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The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Baltimore mayor: Trump could fight crime by banning AR-15s
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) on Tuesday urged President Trump to ban assault rifle as a way of fighting crime, following the White House deployment of National Guard soldiers in Washington. 'The president could also do some very simple things for us, Jake. Not just for Baltimore, but for the whole country,' Scott said during an appearance on CNN's 'The Lead with Jake Tapper.' 'The president can say, no one will no longer be able to go into a store and buy a AR-15. The president could join mayors around the country and standing up to end these Glock switches that allow our residents and our police officers to be shot with a gun that is now automatic,' he added. Scott has touted low crime rates, the removal of 2,500 guns off local streets and the creation of the violence prevention programs since the start of his tenure as mayor. His comments come after Trump slammed local governance in Baltimore during a press conference announcing the deployment of soldiers in the nation's capital. 'This issue directly impacts the functioning of the federal government and is a threat to America, a threat to our country,' Trump told reporters on Monday. 'We have other cities also that are bad, very bad. You look at Chicago, how bad it is, you look at Los Angeles, how bad it is, other cities that are very bad, New York is a problem, and then you have of course, Baltimore and Oakland — you don't even mention that anymore they're so far gone,' he added. Each of the listed cities are led by Black Democratic mayors. Scott has taken issue with the narrative and spent the past few days frequenting major cable shows to discuss the importance of diverse leadership. 'The president could learn a lot from us instead of throwing things at us,' the Charm City mayor said on CNN's 'Laura Coates Live.' 'What he's doing is dog-whistling through this right-wing propaganda and, quite frankly, racist viewpoints that they have about these cities and trying to convince the American people that what they know is not true.' However, the White House rejected his stance. 'Baltimore's Mayor has no business commenting on President Trump's bold leadership to crack down on violent crime in our Nation's capital,' White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a previous statement to The Hill. 'Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates in the country and is one the most dangerous cities in America.' 'Instead of criticizing the President's lawful actions to Make DC Safe Again, Democrat-run cities plagued by violent crime should focus on cleaning up their own streets,' she added. Some analysts believe the president is using the rhetoric to lure Democrats into alleging there's no crime in major cities. 'He's really trying to goad Democrats into arguing 'there's no crime in D.C., D.C. is great,'' Alyssa Farah Griffin, a co-host of ABC's 'The View,' said during an appearance on CNN's 'AC360.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NYC mayoral candidates band together to de-throne frontrunner Cuomo: ‘We are all running … to defeat Andrew Cuomo'
Two is better than one. Democratic mayoral candidates are now teaming up to thwart ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his comeback bid to win the Big Apple. Democratic socialist Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani encouraged his supporters Sunday to quit canvassing on his behalf — in a video posted to X — and instead donate to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams' mayoral campaign. 'Usually this is the part of the video where I'd say, please canvas, please help us — but today I'm actually going to do something a little different,' Mamdani, who has consistently polled second to Cuomo in the primary race, tells voters. 'I'm asking you to donate to another candidate running for Mayor — Her name is Adrienne Adams.' Adams, the Queens progressive (unrelated to Mayor Eric Adams), has not yet reported enough qualifying funds to be eligible for the city's 8-to-1 match program through the campaign finance board — which rewards donations from verified private local donors with public dollars. Mamdani warns his supporters, in the video, that Monday is the deadline for her to become eligible for the next round. 'Because we are all running for Mayor to defeat Andrew Cuomo, to defeat Eric Adams' second term, which is what Andrew Cuomo is running for,' he said, proving his commitment to defeating the ex-gov at all costs. Adams entered the crowded field in early March — shortly after the disgraced governor announced his candidacy — at the urging of Cuomo rival, and attorney general, Letitia 'Tish' James. She has since been running a distant third in most polls, alongside fellow progressive and current City Comptroller Brad Lander. Although largely considered a two-person race, some local politicos believe Adams may be able to capture some of Cuomo's support in the outer boroughs — especially among Black voters. 'The one candidate who could dig into Cuomo's support is Adrienne Adams,' said Basil Smikle, a campaign strategist and former executive director of the state Democratic Party. And at 64, she may also be well-positioned in connecting with the older generation. 'Adrienne has doubled her support without spending a dime and is building the broadest coalition of any candidate in this race,' said Adams' campaign spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina. 'She's uniting all New Yorkers — and is now the first candidate in city history whose opponent chose to fundraise for her because her strength is undeniable.' Half of Black Democratic primary voters, however, said they would support Cuomo, as did 41% of Latino voters — double the 20% support for Mamdani — according to a recent Marist poll. Just 14% of Black Democrats polled said they would back Adams for mayor. The primary will be a ranked choice vote, which could give other candidates hope in later rounds as the slate thins out — but the clock is ticking with the poll coming just one month before early voting begins for the June 24 election. A win by Cuomo would cap his political return after he resigned as governor under the threat of impeachment in 2021 over sexual misconduct accusations he denies. For Mamdani, veteran strategist Hank Sheinkopf said he's 'got to keep Cuomo under 50% in ranked choice voting,' a thought Mamdani echoed in a statement to The Post. '[…]The outcome of this election will almost certainly be determined in multiple ranked-choice rounds. We need strong candidates in this race with the resources to overcome Cuomo's MAGA billionaires, and that includes Speaker Adams,' Mamdani said. Cuomo's team fired back at the Democratic socialist's video supporting Adams — citing his failure to show up to Sunday's Israel Day parade in upper Manhattan — in a statement to The Post. 'As the Post just … reported on a video the Assembly member put together blasting legislators for going to Israel, I'm not at all surprised he filmed another video supporting the first speaker in history to never go to Israel,' said Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi. 'This city is in crisis, and Governor Cuomo is the only person in this race with the experience to lead and the proven record of results to get New York back on the right track, and that's why he has built a broad coalition of support that reflects our great city,' he added.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
April 1 election: Clarion Ledger voter guide for Jackson, MS, and area suburbs
Election season is in full swing across the Jackson metro with candidates making their final push for votes — including an extraordinary 52 hopefuls vying for positions in Jackson's local election. Republican and Democratic voters will head to the polls on April 1 for the primary election. The winners of the primaries will face off in the June 3 general election. If there's anything you missed, the Clarion Ledger has got you covered. Below you will find our election guide, as well as links to stories so you can catch up on any missed action. Each section has a "Meet the Candidates" box, with easy-to-follow links for each race. And if you want to know where to vote, when to vote and what ward you are in, we have you covered as well. Campaign signs crowd nearly every major intersection and roadway in Jackson, a clear reminder that election season has arrived. For months, candidates for mayor and the Jackson City Council have been at it, attending forums and making their case to voters on why they should lead the city. The Clarion Ledger's election coverage has followed the drama, from last-minute qualifying surprises to mayoral forums where candidates discussed key issues like the Jackson Zoo, tensions between the city and state and the future of the water system. Coverage also included the disqualification of two Democratic mayoral candidates. Attempts were made to contact all 52 candidates running in the election to answer a questionnaire published last week. Candidates were asked to provide biographical information and answer questions on key issues facing Jackson, such as how they would handle the city-state conflict and how the future mayor would work with the future council in a constructive manner — and vice versa. The question on city-state relations stemmed from recent state-led efforts to take control of Jackson's assets, a long-standing source of tension between the city's Black Democratic leadership and the Republican-led state government. Disputes have centered on issues such as control of the city's airport, water systems, schools and Smith-Wills Stadium. The question about mayoral and council cooperation was included due to recent conflicts, including the council suing Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba during the 2023 trash crisis. Last September, current Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher announced his plans to retire and not seek another term in office. Fisher has served Clinton since 2013. Altogether, Fisher has served 37 years in local leadership positions including as a Clinton alderman and as a Hinds County Supervisor. Fisher will be replaced by Republican William C. Purdie, who is running unopposed. There will be no election in Madison, as Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler, the nation's second-longest-serving female mayor, is running unopposed and will continue her tenure. Several Madison County suburbs will also have uncontested races, including Gluckstadt and Ridgeland. In Gluckstadt, incumbent Mayor Walter C. Morrison IV, a Republican, is running unopposed. Morrison, initially appointed by the petitioning group Citizens for Gluckstadt, has led the city since its incorporation in June 2021. Incumbent Ridgeland Mayor Gene F. McGee, also a Republican, is also running unopposed. However, some Madison County races remain competitive. In Canton, six candidates are vying for the mayor's seat. In Rankin County, two Republican candidates are facing off in the race for mayor of Flowood. Current Mayor Gary Rhoads announced his retirement in November 2024. Rhoads served as mayor for 36 years. In Brandon, Republican incumbent Mayor Butch Lee will run against Republican challenger Fred Shanks. Lee is nearing the end of his third term as Brandon Mayor. Shanks has been a Mississippi House of Representative member since 2018 and is the current House Rules Committee Chairman. The primary election in Pearl will see incumbent Republican Mayor Jake Windham, who has served since 2017, go toe-to-toe with Republican challenger Kevin Kimery. At the start of the year, Windham announced his decision to seek another term and asked voters to keep the momentum he has created the past seven years. The Republican primary winner will face Democratic candidate Willie Robinson in the June 3 general election. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Clarion Ledger voter guide for Jackson, MS, and area suburbs elections
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councilwoman files for reelection for Greenville City Council, what she hopes to accomplish
Longtime Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming has officially filed for reelection as the Greenville City Council District 2 representative. On Monday, March 17, Brock Flemming filed paperwork to the Greenville County Reelection Commission announcing her candidacy for the local government seat she has occupied since 1981. According to Paul Merlo, Brock Flemming's campaign manager, no other opposing candidates have announced or indicated they would run against the longtime city council member. Any opposing candidate who would run in opposition to Brock Flemming would need to apply to the county election commission by noon on March 31. "Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming is a dedicated champion for Greenville," her campaign management said in a statement. "Her leadership is rooted in building stronger communities, advocating for equitable growth and opportunity, and listening to and amplifying voices of people who are often overlooked, unheard, or ignored." Brock Flemming has served as a Democrat on the council for more than 40 years. She has been heavily involved in developing Unity Park, revitalizing the Southernside Neighborhood, and more. Her most current city council term began in 2021 and will expire in November 2025. Here is more on Lillian Brock Flemming and her points of emphasis for this upcoming election campaign: More: Greenville Honor Tower, Gardens at Unity Park break ground, plans to open at end of 2025. According to Paul Merlo, campaign manager, Brock Flemming will run a campaign for city council, District 2 representative that will focus on five points of emphasis: Rebuilding of Queen Street Bridge — Brock Flemming will work to restore a bridge built in 1927, which would help connect more neighborhoods to the downtown area. Reestablishing a community development department and focusing those efforts on more home ownership within the area. Develop and execute an economic strategy to address affordable housing and reduce evictions in low-income neighborhoods. Complete neighborhood improvement projects such as street and sidewalk improvements within the district. Completion of Unity Park project: adding finishing touches, maintenance, and possibly new features into the park. Lillian Brock Flemming has repeatedly served as mayor pro tem and represented District 2, a longtime Black Democratic section in the city, until recent years. She graduated from the now-defunct Sterling High School in West Greenville and earned a bachelor's and a master's in mathematics from Furman University. In September 2014, she received an honorary doctorate of humanities from Furman University. In 2017, she retired from a 46-year career as a schoolteacher and employment recruiter in the Upstate area and currently serves on the board of Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Council, AdvanceSC, Upstate Warrior Solutions and Brockwood Senior Housing, which is named after her mother, Lila Mae Brock. She is the wife of the Rev. J.M. Flemming and mother of 10 children. City council filing time officially opened on March 17 at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude on March 31 at noon. Both the Democratic and Republican party primaries will take place on June 10. – A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@ and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Lillian Brock Flemming files for Greenville City Council reelection
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Could Kamala Harris be the next California governor? Here's how she's polling
Former Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris holds a substantial lead over other potential candidates to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026. Despite not indicating if she intends to run in the gubernatorial race, Harris dominates the field of possible Democratic candidates in a recent Emerson College poll commissioned by KTLA parent company Nexstar Media for The Hill and Inside California Politics. The poll surveyed registered Democrats in California earlier this month, asking who they would theoretically support in 2026. The answer overwhelmingly was Harris. The former U.S. Senator-turned-Veep received 57% of responses, easily surpassing the second-highest vote-getter in former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter (9%). Of those polled, 17% said they haven't decided yet who they would choose. Candidate Support (%) Kamala Harris 57% Katie Porter 9% Antonio Villaraigosa 4% Eleni Kounalakis 4% Toni Atkins 3% Betty Yee 2% Stephen Cloobeck 1% Tony Thurmond 1% Michael Younger 1% Someone else 3% Undecided 17% 'Support for Harris is strongest among women (60%), Hispanics (61%), and Black Democratic voters (64%),' said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. 'If Vice President Harris enters the Democratic Primary, she would start as the clear favorite. Without Harris in the race, the primary is wide open.' Harris is no stranger to California politics, representing the state in the U.S. Senate, serving as Attorney General under Gov. Jerry Brown and holding office as the District Attorney for San Francisco. As Joe Biden's Vice President, Harris made history by becoming the highest-ranking female official in American history. She's also the first African American and the first Asian American to hold the position. Katie Porter, who represented the 45th and later the 47th Congressional Districts in Orange County, is a progressive darling known for sparring with her opponents on Capitol Hill with the help of a whiteboard as a visual aid. Californians think more should be spent on fire resources: poll Porter did not seek re-election to Congress, instead gunning for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of longtime California legislator Dianne Feinstein. Porter lost the Democratic primary to Adam Schiff, who went on to defeat Republican and former Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey in the November General. In a tie for third place among those polled with 4% voicing their support is current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis who has already announced her campaign for governor and who may have been the presumptive nominee if Harris were occupying the White House instead of Donald Trump. Although many leaders in the Democratic party have urged Harris to announce a bid for the California Governor's Office, she herself has not indicated any plans to do so. The Nexstar Media poll by Emerson College was conducted earlier this week through text message and landlines. Other topics that respondents were asked to comment on were the state's firefighting resources, the California High-Speed Rail and Newsom's approval rating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
