Latest news with #RepublicanGovernorsAssociation
Mint
6 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
2028 Presidential election candidates: Full list of Republican hopefuls eyeing the White House
The Republican race for the 2028 Presidential nomination is already taking shape, less than six months into Donald Trump's second term. With Trump constitutionally barred from running again, a crowded field of GOP hopefuls is emerging — from high-profile senators and governors to Trump-aligned Cabinet members — all maneuvering for position in early primary states, according to a report by CNN. JD Vance of Ohio is widely viewed as Trump's political heir. As a key member of Trump's administration, he enters the 2028 conversation in a commanding position. Republican voters see him as closely aligned with Trump's agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reemerging as a contender. Despite past criticism of Trump, Rubio is now seen as a loyal team player. His prior run in 2016 — where he placed third in Iowa — gives him built-in name recognition and a base of support in early states. Sen. Ted Cruz, who won Iowa in 2016 and finished second to Trump in that cycle, has remained politically active. He has maintain a high profile and kept the door open for another run. Cruz would bring experience, conservative credentials, and a national network to the race. A growing group of Republican governors could shake up the race: Glenn Youngkin (Virginia): With his term ending soon due to Virginia's one-term limit, Youngkin will soon be a free agent. His 2021 win in a blue-leaning state makes him a compelling post-Trump option. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Arkansas): As Trump's former press secretary and now governor, Sanders remains a prominent voice in GOP politics. Her deep ties to Trump's base could make her a formidable contender. Brian Kemp (Georgia): Despite past tensions with Trump over the 2020 election, Kemp has remained a strong conservative leader and now chairs the Republican Governors Association — giving him donor access and national exposure. Ron DeSantis (Florida): After a failed 2024 run, DeSantis appears to have mended fences with Trump. His continued focus on hardline immigration policies and prior campaign infrastructure make him a likely 2028 candidate. Greg Abbott (Texas): Another governor closely aligned with Trump's immigration agenda, Abbott may leverage Texas' electoral heft to stake a claim in the race. Several sitting Republican senators are also being watched: Tim Scott (South Carolina): After his 2024 campaign, Scott ended with stronger ties to Trump, though questions remain about his ability to campaign for himself rather than Trump's ideas. Rand Paul (Kentucky) and Rick Scott (Florida): Both have been active in early primary states and continue to promote fiscally conservative policies. Josh Hawley (Missouri) and Tom Cotton (Arkansas): These senators remain on watch lists for their conservative positions and willingness to engage in national debates. As 2028 approaches, the Republican field is likely to grow, but early signs point to Vance, Rubio, DeSantis, and Youngkin as leading figures in a post-Trump GOP — each vying to define the party's future without its longtime standard-bearer.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers not seeking reelection
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced Thursday he won't seek another term in office, teeing up a competitive election in one of the state's closest battlegrounds. Evers said in a video posted on the social media platform X that serving as governor has been 'the honor of my life' and he expects that he would win reelection to a third term as governor if he ran. But he said he loves being a husband, father and grandfather even more than being governor, and his family has made sacrifices for five decades to allow him to partake in public service. He said he owes it to his family to send time on doing what they love to do together. 'That's why, Wisconsin, I'm announcing I will not be running for a third term,' Evers said. Evers said he's not finished with his job yet, and he has a lot of work to do before his current term ends in 2027. 'And Wisconsin, I'll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you,' he said. 'So let's get to work.' Evers's announcement will kick off an open gubernatorial race in one of the biggest battlegrounds in the country. He was first elected governor in 2018, ousting then-Gov. Scott Walker (R) by just over 1 point, while he won reelection in 2022 by a more comfortable 3 points. Statements quickly poured in from Democrats thanking Evers's for his service and vowing that the party would keep the office next year. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker said in a statement that Evers is one of the most successful governors in the state's history. 'While Republican candidates rush to embrace the most extreme elements of their party and face another divisive and bitter primary battle, we will be prepared to hold them accountable and ensure Wisconsin elects a Democratic governor in 2026,' Remiker said. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) praised Evers as always putting the state and its children first. 'Tony embodies the best of the Wisconsin way – he knows what is right and is willing to fight for it, but is level-headed, Midwestern nice, and always willing to bridge divides if it's right for our state,' she said in a post on X. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, called Evers's leadership 'transformative' for Wisconsin. 'No matter who emerges from the Republican primary, one thing is certain: they will be too extreme for Wisconsin, in stark contrast with the strong, results-focused leadership in the governor's office that Wisconsinites have enjoyed over the last six years,' Kelly said. Republicans vowed that Wisconsin would turn a page from Democratic leadership and return the GOP back to the office. Courtney Alexander, the communications director for the Republican Governors Association, said in a statement that the same type of 'out-of-touch liberals' as Evers will try to replace him. 'Wisconsin is ready for a return to common sense leadership and real solutions that have been lacking under the tenure of Gov. Evers and not a single Democrat in Wisconsin can credibly offer either,' she said. The primaries on both sides could quickly get crowded, with various candidates rumored to be considering a run. For Democrats, the possible candidates include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, state Attorney General Josh Kaul and Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, among others. On the Republican side, Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) has expressed interest in possibly running, while Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann entered the race in May. Updated: 1:59 p.m. ET Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republicans Are Already Giving Up Hope in This Key Election Race
Republicans have already written off this year's gubernatorial race in Virginia as a lost cause. With Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears facing weak polling and low fundraising hauls, state and national Republicans are convinced the party will lose the governorship in November—unless something major and unexpected happens, Politico reported. Fundraising disclosures revealed last week that Spears' opponent, former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, had more than three times as much cash on hand, or $15.2 million to Spears' $4.5 million. The problem isn't likely to improve anytime soon, because fundraising in years that are neither a presidential election year nor a midterm year tends to be a self-reinforcing cycle, according to Politico. Donors and party committees are wary of giving to candidates who seem to be struggling. Multiple sources also told Politico that Spears herself had exacerbated the problem by failing to reach out to some of the state's most reliable donors and top political figures, including President Donald Trump's campaign co-manager, Chris LaCivita. Sears and Trump met privately at the White House earlier this year, but the president has not endorsed her because she criticized him in between his two terms, according to Politico. The lieutenant governor's weak chances have put Republicans in a quandary because they can't abandon her completely, but they don't want to sink significant resources into what they see as a losing race. As a point of comparison, four years ago, the Republican Governors Association (RGA) funneled $10.7 million to current Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's winning campaign. Virginia law allows governors to only serve one term, and Youngkin all but assured Sears would succeed him as the Republican nominee. But now, the RGA has given Sears just $500,000 and is wary of offering anything more, according to Politico. Party leaders are convinced they have a better chance in New Jersey, the only other state holding a gubernatorial election this year. They prefer to focus on that race and save up for 2026, when a whopping 36 gubernatorial races will be held. Back in Virginia, some leading Republicans blame Youngkin—who appears to be gearing up for a presidential run—for not leaving the state party in a better position, according to Politico. But Republicans already faced an uphill battle in the state, which Trump has never won. State Attorney General Jason Miyares—who appears to be one of the few incumbent Republicans poised to win in November—decided not to run for governor after Trump was re-elected. Earlier this year, LaCivita hosted a fundraiser for Miyares and Miyares alone. In a highly unusual twist, Miyares has raised more money than Virginia's Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor combined.
Politico
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Mamdanew Jersey
Good Thursday morning! A democratic socialist is the heavy favorite to be New York City's next mayor, and Republicans really want to talk about it. 'To all the residents and business owners of New York City who don't want a socialist, defund the police, antisemitic mayor representing them, I encourage you to move to New Jersey,' Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli wrote in one of several tweets about the apparent but not official Democratic primary victory of Zohran Mamdani. (Ciattarelli had previously responded to a question about Medicaid cuts by saying 'this is a race for governor of New Jersey and we will continue to talk about New Jersey issues.' Republicans all over the state were talking about it on social media. Frequent congressional candidate Billy Prempeh encouraged Staten Island, where much of the original Jersey Shore cast came from anyway, to join New Jersey. Ed Durr posted an anti-Muslim tweet about it. The Republican Governors Association in a press release said that 'Mikie Sherrill must decide if she is jumping on board with the Democrat Socialist movement. Voters across the tri-state area are begging to know.' But Ciattarelli isn't necessarily being inconsistent in talking about New York. New Jersey's governor will always have to deal with New York City's mayor. So I asked Sherrill's campaign for comment on Mamdani's victory. Here's a statement from Sherrill: 'Voters want leaders who understand their daily struggles and are willing to throw out the old playbook to solve them, and while I have plenty of disagreements with Mr. Mamdani, I share his voters' goal of making life more affordable,' she said. 'I'm focused on my race and bringing costs down in New Jersey, while Jack Ciattarelli represents politics as usual: a 100% MAGA lackey who has voted to raise taxes at every level of government, and has been running for office since before my kids were born.' Republicans are trying to make the case that the Democratic Party has gone radical. But New Jersey has over 1 million more people than New York City, and Democrats there didn't choose a radical, just as the state's Republicans rejected the more reactionary ones. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — who was joined by Mamdani following his arrest by ICE and endorsed him shortly before the primary — ran far to Sherrill's left. And I see some parallels between the reaction to Mamdani's apparent win and when Baraka was first elected mayor in 2014. Democratic power brokers and business leaders were worried about how he'd govern. A year later, they were praising him. Sherrill didn't elaborate on her differences with Mamdani. I assume that besides not considering herself a socialist, one is that she doesn't want to be associated with a candidate who's expressed strong criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza and his defense of the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' even though he has acknowledged Israel's right to exist. Republicans apparently think there's plenty of sting in radical labels like socialist, but I'm not sure. There was years ago, when the Cold War fresh on voters' minds and they were more apt to associate 'socialist' with the Soviet Union than countries with big welfare states. The same goes on the mainstream right. It would have been hard to imagine a scenario in which a Republican presidential frontrunner dined with a white nationalist Holocaust denier and antisemitic rapper, and it didn't hurt him. But here we are. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'I grew up in Cherry Hill and it's heartening to see growing political participation that will give the people more choice in their democracy. I congratulate and wish the Camden County Progressive Democrats well as they take the helm of the Democratic committee in my old home town.' — Sen. Andy Kim, on the county committee victory of a trio of anti-machine Democrats HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Ross K. Baker, Christopher Connors, Shelley Skinner. Missed Tuesday: Katie Brennan WHAT TRENTON MADE GOTTHEIMER IHRATE — ''Outrageous, shameful' NJ Assembly won't adopt IHRA Jew-hatred definition, Gottheimer says,' by JNS' Jonathan D. Salant: 'New Jersey Jewish leaders blasted state Assembly members who cancelled a vote, which would have enshrined a widely accepted definition of antisemitism into state law, at the last minute on Tuesday … Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) called for a vote, noting that 70% of Assembly members co-sponsored the legislation. 'It's outrageous and shameful that the New Jersey Assembly refuses to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism as hate surges across our state,' the congressman told JNS. 'The Assembly needs to stop stalling and finally bring this bill to the floor for a vote.'' FINDING $100M SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM — Reference pricing vote deadlocks in PDC committee, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The committee overseeing health insurance plan design for state and local government employees deadlocked on a vote to implement reference-based pricing on Wednesday. The outcome did not come as a surprise — labor groups that backed the resolution did not expect state buy-in from management representatives on the committee, which is split equally with labor and management. But the meeting became contentious at times. The vote comes as state leaders are working to pass a budget deal that would require the State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee to find $100 million in savings by a certain date. It is unclear how the savings will be enforced if the 12-member committee cannot come to an agreement. Public-sector unions have long pushed for reference-based pricing, which caps provider payments at a percentage of a benchmark. MURPHY OFFERS FREESTYLE RAP APOLOGY — Budget expected to restore proposed $20 million community college cut, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The upcoming state budget is expected to restore a proposed $20 million cut to community colleges, according to two people familiar with the budget negotiations. Gov. Phil Murphy's budget included a $20 million cut in operating aid to community colleges, which drew pushback from education leaders and a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The proposed cuts were part of the governor's broader efforts to limit spending for the upcoming fiscal year, although it appears that community colleges will not face the $20 million reduction, according to the people who were granted anonymity to discuss the budget negotiations. SEGREGATION NOW, SEGREGATION AT LEAST UNTIL THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION! — 'Murphy team trying to 'stall' on NJ school segregation resolution, plaintiffs argue,' by The Record's Mary Ann Koruth: 'The Murphy administration is using delay tactics in a seven-year-old school segregation lawsuit and stalling its resolution, a group of plaintiffs allege in their latest court filing — potentially upping the ante in a dispute that so far had not strayed from purely legal arguments. At the heart of the lawsuit are the state's home rule laws, which have children attend school according to their ZIP code. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, Latino Action Network and the NAACP, now accuse the state of trying to bide time until a new administration takes over in Trenton. Gov. Phil Murphy is in the final year of his last term, and a new governor will be elected in November 2025. The plaintiffs accuse the Murphy administration of mischaracterizing the trial court's ruling — that the state's public schools suffer from unofficial segregation — to avoid a politically prickly resolution that will require revisiting the state's neighborhood-based school systems.' — 'New Jersey raising online casino tax rate, which could cost state in the long run' — 'Judge punts Assembly recount to late July' — 'How school funding will change if lawmakers go with Murphy plan' — 'Reformers unveil platform to cut disparities in N.J. prison population' — 'New Jersey offshore wind project seeks third delay, citing market uncertainty, supply chain woes' — 'NJ State Trooper denied benefit because he was driving more than 100 mph before I-78 crash' — 'New Jersey launches $40M extension of broadband internet to underserved areas' TRUMP ERA McIVER — Rep. LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty as watchdog group files complaint against Alina Habba, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) appeared in court Wednesday morning in front of U.S. District Court Judge Jamel Semper on a trio of charges following a May scuffle outside a federal immigration facility. 'Your honor, I plead not guilty,' she said. Outside the courtroom, McIver and her attorney, Paul Fishman, said they plan to challenge the charges, which come with a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison, on legal and factual grounds. 'At the end of the day, this is all about political intimidation,' McIver told a crowd of supporters that had gathered outside the federal courthouse in Newark. McIver is accused in a three-count indictment of slamming a federal agent with her forearm, 'forcibly' grabbing him and using her forearms to strike another agent. Allegations of physical violence by a sitting member of Congress are rare, with a handful of incidents including the pre-Civil War caning of a senator by a member of the House. McIver's allies, including two other Democrats who were with her during the incident, have decried the charges as political and have said she was roughed up by federal agents. — Bove denies advising anyone to flout court orders LOCAL WHEN THE FINE FOR NOT PASSING A NEARLY $1 BILLION BUDGET IS LESS THAN THE FINE FOR AN EXPIRED PARKING METER — 'Newark has yet to introduce 2025 budget, three months past deadline,' by TAPIntoNewark's Nicole Zanchelli: 'Newark's municipal budget is nearly three months late — with no introduction date near — and the city may have to pay a penalty each day if its fiscal plan remains delayed. Why is the 2025 budget late? It depends on whom you ask. In public session, the Newark business administrator has pointed to federal funding rollbacks that have complicated the budget development. But the city budget director said she wasn't aware of any cuts, and reported that Essex County's tax levy increase has caused the delay. A June 6 letter from the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the City Council indicated that Newark's introduced 2025 budget is 'now two months overdue,' and a penalty of $25 per day will be assessed for each day the budget remains unintroduced after June 30.' HOW MICHAEL JACKSON COULD BEAT IT — 'NJ election fraud cases against Paterson council members still unresolved 5 years later,' by The Record's Joe Malinconico: 'In a legal marathon that has defied almost anyone's definition of a speedy trial, the attorney general's ongoing election fraud cases against Paterson Councilmen Michael Jackson and Alex Mendez reached their fifth anniversary on June 25 … 'It seems like the people of Paterson could care less and want them on the council anyway,' said Matthew Hale, an associate professor who teaches political science at Seton Hall University … Attorney General's Office spokesman Daniel Prochilo said: 'These situations illustrate how corruption cases can be significantly delayed for reasons beyond the control of the prosecution. They also demonstrate that corruption cases are highly complex and they involve sophisticated defendants and schemes.' … Scott Salmon, a lawyer, was involved in the allegations of Paterson election fraud right from the beginning … said Mendez delayed the criminal proceedings in their early stages with motions attempting to have the charges tossed based on assertion of political interference.' McGRIEVANCE — 'Solomon & Ali both say Mamdani's win is bad news for McGreevey in Jersey City,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali are both saying that New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-36) upset victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is bad news for Jim McGreevey in Jersey City. 'There are many differences between New York City and Jersey City but one thing is very clear: voters are rejecting scandal ridden elected officials that resigned in disgrace and are attempting vanity comebacks — and Jim McGreevey is going to be next,' Solomon said in a statement. In a thread on X, he added that McGreevey, a former New Jersey governor, who like Cuomo, resigned in the midst of scandal, donated $500 to his New York counterpart on March 3rd.' — 'Mayor kicks homeless group out of [Toms River] parking garage during heat wave' — 'Paterson mayor must testify in suit by city official he tried to fire' — 'Mahwah able to reduce its next round of affordable housing requirement from 629 to three' — 'Ocean City to take a new look at 3% Airbnb tax' — 'Cherry Hill reaffirms commitment to N.J. directive that limits cooperation with federal immigration agencies' — 'Beloved independent [Ramsey] movie theatre to close this summer' — 'Officials: Partial collapse, chemical leak reported at vegetable processing plant in Upper Deerfield Township' EVERYTHING ELSE DO NOT READ IF SQUEAMISH — 'An Asbury Park lifeguard was impaled by a beach umbrella,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Amy S. Rosenberg: 'An Asbury Park lifeguard sitting on the stand was impaled by a beach umbrella Wednesday morning that entered her armpit and exited her back, a fire official said. Officials had to cut the pole, which was about an inch in diameter, on both sides to fit her into the ambulance, officials said. 'She basically had a 6-foot umbrella pole that entered into her left armpit and exited out the left side of her back,' Battalion Chief Chris Barkalow of the Asbury Park Fire Department said in a phone interview … There was 'very minimal' external bleeding, and the lifeguard was conscious and alert and did not appear to be in extreme pain, he said. 'She seemed a lot better off than I would be,' he said.' 'I AM A MEMBER OF AN EXCESSIVELY-ORGANIZED POLITICAL PARTY. I AM A SOUTH JERSEY DEMOCRAT' — 'Iconic fast-food chain making a surprising N.J. comeback after nearly disappearing,' by NJ Advance Media's Rob Jennings: 'A once-ubiquitous chain of fast-food restaurants is launching a South Jersey comeback. A new Roy Rogers in Cherry Hill will hold an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with doors opening to the public at 10:30 a.m., according to the company. The drive-through lane will open at noon. It joins two other Roy Rogers already open in New Jersey, located in Brick and Pine Beach in Ocean County.' THEY COULD JUST READ THIS NEWSLETTER — 'Kids can learn about boogers, vomit and farts at Liberty Science Center this summer,' by The Record's Roxanne Boychuk: 'Boogers, vomit, burps — all the grossest functions of the body — are being celebrated at the Liberty Science Center this summer, featured in its popular 'Grossology' exhibition for the first time in nearly seven years. 'Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body' exhibition is based on a series of books called 'Grossology' by Sylvia Branzei. The book and exhibition aim to teach children the science behind some of the nastier functions of the human body.' — 'NJ Transit rail discount for those affected by Route 80 sinkholes ends June 30'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trump gives clemency to more than 20 people, including political allies
President Trump granted clemency to more than two dozen people Wednesday, including longtime political allies, reality TV stars and a Louisiana rapper. His decision was influenced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson and the newly named Department of Justice Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, whose nomination for U.S. attorney for D.C. was withdrawn amid ethical concerns. 'Today 26 deserving individuals were granted clemencies and pardons. Each one represents a story of redemption, rehabilitation, and resilience. Their second chance is a second shot at life,' Johnson wrote in a Wednesday post on social platform X. The pardon czar later wrote that she was 'Tag teaming freedom with Ed.' Trump critics have questioned the motives behind the president's 'unprecedented' pardons and their projected impact on the criminal justice system. Here is a look at some individuals granted clemency: Imaad Zuberi was sentenced in 2021 to 12 years in prison after being convicted of obstructing an investigation into the president's 2017 inaugural committee, in addition to violating lobbying, campaign finance and tax laws. Zuberi donated more than $1.1 million to the Republican Party and committees with ties to the GOP after Trump's successful White House bid in 2016. Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland (R) received a pardon after being convicted in two federal cases. Rowland, once the nation's youngest governor, was elected to three terms prior to resigning. He also served as chair of the national Republican Governors Association in addition to three terms in Congress in the 1980s. In 2014, he was convicted of election fraud and obstruction of justice. The guilty verdict came more than a decade after he pleaded guilty to being involved in a $90,000 pay-to-play scheme that brought him luxury flights from Key Air of Oxford to Las Vegas and Florida, according to NBC Connecticut. Former Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) was pardoned after resigning from the House of Representatives and pleading guilty to one count of felony tax fraud, and he 'acknowledged committing perjury, hiring illegal immigrants, and committing wire fraud,' according to The New York Times. The outlet said he operated a Manhattan restaurant where he failed to report $1 million in earnings and hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee wages. Grimm has been a vocal advocate for the president in recent years, taking to television to defend the New York native. Former Arkansas state Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson was pardoned after being sentenced in 2023 to more than four years in prison in two cases involving bribery and tax fraud. He was one of several lawmakers and health care executives convicted in a Medicare fraud case, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported. Hutchinson is the son of former Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-Ark.) and the nephew of former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R). Labor union leader James Callahan received a pardon one day before his scheduled sentencing before a federal judge. The former general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers pleaded guilty to accepting $315,000 in unreported goods and services from an advertising firm that the union used to place ads. The gifts he received ranged from free tickets to sporting events, concerts and theater showings in addition to hospitality packages, according to The Associated Press. 'I don't know why you were pardoned,' U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said, AP reported. 'You weren't pardoned because you were wrongfully convicted. You pled guilty to the misdemeanors. You weren't pardoned because you were missentenced. Sentencing hadn't even occurred. You weren't pardoned because the law was somehow unfair, either in general or to you.' Former Cincinnati City Council member Alexander 'P.G.' Sittenfeld (D) received a pardon following his 2022 conviction for bribery and extortion related to donations to a political action committee, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. He accepted $20,000 from undercover FBI agents posing as advocates for a downtown property. His case appeared headed to the Supreme Court for review. Sittenfeld was on the rise and expected to launch a successful mayoral bid before his conviction resulted in a 16-month prison sentence in 2024. He served more than four months before being released while his case was appealed, the Enquirer reported. Mark Bashaw, a former Army officer who was convicted by a military court-martial for refusing to follow the Pentagon's COVID-19 safety rules, received a pardon. He was discharged from the Army in 2022 after a military judge ruled that he failed to comply with the Army's COVID protocol. Bashaw refused to take the COVID-19 shot and would not work remotely or submit a coronavirus test before reporting to work in person in addition to not wearing a face mask indoors. Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were granted clemency Wednesday after a 2022 conviction on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Their family's lavish lifestyle was documented on the show 'Chrisley Knows Best,' which ran from 2014-23. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus 16 months of probation, and Julie Chrisley received seven years behind bars plus 16 months of probation. Kentrell Gaulden, also known as 'NBA YoungBoy,' is a Louisiana-based rapper who was convicted of possessing weapons as a felon. He received a pardon. Gaulden, 25, is the father of 10 children and previously served several stints in juvenile detention. 'I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father and as an artist,' Gaulden said in a statement on Instagram. Trump commuted the federal life sentence of Chicago gang founder Larry Hoover. He co-founded the Gangster Disciples, which still operates on the street and in prison. Hoover, who was convicted of murdering a rival gang leader, is still serving a 200-year sentence for a state murder conviction, the Chicago Tribune reported. Advocates have urged Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) to pardon the inmate, who says he's no longer affiliated with the Gangster Disciples, the outlet said. Charles Tanner received a pardon five years after Trump commuted his life sentence at the end of his first term in 2020, The New York Times reported. He had been convicted of a nonviolent drug offense. The former a professional boxer from Indiana was arrested in 2004 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Charles Scott was convicted of fraud for his role helping an Ohio corporation defraud investors. He also attempted to manipulate the company's stock, according to the Department of Justice. In 2024, he was sentenced to three years in prison for securities fraud and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. He received a pardon Wednesday. Earl Lamont Smith, a former Army reserve sergeant, was convicted of theft of government property for stealing thousands of government computers and selling them for profit. Smith pleaded guilty and waived his right to a trial. He was pardoned Wednesday by the president. John Moore and Tanner Mansell removed sharks from a government-sanctioned fishing line in federal waters. They were convicted of theft in 2022, despite their claims that they rescued the sharks from an illegal poaching operation, according to The New York Times. The two were pardoned for their crimes. Marlene and James Kernan of New York were convicted of willingly employing a felon at their New York business and subsequently sentenced to probation in 2010. They were pardoned, as reported by the Times. Additional clemency recipients include Garnett Smith, Edward Sotelo, Joe Sotelo, Marian Morgan, Anabel Valenzuela and Lawrence Duran, according to the Times. The White House did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for more information on the individuals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
