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)
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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/
- 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...
- 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
- 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...
- @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
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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....
- 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...
- 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.
- 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. ❤️🖤💚
- 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...
- “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...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
