Natalie Fertig
@natsfert.bsky.social
Writing about America’s states for POLITICO | 🌲In D.C., from the other Washington 🏔️ | Jesus fan, small town kid | Alum of McClatchy, CUNY Jschool, Portland State University • [email protected]
“There’s a disconnect between what younger people are going through in day to day life today ... I think there’s a split in the Democratic Party about that, that we’re feeling our way through.” -WA political consultant Crystal Fincher about the Seattle mayors race.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Progressive on the edge of a win in Seattle mayor race
Katie Wilson pulled ahead of a moderate Democrat in a campaign that focused on the cost of living in one of America’s most-expensive cities.
www.politico.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:48 AM
“There’s a disconnect between what younger people are going through in day to day life today ... I think there’s a split in the Democratic Party about that, that we’re feeling our way through.” -WA political consultant Crystal Fincher about the Seattle mayors race.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Natalie Fertig
Incredible. Progressive challenger Katie Wilson now has a 91-vote lead in Seattle’s race for mayor. She had been steadily gaining on incumbent Bruce Harrell.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
November 10, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Incredible. Progressive challenger Katie Wilson now has a 91-vote lead in Seattle’s race for mayor. She had been steadily gaining on incumbent Bruce Harrell.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
It's almost time.
Send me your recs for Copenhagen and Stockholm please, friends!
Especially places you discovered off the beaten path (because I've already done a lot of research), good places to read, your fav vintage shop, and the best restaurants you went to!
Send me your recs for Copenhagen and Stockholm please, friends!
Especially places you discovered off the beaten path (because I've already done a lot of research), good places to read, your fav vintage shop, and the best restaurants you went to!
November 11, 2025 at 12:15 AM
It's almost time.
Send me your recs for Copenhagen and Stockholm please, friends!
Especially places you discovered off the beaten path (because I've already done a lot of research), good places to read, your fav vintage shop, and the best restaurants you went to!
Send me your recs for Copenhagen and Stockholm please, friends!
Especially places you discovered off the beaten path (because I've already done a lot of research), good places to read, your fav vintage shop, and the best restaurants you went to!
Denver’s airport is offering to pay federal employees to avoid cutbacks, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston tells me.
The airport asked the FAA for a waiver to do this, but has not heard back.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The airport asked the FAA for a waiver to do this, but has not heard back.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Denver offers to pay airport staff during shutdown to avoid cutbacks
The city says airport operations are vital to the Colorado economy.
www.politico.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Denver’s airport is offering to pay federal employees to avoid cutbacks, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston tells me.
The airport asked the FAA for a waiver to do this, but has not heard back.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
The airport asked the FAA for a waiver to do this, but has not heard back.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Centrist Democrat group Welcome PAC is urging support for former Rep @benmcadams.bsky.social in a redrawn Utah House district race, calling him "an outlier."
w/ @sambbenson.bsky.social for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
w/ @sambbenson.bsky.social for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Centrist Democrats see a rare opportunity in Utah House race
Former Rep. Ben McAdams has yet to announce his candidacy in the redrawn Utah House district.
www.politico.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Centrist Democrat group Welcome PAC is urging support for former Rep @benmcadams.bsky.social in a redrawn Utah House district race, calling him "an outlier."
w/ @sambbenson.bsky.social for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
w/ @sambbenson.bsky.social for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
“This is also a propaganda war,” Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo told me. “We have to show that our city is not what they’re painting it to be.”
Inside Portland’s effort to keep protests peaceful and - at times - absurd. My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Inside Portland’s effort to keep protests peaceful and - at times - absurd. My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump paints chaos. Portland stages comedy. The courts get to decide who's right.
The administration says rising arrests and unruly protests justify federal troops. Portland says frog costumes tell the real story.
www.politico.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:04 PM
“This is also a propaganda war,” Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo told me. “We have to show that our city is not what they’re painting it to be.”
Inside Portland’s effort to keep protests peaceful and - at times - absurd. My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Inside Portland’s effort to keep protests peaceful and - at times - absurd. My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Legal hurdles make it practically impossible for most blue states to redraw district maps before the 2026 midterms.
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
Why Democrats can’t match Trump’s gerrymander push
Legal hurdles make it practically impossible for blue states to redraw maps before the 2026 midterms.
www.politico.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Legal hurdles make it practically impossible for most blue states to redraw district maps before the 2026 midterms.
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer (former Oregon congresswoman) to POTUS about ICE: "I hope you will come to Portland, Oregon and crack down."
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
Top official from Oregon tells Trump she welcomes federal crackdown: ‘I hope you will come to Portland’
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer made the remarks during a cabinet meeting.
www.oregonlive.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer (former Oregon congresswoman) to POTUS about ICE: "I hope you will come to Portland, Oregon and crack down."
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
Utah "can no longer use maps that carved up Salt Lake City, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise red state, and must draw new lines using an independent commission in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters."
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
August 26, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Utah "can no longer use maps that carved up Salt Lake City, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise red state, and must draw new lines using an independent commission in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters."
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
Colorado is the first state to call lawmakers back to the Capitol to grapple with the ramifications of the massive federal tax and spending bill.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
This blue state is the first to grapple with megabill response
Colorado has a roughly $1 billion budget hole to address in a legislative special session.
www.politico.com
August 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Colorado is the first state to call lawmakers back to the Capitol to grapple with the ramifications of the massive federal tax and spending bill.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/08...
"Officials ... decided to let the fire burn for seven days — even as fuel and weather conditions repeatedly reached the brink of critical thresholds for fire risk."
Important reporting on the Grand Canyon fire from @azcentral.com:
www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Important reporting on the Grand Canyon fire from @azcentral.com:
www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Canyon officials ignored 'critical' warnings on Dragon Bravo, fire plan shows
Grand Canyon fire plan shows officials publicly downplayed safety threats as fuel and weather conditions reached the brink of "critical" fire risk.
www.azcentral.com
August 21, 2025 at 11:17 PM
"Officials ... decided to let the fire burn for seven days — even as fuel and weather conditions repeatedly reached the brink of critical thresholds for fire risk."
Important reporting on the Grand Canyon fire from @azcentral.com:
www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
Important reporting on the Grand Canyon fire from @azcentral.com:
www.azcentral.com/story/news/l...
States have been passing bills to shield lawmakers’ personal info following the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
But those laws also have been criticized for making it harder to hold politicians accountable.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
But those laws also have been criticized for making it harder to hold politicians accountable.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Minnesota assassination spurs wave of state bills to protect elected officials
The push to shield lawmakers’ personal information from prying eyes is drawing concerns about public transparency.
www.politico.com
July 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
States have been passing bills to shield lawmakers’ personal info following the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
But those laws also have been criticized for making it harder to hold politicians accountable.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
But those laws also have been criticized for making it harder to hold politicians accountable.
My latest:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Spotted at the Del Ray flea
July 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Spotted at the Del Ray flea
Cherry farmers in Oregon are facing problems this season:
"Chandler’s season began around the time that [ICE] began targeting California farms, where many of his employees work before Oregon’s cherry season. He thinks this drove his June labor shortage."
www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
"Chandler’s season began around the time that [ICE] began targeting California farms, where many of his employees work before Oregon’s cherry season. He thinks this drove his June labor shortage."
www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
‘A disaster of a year’: Oregon farmers say 2025 is a sour season for sweet cherries
Labor shortages and challenging market conditions are marring the harvest season of Oregon's fourth most valuable fruit.
www.oregonlive.com
July 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Cherry farmers in Oregon are facing problems this season:
"Chandler’s season began around the time that [ICE] began targeting California farms, where many of his employees work before Oregon’s cherry season. He thinks this drove his June labor shortage."
www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
"Chandler’s season began around the time that [ICE] began targeting California farms, where many of his employees work before Oregon’s cherry season. He thinks this drove his June labor shortage."
www.oregonlive.com/business/202...
Where I’m coming from ➡️ where I’m going.
Why. 💀
Why. 💀
July 9, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Where I’m coming from ➡️ where I’m going.
Why. 💀
Why. 💀
"The National Weather Service issued timely warnings in advance of the deadly floods, meteorologists say. But they emphasized that forecasts are only one piece of an effective response."
via @chelseaeharvey.bsky.social:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
via @chelseaeharvey.bsky.social:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Texas flood forecasts were accurate. It wasn’t enough to save lives.
The National Weather Service issued timely alerts, meteorologists say, but few were listening in the hours before the early morning flash floods.
www.politico.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"The National Weather Service issued timely warnings in advance of the deadly floods, meteorologists say. But they emphasized that forecasts are only one piece of an effective response."
via @chelseaeharvey.bsky.social:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
via @chelseaeharvey.bsky.social:
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Few states over the last decade have been more successful for Democrats than Colorado.
Between 1972 and 2004, the GOP won all but one presidential election there. But since 2008, Dems have swept the field — even routing Rs by more than 10 points in 2020 & 2024. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Between 1972 and 2004, the GOP won all but one presidential election there. But since 2008, Dems have swept the field — even routing Rs by more than 10 points in 2020 & 2024. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The People Who Brought You Bill Clinton Want to Introduce You to the 'Colorado Way’
One group is betting the state’s blend of libertarianism and progressivism can be packaged to appeal to voters who have drifted toward Trump over the past few cycles.
www.politico.com
July 7, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Few states over the last decade have been more successful for Democrats than Colorado.
Between 1972 and 2004, the GOP won all but one presidential election there. But since 2008, Dems have swept the field — even routing Rs by more than 10 points in 2020 & 2024. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Between 1972 and 2004, the GOP won all but one presidential election there. But since 2008, Dems have swept the field — even routing Rs by more than 10 points in 2020 & 2024. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
“The only thing voters hate more than people who take away their benefits are people who lie and take away their benefits.” -veteran Dem strategist Lis Smith on how voters will respond to Republicans making cuts to Medicaid.
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Blue state lawmakers' response to Medicaid cuts: Keep calm and bash Republicans
As they stare down federal funding losses they cannot possibly make up for, lawmakers are applying their energy to attacking Republicans while waiting to see what the full impact will be.
www.politico.com
July 6, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“The only thing voters hate more than people who take away their benefits are people who lie and take away their benefits.” -veteran Dem strategist Lis Smith on how voters will respond to Republicans making cuts to Medicaid.
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Fourth of July in rural Oregon
July 5, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Fourth of July in rural Oregon
Update: Portland on Saturday saw…
-10k peaceful protestors in waterfront park
-In late afternoon/evening a few hundred gathered outside ICE office clashed with DHS. That demonstration was declared a riot by PPD. 3 arrested by local police, at least one detained by DHS.
Per @opb.org
-10k peaceful protestors in waterfront park
-In late afternoon/evening a few hundred gathered outside ICE office clashed with DHS. That demonstration was declared a riot by PPD. 3 arrested by local police, at least one detained by DHS.
Per @opb.org
“If you push, Portland pushes back ... If they come to Portland acting up, Portland’s gonna return that LA energy.”
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
‘I just had flashbacks’: Portland looks to avoid repeat of 2020 protests
Trump sent federal officers into Portland to quell riots five years ago. A tired city — watching events in LA — hopes it won’t happen again.
www.politico.com
June 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Update: Portland on Saturday saw…
-10k peaceful protestors in waterfront park
-In late afternoon/evening a few hundred gathered outside ICE office clashed with DHS. That demonstration was declared a riot by PPD. 3 arrested by local police, at least one detained by DHS.
Per @opb.org
-10k peaceful protestors in waterfront park
-In late afternoon/evening a few hundred gathered outside ICE office clashed with DHS. That demonstration was declared a riot by PPD. 3 arrested by local police, at least one detained by DHS.
Per @opb.org
“If you push, Portland pushes back ... If they come to Portland acting up, Portland’s gonna return that LA energy.”
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
‘I just had flashbacks’: Portland looks to avoid repeat of 2020 protests
Trump sent federal officers into Portland to quell riots five years ago. A tired city — watching events in LA — hopes it won’t happen again.
www.politico.com
June 14, 2025 at 10:41 PM
“If you push, Portland pushes back ... If they come to Portland acting up, Portland’s gonna return that LA energy.”
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Trying on the new beat for size: called up a number of state lawmakers, and chatted with a few current and former House members about their cities/states for this story about how Democrats are framing what's happening in Los Angeles. www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
‘It’s a winner for him’: Dems work to turn LA debate from immigration to Trump’s executive powers
Democrats are scrambling to shift the fight away from immigration, instead highlighting Trump’s use of executive powers.
www.politico.com
June 12, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Trying on the new beat for size: called up a number of state lawmakers, and chatted with a few current and former House members about their cities/states for this story about how Democrats are framing what's happening in Los Angeles. www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Reposted by Natalie Fertig
@natsfert.bsky.social leaving cannabis industry beat to cover state issues for @politico.com: talkingbiznews.com/media-news/p...
Politico's Fertig moving to state beat - Talking Biz News
Natalie Fertig, who has been covering federal policy around the cannabis industry for Politico, is moving to a new beat. She will be writing about states, from key legislative battles to political rac...
talkingbiznews.com
June 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
@natsfert.bsky.social leaving cannabis industry beat to cover state issues for @politico.com: talkingbiznews.com/media-news/p...
Some professional NEWS: After nearly 7 years on the cannabis beat — more than 5 of those at POLITICO — I am moving on.
I’ll be covering all things STATES for POLITICO, from key legislative battles to political races — and I’m wildly excited about it!
I’ll be covering all things STATES for POLITICO, from key legislative battles to political races — and I’m wildly excited about it!
June 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Some professional NEWS: After nearly 7 years on the cannabis beat — more than 5 of those at POLITICO — I am moving on.
I’ll be covering all things STATES for POLITICO, from key legislative battles to political races — and I’m wildly excited about it!
I’ll be covering all things STATES for POLITICO, from key legislative battles to political races — and I’m wildly excited about it!