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

Republican men and women disagree on how many women should hold political office

Republican women are less likely than Americans overall to think there are too few women in elected office. But they’re way more likely to think so than men in their party, a survey finds.

Mel Leonor Barclay · September 27, 2023
Americans don’t trust politicians on abortion and gender-affirming care, poll finds

Restricting access to both has been a GOP focus, but a new 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll shows sizable majorities of both parties don’t think politicians are informed enough to make fair policies.

Amanda Becker, Mel Leonor Barclay · September 18, 2023
Will a ‘brick wall’ against abortion restrictions fall?

Virginia’s Republican governor is pursuing a 15-week abortion ban. Legislative elections in the state will decide the fate of that proposal.

Mel Leonor Barclay · September 5, 2023
Nikki Haley goes on the attack in first Republican debate

The only woman on the stage took on Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump — who wasn’t even on the stage.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 23, 2023
Nikki Haley is poised to stand out on the GOP debate stage. Will it boost her lagging campaign?

She’s the lone woman in the 2024 primary field and will face seven of her male opponents, minus former President Donald Trump.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 23, 2023
The 19th Explains: What are 'late-term abortions' — and why are politicians talking about them?

Republicans don’t want to talk about restrictions in the first or second trimester, instead trying to turn the conversation to very rare third trimester abortions.

Mel Leonor Barclay, Shefali Luthra · August 21, 2023
‘We should all be represented’: Rhode Island could send the first Afro-Latina to Congress

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos is one of three Latinas and 12 Democrats in an upcoming special election.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 14, 2023
The future of abortion in Florida could hinge on Hispanic voters

Backers of a referendum don’t have an easy path to getting abortion access on the ballot and then into the state constitution. Engaging Hispanic voters competently is key.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 31, 2023
Pence says he wants to ban abortion and support families but hasn't specified how

Republican presidential hopefuls mostly aren’t backing paid family leave or increased child care subsidies even as they say they want to support families in the face of abortion restrictions.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 24, 2023
Nikki Haley’s attacks on Kamala Harris keep coming

The former South Carolina governor has made the vice president a key political target — above Biden, and certainly above her contenders in the GOP primary field led by former President Donald Trump.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 18, 2023

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.