GET THE APP
Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Category: Politics
November 13, 2025
Politics

Stefanik Neck and Neck With Hochul in NY Governor Race.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A poll shows Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) trailing New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) by only three percentage points in a hypothetical gubernatorial match-up.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Elise Stefanik, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The poll was conducted November 9-10 among 500 likely New York voters.

🎯IMPACT: The poll suggests Hochul is vulnerable to a 2026 challenge by Stefanik and indicates increasingly competitive election dynamics in New York.

IN FULL

A new poll conducted by J.L. Partners shows Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) trailing incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul (D) by just three points in a hypothetical gubernatorial match-up. The survey of 500 likely New York voters found Hochul leading Stefanik 46 percent to 43 percent, with 11 percent undecided.

Stefanik, who recently announced her gubernatorial campaign, has positioned herself as a strong supporter of President Donald J. Trump. She was first elected to Congress in 2014 to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District and served as the House GOP Conference Chair from 2021 to 2025. Trump had nominated her for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in January, but the nomination was later withdrawn to ensure her vote remained in Congress for key legislative priorities.

The poll also revealed that Stefanik enjoys a commanding lead over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) in a potential GOP primary, with 74 percent support compared to Blakeman’s five percent. Blakeman, 70, is believed to be preparing to announce his candidacy for governor soon.

Gov. Hochul’s job performance received mixed reviews in the poll, with 40 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat approving and 54 percent strongly or somewhat disapproving. Meanwhile, 37 percent of voters view Stefanik very or somewhat favorably, while 32 percent hold unfavorable views of her.

The survey, conducted November 9-10, has a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 13, 2025
Politics

D.C.’s Democrat City Council Moves to Block Trump’s No Tax on Tips, Overtime Policy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Washington D.C. Council passed an emergency tax bill to decouple parts of its tax code from federal tax changes, blocking tax breaks for tips and overtime pay.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The D.C. Council and workers affected by the changes.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The emergency measure applies for 90 days in Washington, D.C., with a planned temporary extension of 225 days.

💬KEY QUOTE: “At our most recent Legislative Meeting, the Council voted on an emergency basis to decouple elements of the District’s tax code from the federal,” said the D.C. Council in an official statement.

🎯IMPACT: Thousands of hospitality workers in D.C. will see tips and overtime pay remain fully taxable under local law.

IN FULL

Washington, D.C.’s Democrat-dominated City Council has adopted emergency tax legislation aimed at blocking federal tax code changes made under President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The move will prevent tax breaks for tip wages and overtime pay from taking effect in the city.

It is estimated that thousands of restaurant and hospitality industry workers in the nation’s capital will be impacted by the D.C. Council’s new tax law. Provisions in the OBBB allow workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay for single filers, with higher amounts for joint filers. However, these deductions will not be reflected in local tax returns due to the Council’s decision.

Additionally, the D.C. Council ended the $6,000 local senior bonus deduction and other business-related tax breaks in an effort to improve the city’s finances. Concerningly, estimates suggest the District of Columbia could face a revenue shortfall well over $1 billion over the next three years. The budget gap is primarily being driven by the Trump administration’s reductions in the federal workforce and increasing costs for the city’s social programs.

“At our most recent Legislative Meeting, the Council voted on an emergency basis to decouple elements of the District’s tax code from the federal, following Congress’ passage of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In doing so, and in light of revised revenue estimates by the District’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Council also voted to dedicate a portion of the newfound revenue to two purposes: an accelerated full local match for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the establishment of a local child tax credit of $1,000 per child for eligible families,” the D.C. Council said in a statement.

The emergency amendment applies for 90 days, with a planned temporary extension of 225 days. A permanent measure will require further Council votes.

Image by APK.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 12, 2025
News
Politics

Transurrection: Petition to Oust Schumer from Senate Leadership Hits 50,000 Signatures.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A petition to remove Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has surpassed 50,000 signatures, following criticism of his leadership during recent legislative battles.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Transgender activist Charlotte Clymer (born Charles Clymer), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and several Democrat lawmakers, including Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The petition was launched in March 2023 and has gained momentum following a recent Senate vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We need new leadership to meet this grave moment, and we need it now.” – Charlotte Clymer

🎯IMPACT: Growing calls for Schumer to step down, with at least 11 Democrat lawmakers, 15 organizations, and eight Democrat candidates supporting his removal.

IN FULL

A petition led by transgender activist Charlotte Clymer, formerly Charles Clymer, calling for the removal of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has surpassed 50,000 signatures, reflecting growing frustration with Democratic leadership. Clymer’s petition accuses Schumer of failing to effectively oppose President Donald J. Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, describing the 74-year-old Democrat’s leadership as “impotent” and lacking “a comprehensive plan or strategy to combat the efforts by Trump and Elon Musk to demolish the federal government and harm the American people.” In his statement accompanying the petition, Clymer wrote, “We need new leadership to meet this grave moment, and we need it now.”

The petition, launched in March after Schumer voted to advance a Republican continuing resolution (CR) funding bill, has regained momentum following a recent Senate vote on a similar funding measure. Though Schumer opposed the latest resolution, enough Senate Democrats joined Republicans to pass it, prompting backlash. The progressive group Indivisible has urged candidates to reject Schumer’s leadership and “abandon the status quo of feckless leadership.”

So far, 11 Democratic lawmakers, 15 organizations, and eight Democratic candidates have joined calls for Schumer to step aside. The protests organized under the “No Kings” movement have amplified these demands, framing them as part of a broader push for generational and ideological change in Senate leadership. Despite the mounting criticism, Schumer has insisted, “Look, I’m not stepping down.”

The growing rift over Schumer’s leadership mirrors wider divisions inside the Democratic Party. Earlier this year, anti-gun rights activist David Hogg attempted to launch a multi-million-dollar campaign aimed at challenging incumbent Democrats in safe districts who were not deemed woke enough.

Veteran strategist James Carville blasted Hogg’s effort, calling him a “contemptible little twerp” for targeting members of his own party. The controversy deepened when the Democratic National Committee (DNC) later voided Hogg’s appointment as vice chair, citing gender-parity rules that required him to be a woman.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 12, 2025
Politics

Mamdani Says He’ll Speak With Trump Before Assuming Office.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) announced plans to call President Donald J. Trump before assuming office.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zohran Mamdani, President Trump, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Mamdani’s term begins on January 1, with discussions taking place in the lead-up to his inauguration.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city,” Mamdani said.

🎯IMPACT: The move suggests Mamdani may feel a need to at least appear somewhat cooperative with the Trump administration to avoid negative consequences for New York City.

IN FULL

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, revealed his intention to hold a call with President Donald J. Trump before officially taking office. The announcement was made during an interview on Tuesday.

“I will be proactive,” Mamdani said, outlining his approach to deter the federal government from deploying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or National Guardsmen to the city. He claimed he would make an effort to establish a working relationship with the White House.

“I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city,” Mamdani admitted. The Ugandan immigrant also shared that he has been in discussions with Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) about strategies to respond to potential federal actions by the Trump administration.

President Trump had previously threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani were elected, citing his far-left policies. However, following Mamdani’s victory, Trump remarked that he would speak with the incoming mayor and “will help him a little bit, maybe.” Mamdani’s term begins on January 1.

Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 12, 2025
Politics

Trump Endorses RINO Overseeing Massive Surge in Islam in His State.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued a “Complete and Total” endorsement of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) as Abbott launched his reelection campaign. Previously, Trump criticized Abbott for his failure to support America First Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, calling him “MISSING IN ACTION!”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Governor Abbott, and the people of Texas.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Abbott launched his campaign on Sunday in Houston, Texas. Trump issued his endorsement on Tuesday via Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Greg Abbott is the strong and highly respected Governor of Texas, a State I love and WON BIG three times, including with 6.4 Million Votes in 2024 (The most Votes in History, BY FAR)!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Abbott has a patchy track record, failing to strongly support Attorney General Ken Paxton during Democrat-led impeachment efforts, and declining to organize a full forensic audit of the 2020 election. He has also overseen a rising Islamic influence in his state, with the Texas House declaring an annual “Pakistan Day” earlier this year.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced Tuesday that he will back Greg Abbott in his bid to be re-elected as Governor of Texas, giving the Republican incumbent his “Complete and Total” endorsement. Trump praised Abbott as “an exceptional Governor and man” in a Truth Social post, despite previously criticizing his failure to support America First Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton when he was the subject of a Democrat-led impeachment effort, saying, “MISSING IN ACTION! Where is the Governor of Texas on his Attorney General’s Impeachment?”

Trump highlighted Abbott’s role in passing the Texas mid-decade redistricting bill, which could add five Republican congressional seats in the 2026 Midterm Elections. “Thanks to Greg’s bold and effective Leadership, the wonderful people of Texas will have the opportunity to elect 5 new MAGA Republicans in the 2026 Midterm Elections with the passage of their new, fair, and much improved, Congressional Map — A BIG WIN for Republicans in The Lone Star State, and across the Country!” Trump wrote.

However, in the past, he has criticized Abbott for being weak on election integrity, saying of his decision not to organize a statewide forensic audit of the 2020 election, “By allowing the Democrats to do what they do, it will make it much harder for the Governor and other Republicans to win election in 2022 and into the future. Texas is a much redder state than anyone knows, but this is the way to make sure it turns blue.”

Notably, there have long been fears that Texas could become a “purple” state due to a steady influx of liberals and migrants. There are indications that this demographic shift is beginning to influece Texan culture, with Islam on the rise and the GOP-led Texas House of Representatives even declaring an annual “Pakistan Day” in April.

Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term as governor, responded by calling Trump’s endorsement an “honor.” In an interview, Abbott said, “President Trump and I have a good, long-standing, working relationship, and there’s a substantive reason behind that. We both believe in the rule of law. We both believe in public safety. We both believed in securing the borders.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 10, 2025
William Upton
Politics

Supreme Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage Precedent, For Now.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The United States Supreme Court has declined to take up a case that could have resulted in a potential challenge to same-sex marriage.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Supreme Court, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, and her attorney Mat Staver.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, November 10, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Like the abortion decision in Roe v. Wade, Obergefell was egregiously wrong from the start. We will continue to work to overturn Obergefell. It is not a matter of if, but when the Supreme Court will overturn Obergefell.” — Mat Staver

🎯IMPACT: While Staver remains confident that a challenge to overturn same-sex marriage will occur, the high court appears disinclined towards such a case.

IN FULL

The United States Supreme Court has declined to take up a case that could have resulted in a potential challenge to same-sex marriage. Notably, Democrat lawmakers—in their criticism of the high court—have consistently claimed the justices would not pass on the chance to overturn the Obergefell decision and effectively undo gay marriage.

On Monday, the court denied out of hand an appeal filed by former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, seeking to mitigate the hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and damages stemming from her refusal to issue same-sex marriage licenses. By rejecting the appeal request, the Supreme Court ended one of several avenues by which it could take up a challenge to Obergefell. 

Far-left activists and Democrat lawmakers have consistently held that Davis’s appeal would likely serve as the vehicle by which the Supreme Court majority would look to undo Obergefell, much like Roe v. Wade. The evidence pointed to was a short line in a concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, in which Justice Clarence Thomas insinuated that same-sex marriage should also be revisited by the court. However, none of the other justices expressed a similar opinion nor suggested revisiting Obergefell was an aim.

Despite the setback, Mat Staver—founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, the legal group that represented Davis—expressed his confidence that the right case will come along that will result in the reversal of the federal requirement to allow same-sex marriage. “Like the abortion decision in Roe v. Wade, Obergefell was egregiously wrong from the start. We will continue to work to overturn Obergefell. It is not a matter of if, but when the Supreme Court will overturn Obergefell,” Staver said following the court’s decision not to take up Davis’s case.

Image by Photo Phiend.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 10, 2025
Politics

Nancy Pelosi’s Daughter Is Campaigning for Office.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Christine Pelosi announced her candidacy for the California State Senate.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christine Pelosi, daughter of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and current State Senator Scott Wiener (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Monday on X (formerly Twitter), regarding a California State Senate race.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In courtrooms, campaigns and corridors of power, I’ve fought to build Power For The People. And that’s why I’m running for California Senate.” – Christine Pelosi

🎯IMPACT: The Pelosis are seeking to perpetuate a political dynasty.

IN FULL

Christine Pelosi, the daughter of retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), announced on Monday her intention to run for the California State Senate. The announcement was made via a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), marking her entry into the political race.

In the video, Christine Pelosi declared, “In courtrooms, campaigns and corridors of power, I’ve fought to build Power For The People. And that’s why I’m running for California Senate.”

The seat Pelosi is vying for is currently held by Scott Wiener (D), who has announced his candidacy to replace former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the U.S. House of Representatives. Wiener, a far-left progressive who is an outspoken supporter of gender transitions for children and opponent of parents’ rights, likely headed off a potential direct challenge from the younger Pelosi by launching his campaign before the former Speaker’s retirement was announced.

A fight between Weiner, 54, and Christine Pelosi, 58, to succeed the latter’s mother would likely have pitted national Democrats against the California Democratic Party, where Weiner has built a robust base of support. The younger Pelosi, meanwhile, is a longtime party operative with deep ties to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where she has served as Vice Chairman for Campaigns and Elections.

Weiner has been building a shadow campaign for several years in anticipation of Nancy Pelosi‘s retirement. In 2023, the progressive state senator announced he had amassed a $1 million war chest to fund his congressional run. The 84-year-old Pelosi’s decision to run for another term in office derailed Weiner’s plans at the time.

Image by Nancy Pelosi.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 10, 2025
Politics

Hochul Rejects Mamdani’s Free Bus Ride Plan.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the state budget cannot support New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s proposed free buses program or universal child care initiative.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY), Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D), and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Hochul made the remarks at a political conference in Puerto Rico on Saturday, following Mamdani’s election victory.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways,” Hochul said.

🎯IMPACT: The proposed programs face skepticism from MTA leadership and funding challenges, with Hochul citing a $3 billion Medicaid deficit and federal funding cuts.

IN FULL

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has announced that the state budget cannot accommodate the free buses program proposed by socialist New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D). Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani in his campaign, made the comments during a political conference in Puerto Rico on Saturday.

“I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways,” Hochul stated. She also highlighted a $3 billion Medicaid deficit and federal funding cuts as obstacles to implementing Mamdani’s proposals. “Our ambitions are big, and I believe in them, and I want to accomplish them. We also have to figure out—now I’m in the hole $3 billion already on Medicaid cuts,” Hochul said.

Mamdani’s plan involves the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which Hochul oversees, eliminating fares for New York City buses. While the Ugandan immigrant had previously secured a pilot program for one free bus in each city borough in 2023, MTA leadership has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of expanding the initiative.

Hochul also addressed Mamdani’s push for free, universal child care, noting that such a program would require time to phase in due to the need for trained workers and sufficient facilities. “But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? Of course we can,” she claimed.

Image by Marc A. Hermann / MTA.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 10, 2025
Politics

Senate Ends Shutdown Standoff, Passes Deal to Fund the Government.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate broke its weeks-long standoff, advancing a deal to end the historic government shutdown.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Senate vote occurred late Sunday night, with the House expected to return early this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s a great development. It’s long overdue. It vindicates our position in this all along.” – Speaker Mike Johnson

🎯IMPACT: The deal ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and provides temporary funding through January 30.

IN FULL

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking a victory lap after a new House-proposed bill which will temporarily fund the government through January 30 was adopted by the Senate late Sunday. The bill, still needing final approval from the House, saw eight Senate Democrats break ranks and join Republicans in ending the government shutdown.

According to Johnson, the lower chamber will return to Washington, D.C. for session “immediately,” with the Speaker stating: “It’s a great development. It’s long overdue. It vindicates our position in this all along.” Notably, the House left Washington on September 19 and has not returned to session after passing a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. The Senate Democrats’ rejection of the clean CR is what kicked off the shutdown—which became the longest in U.S. history.

On Sunday evening, eight Senate Democrats joined nearly all Senate Republicans to break a filibuster and advance a new funding deal. The agreement, reached on the 40th day of the shutdown, includes temporary federal funding through January 30, 2026, and provisions for specific appropriations bills covering the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and the legislative branch.

The deal also includes measures reversing federal layoffs implemented during the Trump administration and guarantees Senate Democrats a vote on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies. However, no such guarantee was made in the House, leading to frustration among progressive lawmakers. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called the vote “a very, very bad vote.” At the same time, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized the lack of movement on extending Obamacare tax credits.

Several Republicans highlighted that the final deal closely resembled what Senate GOP leaders had proposed weeks earlier, underscoring the prolonged nature of the standoff and Democratic obstruction.

Image by Ted Eytan.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
November 6, 2025
News
Politics

Pelosi Retires After Almost Four Decades in Office.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has announced she will not seek reelection to Congress, after almost four decades in office.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on November 6, 2025, in a video directed at her San Francisco constituents.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress.” – Nancy Pelosi

🎯IMPACT: Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era for Democratic leadership in Congress.

IN FULL

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and longtime Democrat power player, has announced she will not seek reelection after almost four decades in office. The 85-year-old’s announcement comes after a significant political victory for the Democrats in California, where a ballot measure she supported won by a large margin, redrawing the state’s congressional map to favor Democrats.

Reflecting on her career, Pelosi stated that standing on the House floor as the voice of San Francisco starting in 1987 was her greatest honor. Her tenure included fierce political battles, including clashes with President Donald J. Trump. She played a key role in forcing former President Joe Biden off the Democratic ticket in 2024 and facilitating his smooth replacement by former Vice President Kamala Harris, showcasing her leading role in her party well into the twilight of her political career.

She is particularly noted for having amassed an enormous fortune alongside her husband, Paul, during her time in Congress, with her exorbitant earnings frequently highlighted during debates on restricting trades by lawmakers, who often have foreknowledge of government actions impacting the stock market.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more