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2026 Midterm Preparations See Record Investments by Both Parties October 2025 – Washington, D.C. As the 2026 midterms loom, both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) are executing unprecedented election readiness strategies, pouring massive resources into key battleground states. This cycle marks the largest coordinated investment since the high-stakes 2024 elections, with new RNC Chairman, Senator Tom Worthham of South Carolina, leading a broad-front strategy to rival the Democratic machine spearheaded by DNC Chairwoman Charlotte O’Hare. Historic Levels of Investment The combined resources poured into state-level campaigns reflect the parties’ understanding of the high stakes of the 2026 midterms. With control of Congress, state legislatures, and governorships on the line, both parties have tailored their strategies to focus on critical regions. The DNC’s investments span a mix of traditionally blue strongholds and swing states, with particular emphasis on expanding influence in Kansas, California, Michigan, and New Mexico. Meanwhile, the RNC is focused on reclaiming ground in Nevada, Georgia, and New Jersey while consolidating its base in Alaska, Florida, and Ohio. The following table shows the current funding advantage by state, based on relative investments: State Advantage Party Leading Alaska +1 DNC Arizona +3 GOP California +4 DNC Colorado +1 DNC Florida +1 GOP Georgia +3 GOP Iowa +3 GOP Kansas +9 DNC Maine +7 DNC Michigan +2 DNC Montana +3 GOP Nebraska +2 GOP New Hampshire +1 DNC New Jersey +2 GOP New Mexico +2 GOP New York +1 DNC Nevada +5 GOP North Carolina +1 GOP Ohio +2 GOP Pennsylvania +4 GOP South Carolina +6 DNC Texas +6 DNC Virginia +1 DNC Wisconsin +4 DNC DNC Strategy: Building on Momentum Chairwoman O’Hare has continued to emphasize deep, localized investments, with Kansas emerging as a surprising focal point. The DNC’s effort in the state have given the Kansas Democratic Party a massive 4 to 1 monetary advantage there reflects a broader strategy of flipping traditionally Republican states by activating progressive voter blocs and targeting moderate voters. “We’ve learned that when we engage voters early and with clear, impactful policies, we can expand our map,” O’Hare said during a recent interview. Massive funding has also been directed to New Mexico, California, and Michigan—states the Democrats hope to solidify as bastions of support amid growing Republican efforts. RNC Strategy: Broad-Front Counterattack RNC Chairman Worthham’s approach marks a shift from the Freedom Caucus-driven focus of prior years to a broader, more distributed strategy. States like Alaska and Nevada have seen significant resources as the GOP attempts to catch up or outpace Democratic investments and shore up vulnerable areas. In New Jersey and New Mexico, Republicans have made substantial investments to capitalize on recent electoral gains, including the gubernatorial win in New Jersey and competitive federal races in New Mexico. “We are competing everywhere, and we are competing to win,” Worthham stated at an RNC rally. “This is about bringing conservative values to every corner of America, no matter how blue or red.” Key Battlegrounds Several states are emerging as pivotal battlegrounds where the funding races have created closely contested environments: Alaska - Democrats and Republicans have matched each other almost dollar for dollar in the state, and with the Governor's race wide open, it's expected these levels of investments may continue. Georgia - Flipping Georgia at the state level has been a running dream of the Democrats for years. They possess both US Senate seats. The GOP knows this calculus as well as the Dems do and have ensured they are better funded, so far, for whomever ultimately challenges Ossof or has to defend the legacy of Brian Kemp. Michigan - Both the Democrats and the GOP have begun funneling cash into this key mid western state. While it has a Democratic lean, the Republicans are capable of punching through, if they can get a fundraising advantage, something the Dems currently hold. This comes during a vulnerable year with Governor Whitmer stepping down and it being unknown who will succeed her. New Jersey - New Jersey has turned into the frontlines of the battle between the RNC and the DNC and made it a true battleground state. with the investments seemingly not slowing down. New Hampshire - Republican Kelly Ayotte is in a tough re-election bid and her control of the New Hampshire legislature is up in the area, especially with recent Democratic investments in the state. New Mexico - The Republicans have tossed a significant investment campaign, hoping to capitalize on the retiring Democratic Governor and the defending US Senator in the state. The Republican lead will need to be fought into to relieve pressure on Democrats in the state. North Carolina - Recent Freedom Caucus victories in the state, combined with a superior GOP investment campaign is giving the advantage to the Republicans, but the Democrats are matching them as best we can. Republicans to be wary of repeating the campaign in Virginia, in this increasingly moderate and battleground state. Virginia - Democrats learned the gaming winning formula in Virginia in the past Gubernational race, and Republicans will have taken notes as they have begun investing heavily in Virginia. States of Concern for Either Side Kansas - The Democrats have a vastly larger warchest in Kansas, and whomever they use to succeed the outgoing Democratic Governor will be well funded to keep the Governor's Mansion in what is otherwise a solid ruby red state. Maine - The Democrats are honing in on outgoing Senator Hunt's seat, and the massive disparity between the Democrats and Republicans need to be given them pause, which may end up losing one of their seats in the Senate. Nevada - Democrats need to start rallying funds into the state, or else Governor Lombardo may keep the reins of power in Carson City and take control of the legislature to give the GOP a lock on this still extremely competitive state. Pennsylvania - Governor Josh Shapiro is already dealing with a GOP legislature and without investments into his organzation the GOP may be able to flip the Governor's Mansion and give them real momentum going into 2028. South Carolina - In one of the more shocking developments the Democrats have poured unanswered investments in South Carolina. While the Governor's race, or even the Senator Graham's re-election bids are not likely to flip, this could cause issues with the Congressional delegation, or cause some upsets in the state legislature, with the Democrats wanting to shift the momentum and put the entire east coast of southern states into play. Texas - No one doubts Governor Abbot or Senator Butcher's ability to hold their states, but Texas has been incredibly becoming more and more purple, and victory is no long as assured in Texas as it is in say Oklahoma. The Republicans have begun putting investments into the Lone Star State, but do not want to be outspent by the Democrats again. Wisconsin - The Republicans have otherwise ignored Wisconsin up to this point, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party knows how to capitalize on Republican weakness or lethargy. If they want a chance to taking back power from Governor Evers, or keeping their control of the legislature, they will need to push hard in the funding category. Criticism and Intrigue Both parties are facing criticism over the scale of their spending specifically on Election Readiness. While preparing elections is critical, critics note there has been less focus on state issue advocacy then there could be otherwise or candidate recruitment. One Democratic operative in Kansas put it bluntly "Having all this cash is great, not having a candidate to spend it on means it's not doing us any good". Still others have note the narrow focus on Election Readiness has allowed factions to sneak up the middle and take control of Party levers without opposition. While the DNC and RNC may not care as much directly on which faction is dominant in which state, the congressional delegations are concerned as are operatives on the ground when their bosses in the Governor's Mansions, don't align with a newly powerful faction at the state level, like the case of Gianforte in Montana, a strong Freedom Caucus man, now dealing with an resurgent Mainstreet state party. Meanwhile, observers are watching closely to see whether the RNC’s broad-front strategy can rival the DNC’s historically effective targeted investments. As 2026 approaches, the unprecedented resources being funneled into election readiness underscore the growing stakes of every election cycle. With America’s political landscape as polarized as ever, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes fight for control of the nation’s future. -
The Triumph of Non-Aggression By Rondal Goldfarb The non-aggression principle (NAP) is a philosophy that asserts individuals and nations should refrain from initiating force or coercion against others, respecting sovereignty and personal freedom. In international affairs, the NAP advocates for a foreign policy centered on non-interventionism, peaceful coexistence, and voluntary cooperation. This principle discourages preemptive wars, regime-change interventions, and economic sanctions that harm innocent civilians, focusing instead on diplomacy, free trade, and cultural exchange to resolve disputes. The non-aggression principle (NAP), rooted in the idea that individuals and nations should refrain from initiating force against others, offers a powerful framework for ethical and pragmatic foreign policy. At its core, the NAP prioritizes sovereignty, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation—values often overshadowed by power struggles in international relations. By adhering to the NAP, nations can build trust, reduce global conflict, and foster mutually beneficial relationships without compromising their security or values. While the bloodthirsty neocons in Congress would prefer a state of perpetual war to impose American imperialism around the world and enrich their donors off the blood of dead American soldiers and countless civilians, adhering to the NAP instead could lead to a dramatic reduction in conflicts. And we are already seeing this bear fruit around the world. Military interventions, even those with noble intentions, often escalate violence, destabilize regions, and result in unforeseen consequences. By resisting the urge to engage in preemptive or coercive actions, nations can focus on diplomatic solutions and economic partnerships that foster long-term stability and prosperity. 1. Hong Kong When President Xi was assassinated and Han ascended to power, many in Washington were quick to prepare for the worst and punish Han for the sins of his predecessors. They took swift action to introduce bills to deliberately provoke and antagonize conflict with the United States’ largest geopolitical competitor, including approving billions of dollars in aid to confront the new regime in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. To be fair, Han did follow Xi’s orders to lead the oppressive crackdown of the 2019-20 Hong Kong protests. Nevertheless, the new regime under Han’s leadership has been more aligned with reformist factions and far more receptive to pragmatic progress in approaching both internal disputes and international affairs. When a new round of Pro-Democracy protests arose in Hong Kong earlier this year, instead of initiating a crack down, Premier Li and Foreign Minister Wang engaged in dialogue with the protestors and came to an historic agreement with Beijing agreeing to inclusive District Council elections and increased media freedoms in exchange for recognition of the National Security Law. The Shanghai Clique and reformists in leadership are demonstrating that they are not the oppressive hardliners of the past and they have been proactively engaged on the world stage. Prior to being elected President, then Senator Van Horn wisely articulated that war with China would be catastrophic, but he could further seize the opportunity of ascending reformist Chinese leaders to make serious progress in resolving economic trade disputes. As Senator Calloway (R-NE) noted recently to CATO, ‘tariffs and trade barriers often impoverish nations.’ Economic cooperation and trade are the most effective way to foster continued progress towards democracy and civil liberty. The non-aggression principle also aligns with the principles of self-determination and respect for sovereignty, which are foundational to international law. By refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of other nations, countries adhering to the NAP can build trust and credibility on the global stage. This approach not only prevents unnecessary conflicts but also allows nations to redirect resources from warfare to domestic priorities, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. America First, if you will. 2. Venezuela When Eduardo González was rightfully elected the new President of Venezuela, outgoing dictator Nicolás Maduro did what dictators do, refusing to accept election results and calling up their henchmen to fight to overturn elections and keep them in power. When Russia and Cuba intervened on behalf of Maduro, the election turmoil descended into Civil War and some in the Administration and Congress in the U.S. sought to do the same, citing the Monroe doctrine and securing the safe removal of American citizens in the country as justification for military intervention into Venezuela’s internal struggle for democracy. Fast forward to today, President Allred secured the safe evacuation of American citizens, and the Van Horn administration brought a peaceful end to the civil war, without the need for military intervention or war. We would argue that Maduro had already lost the war after González supporters liberated the Palace and Maduro fled the country, but some Maduro loyalists continued to fight on regardless. Nevertheless, Maduro officially conceded the election, and the Venezuelan people are finally freed from the shackles of socialist tyranny. A fitting resolution that we should all celebrate. That said, the Van Horn administration could also take this opportunity to renew trade with the new Venezuela, reducing Americans’ energy costs and strengthening the burgeoning democratic and free market reforms under President González. 3. Ukraine After appropriating $174.2 billion to Ukraine through five supplemental acts from 2022 through 2024, the war with Russia remained at a standstill with over 1 million dead. As usual, Congress determined that the only solution was to throw even more money at the problem, however, cooler heads prevailed and the Van Horn Administration sought a different course of action aligned with the NAP: Stop sinking billions of American taxpayer dollars into perpetuating a regional conflict overseas. Despite the vast majority of Washington pushing ahead with another $95 billion supplemental bill last year including $60 billion for Ukraine and deriding opponents like now President Kyle Van Horn for being agents of the Kremlin and abandoning American allies and the very idea of democracy in Eastern Europe, Van Horn once again brought peace to a war torn region without bring the nation to war. It would be fair to criticize the state of our own Democratic institutions given the 2024 election cycle and the pardoning of insurrectionists, but not on the Russia-Ukraine front. The Treaty of Ankara (not Istanbul) preserves the sovereignty of Crimea and the autonomous regions and the people within without the need for U.S. troops or permanent babysitting duties. It lifts sanctions and provides support for restoration without spending any more American tax dollars. While we think it reasonable to have not intervened in any way shape or form, Putin is a threat to all that we hold dear, and the American-negotiated peace is as just a peace as could be justified (say that ten times fast.) Still, critics of the NAP often argue that it could lead to passivity in the face of aggression or threats. However, the principle does not preclude defensive action. It simply emphasizes that force should only be used as a last resort and in response to clear acts of aggression. And in each of the cases above, no aggression was directed towards the United States or American’s safety, rendering a military response to these conflicts as overreactionary, unnecessary, and dangerous. The restraint demonstrated by the Van Horn Administration can prevent unnecessary wars while maintaining a nation's ability to protect itself and its allies. In an era where global conflicts are increasingly complex and interconnected, the non-aggression principle offers a morally consistent and strategically sound path forward. By championing peace and respecting the autonomy of others, nations can lead by example and cultivate a more stable, cooperative world order. #ChooseFreedom @TexAgRepublican@Albion -
Progressive Caucus Seizes Control of New Jersey Democratic Party Amid Post-Election Shake-Up April 2026 – Trenton, NJ In a dramatic shift within the Democratic Party, the Progressive Caucus has taken control of the New Jersey State Democratic Party, ousting the New Democrat faction that had long been a dominant force. The change comes after months of grassroots organizing and amid lingering fallout from the party’s defeat in the 2025 gubernatorial race, where Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, a prominent Progressive, lost to Republican moderate Jack Ciattarelli. Grassroots Movement Pushes for Change The Progressive Caucus’ rise was fueled by frustration over Ruiz’s narrow defeat, which many Progressives attributed to a lack of full party support and a failure to energize the Democratic base. Grassroots organizers rallied around a platform of economic and social justice issues, calling for a more assertive approach to advancing Progressive policies. “This is about ensuring that the Democratic Party stands firmly for the values of working families and marginalized communities,” said newly elected State Party Chair Darlene Vega, a Progressive activist from Newark. “We’ve seen what happens when we compromise too much—Republicans win. That’s not going to happen again.” The Progressive Caucus’ platform centers on bold policy initiatives, including climate action, healthcare expansion, and workers’ rights, which they believe will reinvigorate Democratic turnout in future elections. The Aftermath of Ruiz’s Loss Teresa Ruiz’s defeat to Jack Ciattarelli marked a turning point for the party. Despite her high-profile role as Senate Majority Leader and a strong Progressive platform, Ruiz struggled to appeal to moderates and independents in the general election. Ciattarelli, a seasoned Republican moderate, capitalized on economic concerns and frustrations with Democratic leadership, securing significant support from suburban and independent voters. Critics within the party argue that Ruiz’s loss highlights the risks of running candidates perceived as too far left in a state with a diverse electorate. “The lesson from 2025 should have been clear: we need to appeal to the middle,” said former State Party Chair Anthony Gallo, a New Democrat. “Instead, the Progressives are doubling down on a strategy that alienates moderates and independents.” Policy Wins Bolster Progressive Momentum Despite the gubernatorial setback, the Progressive Caucus achieved significant legislative victories that galvanized their supporters. Most notably, they spearheaded the passage of an anti-mandatory E-Verify bill modeled after California’s AB-1288, directly challenging President Van Horn’s Executive Order 14. “This was a clear win for workers’ rights and a rejection of federal overreach,” said Assemblywoman Priya Kapoor, a Progressive lawmaker who championed the bill. “We’re showing that New Jersey can lead the way on protecting immigrant communities and standing up to draconian policies.” The legislation passed easily in the Democratic-controlled legislature and was signed into law by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy, himself a New Democrat, in one of his final acts in office. Concerns Among Moderates While the Progressives celebrate their ascendance, moderates within the party are voicing concerns about the direction of the New Jersey Democratic Party. “Losing independents and moderates to the Republicans cost us the governor’s mansion, and we’re at risk of making the same mistake again,” said State Senator Carla Romano, a prominent New Democrat. “The Progressives have the energy, but we can’t win statewide if we alienate the center.” Romano and others worry that the Progressives’ aggressive platform could backfire in competitive districts, particularly in suburban areas that have historically leaned Democratic but are increasingly up for grabs. Looking Ahead to 2026 The shift in leadership sets the stage for a pivotal 2026 midterm election. With Ciattarelli in the governor’s office and the GOP energized by their 2025 win, the stakes are high for the Democratic Party to rebuild its coalition and reclaim lost ground. Progressive leaders remain confident that their vision will resonate with voters, pointing to growing support among younger and more diverse demographics. “We’re building a movement, not just a campaign,” Vega said. “The people of New Jersey are ready for real change, and we’re going to deliver.” As the party braces for the challenges ahead, New Jersey becomes a key battleground in the broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party, with implications that could ripple far beyond the state’s borders.
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