Joanna Lydgate
Protecting democracy like it’s my job. No really, CEO @statesunited.org & @statesunitedaction.bsky.social I Former Chief Deputy AG at Mass AGO (she/her)
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateWATCH >> Our Rule of Law Director, Sam Trepel, sat down with @60minutes.bsky.social to discuss how the Trump Admin is shutting out state investigators looking into Alex Pretti's killing. "I think it sends a message that federal agents are above the law. And that's a very dangerous message."
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThey arrested Don Lemon. This is retribution. Years of hostility from the Trump circle toward a journalist who called them out. Instead of accountability for a killing in Minneapolis, DOJ went after the press. Stand with Don Lemon. Stand with the Constitution. Stand with a free press.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateStanding with Minnesotans tonight and paying my respects to Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgatePeaceful protest works. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateMinnesota judge summons ICE leader to court, threatens contempt sanctions www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgatePoll workers are the backbone of our democracy. On #HelpAmericaVoteDay, we’re proud to celebrate their contributions to our free and fair elections. Want to learn how to serve as a poll worker in your community? Visit www.powerthepolls.org/search.
- We stand with the people of Minnesota, who are showing the world what courage and resilience look like in the face of authoritarianism.
- @statesunited.org has spent years fighting back against election denial and Trump’s “Big Lie” from 2020. The harms of the lie, and the mistrust it sowed in our elections, never went away. Quite the opposite. www.ms.now/opinion/trum...
- Today, election denial is embedded in a federal government that has also proven itself willing to ignore the law. That’s a dangerous combination.
- The teachings and legacy of Dr. King feel especially important today. He proved beyond a shadow of doubt that peaceful protest, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to justice and to one another can overcome any obstacle — and our democracy is all the better for it.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateTwo days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateToday, the court sent a clear message: states run elections, not the administration. It reinforces what states have been arguing for months: There's no legal basis for the federal government’s sweeping demands for voters’ sensitive information. wapo.st/45ODdyT
- Here’s an important next read from @protectdemocracy.org and our own Rule of Law Program Director @statesunited.org on states pursuing accountability when the federal government fails to. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
- Reposted by Joanna Lydgate“In this moment, we cannot rely on this administration to conduct fair and thorough investigations – but we can and should look to state and local leaders. Their efforts are crucial to keeping our communities safe and seeking accountability.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
- A sadly relevant piece from Sam Trepel, our Rule of Law Program Director at States United. DOJ can and should investigate excessive force cases and charge federal agents when appropriate. Their silence is dangerous. www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
- I am furious and heartbroken over the killing of Renee Good. This is both a tragedy and a deeply predictable outcome, following months of aggressive escalation from federal agents.
- I'm grateful to state and local law enforcement for everything they're doing to de-escalate this situation, and I stand firmly with the people of Minnesota and Governor Walz.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateWe’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump Administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety.
- Five years ago, we saw what happens when a President refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. We now have a federal administration full of people willing to do the same. It's on all of us to make sure the past is neither erased nor repeated. www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
- This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateSometimes, courts really can check abuses of power. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/n...
- What we’ve seen in Trump’s second term is an historic misuse of executive power — sidestepping Congress and the states to enact his agenda. @statesunited.org has just released a new report on Trump's executive orders. Highly encourage you to take a look. statesunited.org/resources/ex...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateNEW >> Since returning to office, President Trump has issued 217 executive orders, far more than any president in history. The volume and pace of those issued suggests a governing style that relies heavily on unilateral action and side-stepping Congress. statesunited.org/resources/ex...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateAcross Massachusetts, we’ve seen communities come together in big and small ways this year. As we light the State House tree, we celebrate that spirit. @joannalydgate.bsky.social and I are wishing you a holiday season filled with love and laughter 🎄❤️
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateHappy Thanksgiving, Massachusetts! 🦃
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateDemocracy depends on all of us. We’re grateful to all of the people who work to protect it every day.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateLaw Forward was grateful to be honored at the Wisconsin Civic Power Table’s inaugural Celebration of Partners with the 'Forward Award.' It was wonderful to be in the company of so many powerful organizations who work collaboratively to advance democracy in Wisconsin.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThe President does not have authority to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education. It’s blatantly unconstitutional & jeopardizes the education of an entire generation of children. As the President turns his back on America’s children, we’ll continue to fight to protect their futures.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateA majority of Americans reject political violence in all of its forms and view it as a problem. State leaders from both parties condemn it. “No matter who you are or what you believe, there is never a place for violence in our politics.” — @joannalydgate.bsky.social statesunited.org/resources/am...
- It is beyond dangerous for any public official—let alone a sitting President—to suggest that political violence is ever okay. As someone who was the target of an assassination attempt himself, Donald Trump should know better.
- Our country desperately needs leaders willing to lead by example and tamp down violent rhetoric. Every day, we see Republican and Democratic state officials, and law enforcement and military leaders, doing just that. We should expect no less of our president.
- When people in power turn the justice system into a tool for revenge, democracy itself is in danger. Proud to have @statesunited.org representing this diverse mix of experts as they speak out against the weaponization of the DOJ. statesunited.org/james-amicus/
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateI talked to former Judge Mark Wolf about why his fear for our democracy is so great that he resigned from the bench and gave up lifetime tenure to speak publicly about it. But one thing he said to me actually gave me hope. We are still The People. My column: www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/12/o...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateOn Veterans Day and always, we honor the brave men and women who served our country and defended our freedoms. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice 🇺🇸
- Talk about a trailblazer. Thank you, Speaker Pelosi, for your decades of public service, your dedication to democracy, and for clearing a path for so many women to serve in the halls of government alongside you. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateSNAP feeds families in every city and town — especially kids, seniors, and people with disabilities. But right now, more than 1 million people don’t have the benefits they need to get through the month. If you need help or can give help, go to Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThe most exciting thing about tonight is that voters found their voices and remembered how important and how special our ability to elect our representatives is. #Election2025
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateOur elections remain free, fair, and secure. Thank you to the countless number of state and local leaders, election officials, and volunteers across the country who work hard to make sure voters can cast their ballots with confidence. apnews.com/projects/election-r…
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThere’s no such thing as an off year when it comes to our elections. Millions of Americans across the country have already made their voices heard through early, mail-in, and absentee voting. Join them by voting in-person today on Election Day! 🗳️🇺🇸
- Behind every free and fair election are thousands of dedicated election officials and poll workers working hard to make it happen – and 80% of them are women! I’m grateful today and every day for everyone who shows up to keep our democracy strong. #ThankYouElectionHeroes
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThe Trump Administration's shutdown isn’t a game – it’s affecting the livelihoods of real people here in Massachusetts. People deserve better from their government.
- Proud to see state officials fighting to protect critical services for survivors, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜
- Earlier this month, 20 states filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice over new federal grant restrictions that block critical funding for survivors of domestic violence. State AGs argue the policy is unlawful and violates the Constitution. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/01/a...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThank you so much for the love & support for my book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy. It just hit @nytimes bestseller list at no. 4
- @governor.pa.gov turning a personal attack against him and his family into a chance to speak out against political violence and support others who may be drawn to serve is a reminder of what real leadership looks like. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/u...
- There's still time to cast your ballot early! Huge thanks to the state leaders and election officials protecting vote-by-mail! As our @statesunited.org research shows, it’s one of the most trusted ways Americans make their voices heard—and for good reason! www.voteearlyday.org
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateWhen National Guard troops are deployed in cities, Americans often can’t tell them apart from local law enforcement & that confusion threatens public safety says @joannalydgate.bsky.social. "It will make communities less safe,” adds @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social CEO @janessagoldbeck.bsky.social.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThe President is deploying National Guard troops without the consent of states’ governors & against the wishes of local law enforcement. We're working with @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social & retired military leaders to push back. "It's highly partisan & political," says @janessagoldbeck.bsky.social.
- During his campaign, Donald Trump promised revenge on his political opponents, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing play out with Attorney General Letitia James. Every American should be deeply alarmed by this.
- In America, we don’t jail people simply because we disagree with their politics, and we certainly don’t jail governors for protecting and serving the people of their state. www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateNo matter your politics, we have to stand together and reject violence in our democracy. Now’s the time to listen more, turn away from hate, and find connection. The next generation is watching. A much-needed message from @joannalydgate.bsky.social and Utah’s First Lady Cox.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateTD Garden is thirty and thriving! ✨ With the most championship banners in North America, the world’s best concerts, and so much more, @joannalydgate.bsky.social and I loved celebrating all the memories made here — and the ones still to come.
- Calling Americans who disagree with your political views “the enemy” is actually un-American. Our military leaders deserve better than being treated like props for political theater. www.npr.org/2025/09/30/n...
- A sitting president forcing out a U.S. Attorney because there weren't grounds to press charges against a political rival? Chilling and un-American. Prosecutors take an oath to follow the evidence and the law, and Erik Siebert did just that. www.bbc.com/news/article...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateHappy #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! 🗳️ It’s the perfect time to check your registration, update your information or register to vote for the first time. In Massachusetts, you can register at Mass.gov/Vote.
- If you’re worried about the world right now, take a moment (it's @natlvoterregday.bsky.social) to make sure you’re registered to vote, then share this link with your friends and family so they can check too. ✅ nationalvoterregistrationday.org/register-to-...
- From Minnesota to Utah, political violence has torn apart families and shaken our nation. This is a moment to lead by example for the next generation—choosing empathy instead of anger, kindness instead of hate, and unity over division.
- Yesterday, I joined First Spouses from across the country to say with one voice: political violence has no place in our democracy. I urge all leaders to do the same. www.nga.org/advocacy-com...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateTwenty-four years later, the pain of September 11, 2001 still runs deep. Today, we honor the lives lost, the families changed forever, and the heroes who answered the call. They will never be forgotten.
- The shooting and death of Charlie Kirk is horrifying, and I’m heartbroken for his family. No matter who you are or what you believe, there is never a place for violence in our politics. This is a dark day for our country.
- Our democracy depends on leaders who act with integrity. Yesterday's ruling hasn’t changed that. Thank you @miattygen.bsky.social & @michigansos.bsky.social for all of your work to hold fake electors in your state accountable, and for your commitment to protecting the people’s votes.
- Secretary Benson issues statement on judge’s decision to dismiss criminal charges against Michigan false electors: lnks.gd/2/33n_82W
- Retired generals agree: our military shouldn’t be used for domestic law enforcement or as political pawns. Thank you to the leaders at @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social for speaking up and to the @statesunited.org team for an excellent brief. statesunited.org/resources/ne...
- States should be stepping UP to protect families, not stepping away. Ending vaccine mandates in schools is dangerous, short-sighted, and will have national impacts. As a parent, nothing is scarier than watching politicians undo the protections that keep our kids safe. apnews.com/article/flor...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateBREAKING NEWS >> Former Republican Governors Bill Weld, @govwhitman.bsky.social, @schwarzenegger.bsky.social, and Marc Racicot call on the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Voting Rights Act protections for minority voters in a Louisiana redistricting case. statesunited.org/louisiana-re...
- America wouldn't be what it is today without our workers and the labor movement that established wage standards, safer working conditions, reasonable hours, and more. To fight for democracy is to fight for American workers and their lasting legacy on our nation.
- The Constitution would like to have a word.
- Thank you Governor Phil Scott for refusing to send Vermont National Guard troops to DC. America has laws to prevent our military from being used to police us — and for good reason. www.ksby.com/politics/rep...
- Let’s be really clear about something: Vote-by-Mail is safe, secure, and popular. It's used by millions of voters across all parties. Trump is recycling old lies about the 2020 election that were disproven BY HIS OWN OFFICIALS and shut down by U.S. courts.
- Personally, I’m going to put my trust in the countless public servants across America who work every day to ensure the integrity of our elections.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateDonald Trump wants to rewrite how our museums tell the stories of American history. open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
- Poll workers are the backbone of our democracy and at @statesunited.org we’re proud to celebrate these heroes every day. This #PollWorkerRecruitmentDay, consider becoming one of the millions of Americans who #HelpAmericaVote. Sign up at www.eac.gov/help-america....
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateFBI agents are not trained to patrol streets. And every agent that is assigned to do that is NOT investigating: *foreign spies stealing gov’t and trade secrets *foreign and domestic terrorist threats *crimes like fraud, corruption, trafficking, and violent crimes (among others) Do you feel safer?
- Sending the military and federal law enforcement into Washington, DC isn’t going to make anyone safer. But this isn’t about safety. It’s just another distraction — and another power grab that undermines local government and local leadership. thehill.com/homenews/adm...
- Sixty years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, to guarantee that every American — no matter the color of their skin — would have the same access and opportunity to vote. It’s on all of us to uphold that promise. 19thnews.org/2025/08/voti...
- State officials are on the front lines of our democracy – & their work is more critical than ever. But they can’t do it alone. That’s where our team @statesunited.org comes in. Every day, we work to ensure these leaders have what they need to succeed. www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/this-de...
- The data is clear: when people trust elections, they vote. All of our leaders need to take this as a call to action. If they want voters to show up and vote, they need to tell the truth about our free, fair, secure elections.
- NEW ELECTION REPORT >> We just released a new report showing that a lack of voter confidence may have decreased voter turnout in the '24 election by up to ~5 million votes. Boosting voter confidence boosts participation in our democracy across parties. statesunited.org/resources/wh...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateNEW. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its plans to cut the federal workforce and gut agencies. This would hurt American communities and drastically impact the states. Get the facts. ⬇️ statesunited.org/resources/fa...
- My heart is breaking for all of the families in Texas who’ve been impacted by the floods. I can’t even begin to fathom what the parents of those young campers are going through right now. Keeping those girls and everyone missing or lost in my heart today.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThis month has been a powerful reminder of why we must keep showing up for our LGBTQ+ community. Know that I see you, celebrate you, and this office has your back.
- Waking up this morning with new found urgency to support the state leaders protecting our democracy. The SCOTUS decisions yesterday made something I’ve always known even more clear: state AGs are the backbone of our democracy, and we need them now more than ever. Let’s get to work.
- It has never been more important to acknowledge the failings in our history, the hard won progress of Black leaders who fought against injustice, and our responsibility to carry their legacy forward by building a more just democracy for all. We proudly celebrate Juneteenth today.
- On #Juneteenth, we celebrate Black leaders and the work being done to realize America's promise of freedom and equality. We’re proud to stand with them in defense of the principles that make our country a land of opportunity for all. ❤️🖤💚
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateA statement from @statesunited.org CEO @joannalydgate.bsky.social:
- The real question today isn’t whether we’re in a constitutional crisis — it’s what we’re going to do about it. A big thank you to @teenvogue.com for letting me break down this important moment: www.teenvogue.com/story/what-i...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateThis Memorial Day, we remember the brave service members who have died in defense of our nation and our democracy. We’re committed to upholding and honoring their legacy of service today and every day.
- “I’m not afraid. I’ve never once been discouraged from doing the right thing. And I will not start today.” Bravo @govevers.wisconsin.gov. This is the kind of leadership that Americans need. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIjg...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateLaw Day 2025 on the Boston Common - hundreds of lawyers recommitting to their oaths to the MA and US constitutions. Part of a national effort to be clear in our support for the rule of law and our roles in ensuring justice.
- A ton has unfolded over the past 100 days but here’s a powerful story you might have missed: state leaders aren’t backing down—they're pushing back. Find out how in a new report from our team @statesunited.org. 👇
- In just 100 days of Trump’s second term, state officials have been stepping up to protect our democracy. From defending our elections to challenging federal overreach, they’re using their power to protect the people. statesunited.org/resources/10...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateTomorrow marks Trump’s first 100 days. It’s been a whirlwind of unconstitutional actions: sidestepping Congress, defying the courts, and withholding federal funding. But here are 100 ways state leaders are pushing back: statesunited.org/resources/10...
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateEvery single person deserves a workplace that treats them fairly and protects them from harm. Today, on Workers' Memorial Day, we honor the memories of Massachusetts workers who lost their lives because of unsafe work conditions. Thank you @masscosh.bsky.social for convening us.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateMore than 250,000 Americans are expected to be impacted by the Trump admin’s cuts to the federal workforce — with devastating effects in states all across the country. Cuts that stop government from working are not efficient, they’re harmful. Learn more: statesunited.org/resources/fa...
- So glad to have these all-stars on the side of democracy @statesunited.org. Welcome to the team! 👏
- Our democracy bench just got deeper. We’re excited to welcome two new members to our bipartisan advisory board: ⭐ @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social, former Chief of Staff to VP Dan Quayle (George H. Bush admin) ⭐ Stephen Richer, former Recorder of Maricopa County, AZ statesunited.org/kristol-rich...
- Charlie, Maura, & I celebrated #EarthDay by planting trees with local Girl Scouts at MacDonald Park in Medford! 🌳🌷 There’s free programming happening all week at MA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation parks across the state! It all leads up to Park Serve Day on 4/26. Find out more at Mass.gov/DCR.
- Reposted by Joanna LydgateLove your mother. #EarthDay.
- Donald Trump: "We cannot give everyone a trial." The U.S. Constitution: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial..." www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
- "This is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation. I believe he cannot," said Maine Governor Janet Mills. I know one thing's for sure: Never bet against a New England Governor. www.maine.gov/governor/mil...
