We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy. Read our story.

Articles by

Mel Leonor Barclay

Politics Reporter (She/Her)

I’m Mel Leonor Barclay, a politics reporter at The 19th. My work is fueled by curiosity about the forces that drive everyday people to become politically engaged and shape their political beliefs. So far at The 19th, I’ve reported on how gender, race, ethnicity, economic reality, immigration story and experiences with gun violence have shaped candidates’ decisions to run for office and voters’ decisions at the ballot box.

I got my start in journalism covering government and elections in localities around South Florida for the Miami Herald and the Naples Daily News. I moved to Washington, D.C., to cover Donald Trump’s presidential transition for Politico in 2016 and went on to cover education and labor policy for the outlet. As Trump’s first term was coming to an end, I took a job at the Richmond Times-Dispatch covering Virginia state politics, a tumultuous time that included several political scandals and the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, a forever Floridian and proud graduate of Florida International University. I live in Richmond, Virginia, with my husband and daughter. When I’m not reporting or feeding pricey blueberries to my insatiable toddler, you can find me covered in mud at the pottery studio.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

Contact [email protected]

Latest from Mel Leonor Barclay

0 to 50: How one progressive group plans to build a bench of Afro Latinas in politics

To get more representation for Latinas, including in Congress, Latino Victory is looking to chart a path to election for Afro Latinas — and back them when they run.

Mel Leonor Barclay · March 4, 2024
What Nikki Haley’s run means to Republican women who don’t love Trump

Her supporters don’t want to her drop out — despite a loss in her home state. And they’d like others in the party to stop attacking her.

Mel Leonor Barclay · February 23, 2024
Nikki Haley, like the Alabama Supreme Court, said IVF embryos are babies

These views speak to the concerns of reproductive care advocates who say abortion bans and fetal personhood laws threaten access to IVF.

Mel Leonor Barclay, Grace Panetta · February 21, 2024
A presidential rematch — this time with abortion at the forefront

Trump and Biden are unlikely, and at times uncomfortable, leaders in an election year shaped by reproductive rights.

Grace Panetta, Mel Leonor Barclay · February 21, 2024
Seven justices, two cases: How the future of abortion in Florida will be determined

On Wednesday, the court heard arguments in a case to determine whether Floridians can vote to explicitly protect the right to abortion in the state constitution.

Grace Panetta, Mel Leonor Barclay, Shefali Luthra · February 7, 2024
The tools Trump could use to curb abortion access if he’s elected

He’s not talking about abortion much on the trail, but the former president has been a dependable ally of the anti-abortion movement and would have powers to act in a second term.

Shefali Luthra, Mel Leonor Barclay · January 30, 2024
Americans don’t always think women are ‘electable.’ Nikki Haley’s pitch: I am.

In the final sprint to the New Hampshire primary, Haley is pitching herself as the last candidate who can take down Trump. And the only Republican who can defeat Biden.

Mel Leonor Barclay · January 22, 2024
DeSantis drops out of presidential race, leaving Haley as lone Trump alternative

'It’s now one fella and one lady left,’ Haley said as DeSantis endorsed former President Donald Trump ahead of the New Hampshire primary.

Mel Leonor Barclay · January 21, 2024
Caucusing with kids? It’s not that easy, especially in a winter storm.

Tonight’s caucuses could be the coldest in history, highlighting the barriers to participation that caregivers and a long list of vulnerable voters face toward participating in the first election of the 2024 presidential race.

Mel Leonor Barclay · January 15, 2024
Nikki Haley wins second primary, gains more delegates in Super Tuesday races

Nikki Haley won Vermont's primary on Super Tuesday after a victory in Washington, D.C.'s contest days earlier.

Mel Leonor Barclay · January 11, 2024

The 19th is a reader-supported nonprofit news organization. Our stories are free to republish with these guidelines.

Articles by

Mel Leonor Barclay

Support representative journalism today.