wang was born in Oregon after her parents left Taiwan. That path has animated her work over two decades at the ACLU and will inform her case at the Supreme Court.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Since its founding, @statesunited.org has been at the forefront of fighting election denial. Grateful to journalists like Alan Feuer, @nytnickc.bsky.social, and Alexandra Berzon for keeping focus on how election deniers have infiltrated the federal government. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Where Trump Has Installed 2020 Election Deniers in Government
His administration is stocked with people who have questioned the legitimacy of elections, including some who have claimed that the 2020 presidential race was stolen.
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American Bar Association @americanbar.org · 18/03/2026
Five outstanding female lawyers will be honored with the 2026 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Learn more about them and their important work: bit.ly/4bOnByK
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The American people deserve thorough and transparent investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good — and assigning a DOJ employment attorney instead of a civil rights attorney experienced in excessive force cases is anything but. www.cbsnews.com/news/doj-civ...
cbsnews.com
DOJ's Alex Pretti shooting probe excludes prosecutors who specialize in civil rights cases, sources say
Rank-and-file career prosecutors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division cases are not involved in investigating Alex Pretti's shooting death by federal agents, CBS News has learned, in a st...
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 01/03/2026
Did you know 80% of the people who run our free, fair, and secure elections are women?! They’re the backbone of our democracy – steady, focused, and always landing under pressure. 🥇 #WHM
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Governor Maura Healey @massgovernor.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Every March, we celebrate the women moving Massachusetts forward — in classrooms, labs, businesses, on the playing field, and in government. Let’s make sure every girl in our state knows there's no limit to what she can achieve. Happy Women's History Month!
Happy Women’s History Month.
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Governor Christine Todd Whitman @govwhitman.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
It's depressing to see Trump turn the Olympics into a political sideshow. Posting a meme of himself scoring a hockey goal, using the men’s team as ploys in the SOTU is frustrating, especially after the flippant remarks he made about the women’s USA hockey team whose record is better than the men's.
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Governor Maura Healey @massgovernor.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
In Massachusetts, I'm going to keep working hard every day to lower the cost of housing, energy and health care — and I’ll continue to oppose these tariffs in the strongest possible terms.
Governor Healey tariffs statement. Governor Healey tariffs statement.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Today the Supreme Court made clear that President Trump can't unilaterally seize power. Every person who holds public office — and every branch of government at the federal, state, and local levels — answers to the U.S. Constitution.
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Governor Maura Healey @massgovernor.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant in the fight for civil rights, economic justice and human dignity. He empowered people to see — and use — their collective strength. May we honor his legacy by continuing to build a more just, inclusive future. Sending love to the Jackson family.
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 13/02/2026
🎧 LISTEN NOW >> @joannalydgate.bsky.social & Utah First Lady Abby Spencer Cox joined the Pantsuit Politics podcast to discuss political violence in America, and how we can come together to find common ground and bipartisan solutions. omny.fm/shows/pantsu...
omny.fm
When the Pitchforks Come for You - Pantsuit Politics
When every moment could become viral fodder, what's the cost of just living your life? Sarah and Beth examine several recent news stories that address this question of privacy and surveillance. Plus, ...
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Election denial is more powerful today than it has ever been — and it's embedded across the Trump Administration. He now has the tools of the entire federal government at his disposal, and that's supercharging the threats we face in the 2026 elections. www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
nbcnews.com
Trump's election threats shape this year's key secretary of state races
The aggressive posture taken by Trump and his administration is defining campaigns in both parties for offices that oversee the election process in swing states.
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 02/02/2026
WATCH >> Our Rule of Law Director, Sam Trepel, sat down with @60minutes.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump Admin is shutting out state investigators looking into Alex Pretti's killing. "I think it sends a message that federal agents are above the law. And that's a very dangerous message."
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Olivia of Troye @oliviaoftroye.com · 30/01/2026
They arrested Don Lemon. This is retribution. Years of hostility from the Trump circle toward a journalist who called them out. Instead of accountability for a killing in Minneapolis, DOJ went after the press. Stand with Don Lemon. Stand with the Constitution. Stand with a free press.
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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 29/01/2026
Standing with Minnesotans tonight and paying my respects to Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Governor Pritzker lays flowers down.Signs and flowers in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
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Barb McQuade @barbmcquade.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Peaceful protest works. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
wsj.com
Administration to Draw Down Immigration Officers in Minneapolis, Homan Says
The White House border czar had been dispatched to Minneapolis this week after a second fatal shooting by federal immigration officials.
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Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General @keithellison.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Minnesota judge summons ICE leader to court, threatens contempt sanctions www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
politico.com
Minnesota judge summons ICE leader to court, threatens contempt sanctions
The chief judge, a George W. Bush appointee, said the administration had repeatedly violated or slow-walked court orders in Minnesota.
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 27/01/2026
Poll workers are the backbone of our democracy. On #HelpAmericaVoteDay, we’re proud to celebrate their contributions to our free and fair elections. Want to learn how to serve as a poll worker in your community? Visit www.powerthepolls.org/search.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
We stand with the people of Minnesota, who are showing the world what courage and resilience look like in the face of authoritarianism.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
@statesunited.org has spent years fighting back against election denial and Trump’s “Big Lie” from 2020. The harms of the lie, and the mistrust it sowed in our elections, never went away. Quite the opposite. www.ms.now/opinion/trum...
ms.now
Opinion | Why Trump’s ‘big lie’ about 2020 election fraud still matters
Eric Lutz: The president has surrounded himself with fellow election deniers and worked to codify his effort to subvert democracy five years ago.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
The teachings and legacy of Dr. King feel especially important today. He proved beyond a shadow of doubt that peaceful protest, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to justice and to one another can overcome any obstacle — and our democracy is all the better for it.
Historic black-and-white photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speaking to a crowd at the University of Minnesota. The photo was taken from the side, as he stands at a podium in a suit. The faces of the audience can be seen in the background.
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Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 16/01/2026
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 15/01/2026
Today, the court sent a clear message: states run elections, not the administration. It reinforces what states have been arguing for months: There's no legal basis for the federal government’s sweeping demands for voters’ sensitive information. wapo.st/45ODdyT
wapo.st
Judge blocks Trump administration from getting California’s voter rolls
The Justice Department doesn’t have authority to use civil rights and voting laws to obtain voter lists, a judge rules, in a decision that could influence cases in other states.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Here’s an important next read from @protectdemocracy.org and our own Rule of Law Program Director @statesunited.org on states pursuing accountability when the federal government fails to. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Cities and states must hold ICE accountable for violence. The feds won’t | Kristy Parker and Samantha Trepel
As former federal prosecutors, we know an incident like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry
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States United Democracy Center @statesunited.org · 14/01/2026
“In this moment, we cannot rely on this administration to conduct fair and thorough investigations – but we can and should look to state and local leaders. Their efforts are crucial to keeping our communities safe and seeking accountability.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
A sadly relevant piece from Sam Trepel, our Rule of Law Program Director at States United. DOJ can and should investigate excessive force cases and charge federal agents when appropriate. Their silence is dangerous. www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
justsecurity.org
DOJ’s Dangerous Silence in the Face of Federal Immigration Agents’ Violent Tactics
The DOJ has the authority, resources, and responsibility to hold federal agents accountable for willful constitutional violations.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
I am furious and heartbroken over the killing of Renee Good. This is both a tragedy and a deeply predictable outcome, following months of aggressive escalation from federal agents.
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Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 07/01/2026
We’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump Administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Five years ago, we saw what happens when a President refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. We now have a federal administration full of people willing to do the same. It's on all of us to make sure the past is neither erased nor repeated. www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
ms.now
The next attack on free and fair elections won't look like Jan. 6
The U.S. isn't ready for another attempt to undermine elections.
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Joanna Lydgate @joannalydgate.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
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