Author
Barbara Rodriguez
Barbara Rodriguez is our statehouses reporter. She most recently worked at the Des Moines Register, where she covered health care, politics and state government. Before that, Barbara was the Iowa statehouse reporter for The Associated Press, where she worked for a decade.
The Latest
-
In Idaho governor’s race, a far-right candidate leans into extremism
Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s campaign, whether it’s successful or not on Tuesday, has become a flashpoint in the discussion of extremism in state politics — and White women’s role in it.
-
Is this the year for two-woman tickets?
Ohio Democrats this week picked women as their nominees for both governor and lieutenant governor. Other voters could follow suit in a year when more women are running to lead their states.
-
Blue states have passed laws to shore up abortion access, but it may not be enough to address potential surge
Several Democratic-led statehouses have taken steps in recent months to codify abortion protections, but few have done anything to increase access in anticipation of out-of-state patients.
-
The 19th Explains: The governor’s races we’re watching in 2022
Women, women of color and LGBTQ+ people are competing around the country for a chance to run their state’s top office.
-
She’s a White suburban mom. Can this lawmaker — and her viral speech — rally people like her for Democrats?
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow’s speech last month against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric went viral. She hopes her message can spur action among women who may be on the political sidelines.
-
Florida’s redistricting fight continues. The head of the state League of Women Voters talks about what’s at stake.
Cecile Scoon, the first Black woman to serve as president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, spoke with The 19th about a recent voting rights victory and efforts to bring in new members as lawmakers consider new maps.
-
Colorado may soon be the first state to guarantee its lawmakers 12 weeks of paid parental leave
Such formal parental leave policies are extremely rare in statehouses. That’s changing as more women and young people serve in public office.
-
What happens if officials who run elections think they’re rigged?
A Colorado county official who was charged last month with election tampering has embraced falsehoods about the 2020 election. Insider threats to elections are rare, but a new report raises concerns.
-
As election workers face increased threats and intimidation, some states are trying to protect them
The vast majority of election workers are women, and legislation in states including Oregon aims to protect them as lies about rigged elections make it harder for them to do their jobs safely.
-
Arizona’s statehouse lifted COVID precautions. Two lawmakers worry about what it means for their family.
They’re navigating decisions familiar to many parents with children too young to be vaccinated, worrying about risk as guidance on how to deal with the pandemic changes.