Joanna Lydgate
@joannalydgate.bsky.social
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 Lydgate
Sometimes, courts really can check abuses of power.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/n...
Alina Habba, a Trump Loyalist, Resigns as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey
Ms. Habba resigned on Monday, after a federal appeals court last week found she had been serving as U.S. attorney unlawfully.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Sometimes, courts really can check abuses of power.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/n...
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...
statesunited.org/resources/ex...
Executive (Dis)Order: Trump’s Unprecedented Use of Executive Orders and How States Are Fighting Back - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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...
statesunited.org/resources/ex...
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
NEW >> 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...
statesunited.org/resources/ex...
December 2, 2025 at 8:55 PM
NEW >> 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...
statesunited.org/resources/ex...
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
Across 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 🎄❤️
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 🎄❤️
December 2, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Across 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 🎄❤️
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 Lydgate
Happy Thanksgiving, Massachusetts! 🦃
November 27, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Happy Thanksgiving, Massachusetts! 🦃
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
Democracy depends on all of us. We’re grateful to all of the people who work to protect it every day.
November 27, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Democracy depends on all of us. We’re grateful to all of the people who work to protect it every day.
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
Law 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.
November 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Law 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 Lydgate
The 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.
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.
November 19, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The 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.
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 Lydgate
A 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...
“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...
Americans Widely Reject Political Violence - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
November 20, 2025 at 9:56 PM
A 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...
“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.
November 20, 2025 at 7:46 PM
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.
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/
statesunited.org/james-amicus/
Leading Democracy Scholars and Experts Warn Prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James Threatens Rule of Law - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:42 PM
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/
statesunited.org/james-amicus/
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
I 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...
November 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I 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 Lydgate
On 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 🇺🇸
Thank you for your courage and sacrifice 🇺🇸
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
On 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 🇺🇸
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...
Nancy Pelosi announces her retirement after groundbreaking career
The former House speaker, revered by supporters and reviled by foes, had served as the most powerful woman in U.S. history.
www.usatoday.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:19 PM
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 Lydgate
SNAP 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.
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.
November 4, 2025 at 10:47 PM
SNAP 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.
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 Lydgate
The 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
November 5, 2025 at 2:58 AM
The 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 Lydgate
Our 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.
https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/
https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/
2025 Election Results
See live results for the 2025 general election, including key races in Virginia, New Jersey, New York and California.
apnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Our 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.
https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/
https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
There’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! 🗳️🇺🇸
November 4, 2025 at 4:25 PM
There’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
November 3, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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 Lydgate
The 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.
October 30, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The 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...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/01/a...
AG coalition files suit in R.I. to block Trump from tying immigration status to victim service funds • Rhode Island Current
On the first day of the federal government shutdown, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and 20 other Democratic AGs are challenging new Trump administration rules that will restrict federal a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Proud to see state officials fighting to protect critical services for survivors, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
Thank 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
October 30, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Thank 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...
How the Firebombing of His Home Changed Josh Shapiro
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:14 PM
@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
www.voteearlyday.org
Celebrate Vote Early Day on October 28th, 2025
When you vote early you ensure that school, work, long lines, or a bad commute on Election Day won’t stop your ballot from being counted!
www.voteearlyday.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:51 PM
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
www.voteearlyday.org
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
When 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.
October 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM
When 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.