Laurence Zakson
@lzakson.bsky.social
Member, Democratic National Committee
Member, Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee
Member, Executive Board, California Democratic Party
Union Lawyer
Member, Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee
Member, Executive Board, California Democratic Party
Union Lawyer
Between the SCOTUS looking to give Trump even more power in the Slaughter case & the White House looking to undermine NATO & the EU, our world is at a critical juncture. Perhaps this is a sign that voters recognize that & don't like the direction we are heading. thehill.com/homenews/cam...
thehill.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Between the SCOTUS looking to give Trump even more power in the Slaughter case & the White House looking to undermine NATO & the EU, our world is at a critical juncture. Perhaps this is a sign that voters recognize that & don't like the direction we are heading. thehill.com/homenews/cam...
The far-right SCOTUS supermajority doesn't respect precedent nor the reliance principle--the idea that courts shouldn't overturn precedent upon which there has been reliance the upset of which would be meaningfully prejudicial. So, expect a disastrous result here. www.scotusblog.com/2025/12/trum...
Trump v. Slaughter: an explainer
On Monday, Dec. 8, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Trump v. Slaughter, a battle that has been brewing, on one hand, since soon after President Donald Trump […]
www.scotusblog.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:27 PM
The far-right SCOTUS supermajority doesn't respect precedent nor the reliance principle--the idea that courts shouldn't overturn precedent upon which there has been reliance the upset of which would be meaningfully prejudicial. So, expect a disastrous result here. www.scotusblog.com/2025/12/trum...
Devaluing and endangering transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals' lives is a hallmark of this regime. It's shameful, infuriating and much more.
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and demand better.
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and demand better.
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
DOJ orders prison inspectors to stop considering LGBTQ safety standards
A memo obtained by NPR shows the Justice Department is telling inspectors to stop evaluating prisons using standards designed to protect trans and other LGBTQ community members from sexual violence.
www.npr.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Devaluing and endangering transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming individuals' lives is a hallmark of this regime. It's shameful, infuriating and much more.
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and demand better.
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and demand better.
www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
The callousness of this regime knows no bounds. The world has made tremendous strides in AIDS research and treatment. This development is such a travesty.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US will no longer commemorate World Aids Day, reports say
State department has told employees and grant recipients to not publicly promote or make event on 1 December
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The callousness of this regime knows no bounds. The world has made tremendous strides in AIDS research and treatment. This development is such a travesty.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
It's beyond unbelievable that a group dedicated to eradicating science and expertise could gain so much influence and wreak such devastation so quickly and with so little pushback.
International student enrollment decline could cost $1 billion: Reports share.google/NJo7q3g7t454...
International student enrollment decline could cost $1 billion: Reports share.google/NJo7q3g7t454...
Fewer international students are enrolling at U.S. colleges, which could cost the country $1 billion, reports find
In the fall 2025 semester, new international student enrollment at U.S. institutions fell 17%, according to a recent report.
share.google
November 30, 2025 at 7:55 PM
It's beyond unbelievable that a group dedicated to eradicating science and expertise could gain so much influence and wreak such devastation so quickly and with so little pushback.
International student enrollment decline could cost $1 billion: Reports share.google/NJo7q3g7t454...
International student enrollment decline could cost $1 billion: Reports share.google/NJo7q3g7t454...
Rushing through gerrymandered maps & then arguing Parcell precludes judicial review is what the Trumpists view as a neat trick to disempower voters from selecting representatives of their own choosing. Yet, if successful CA's Prop 50 maps should be similarly insulated.
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/a...
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/a...
At Supreme Court, Texas congressional map faces issue of timing - Roll Call
Challengers to Texas’ new congressional map urged the Supreme Court not to pause a lower court ruling that ordered use of a 2021 map instead.
rollcall.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Rushing through gerrymandered maps & then arguing Parcell precludes judicial review is what the Trumpists view as a neat trick to disempower voters from selecting representatives of their own choosing. Yet, if successful CA's Prop 50 maps should be similarly insulated.
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/a...
rollcall.com/2025/11/24/a...
Trumpists claim to support law enforcement and to respect the law, but their actions tell a different story. With so many norms being shattered, Trump's abuse of the pardon has been overshadowed. This article shines a light into this shadowy corner.
share.google/ZuBn9zAgSavQ...
share.google/ZuBn9zAgSavQ...
The case of a felon who paid lobbyists nearly $1 million to seek a Trump pardon
Nursing home magnate Joseph Schwartz was sentenced in April to three years for defrauding the government of $38 million. Seven months later, Trump pardoned him, but the White House denies a lobbying t...
share.google
November 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Trumpists claim to support law enforcement and to respect the law, but their actions tell a different story. With so many norms being shattered, Trump's abuse of the pardon has been overshadowed. This article shines a light into this shadowy corner.
share.google/ZuBn9zAgSavQ...
share.google/ZuBn9zAgSavQ...
Unless it passes with a 2/3 majority in the House & that ups the pressure on the Senate, this discharge effort will be a bit of a black eye, but just notable footnote in the Trump White House cover-up of Trump-Epstein connection & Trump's role in this sordid saga.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/p...
Exclusive: Trump administration holds Situation Room meeting over House effort to force release of all of DOJ’s Epstein files | CNN Politics
Top Trump administration officials met Wednesday with a key GOP lawmaker about an effort in the US House to force a vote on releasing Justice Department case files related to Jeffrey Epstein, accordin...
www.cnn.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Unless it passes with a 2/3 majority in the House & that ups the pressure on the Senate, this discharge effort will be a bit of a black eye, but just notable footnote in the Trump White House cover-up of Trump-Epstein connection & Trump's role in this sordid saga.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/p...
House Democrats are holding their own as the Trumpist effort to gerrymander itself into an unassailable majority has not netted the insurmountable majority Trump & his acolytes crave. This is especially true with the Democratic victories in VA this month.
rollcall.com/2025/11/12/h...
rollcall.com/2025/11/12/h...
Democrats weathering redistricting storm with majority in sight - Roll Call
Despite mid-decade redistricting, the fight for the House remains stable, and that’s good news for Democrats looking to flip the chamber.
rollcall.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
House Democrats are holding their own as the Trumpist effort to gerrymander itself into an unassailable majority has not netted the insurmountable majority Trump & his acolytes crave. This is especially true with the Democratic victories in VA this month.
rollcall.com/2025/11/12/h...
rollcall.com/2025/11/12/h...
Of course I am proud of California voters and the amazing work of our state Democratic Party. However, the big news in New Jersey & elsewhere is Democratic turnout. Voters turned out and delivered for Democrats in NJ and VA, CA, PA, GA, NYC, Boston & Cincinnati.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
6 Takeaways From Democrat Mikie Sherrill’s Victory in New Jersey
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Of course I am proud of California voters and the amazing work of our state Democratic Party. However, the big news in New Jersey & elsewhere is Democratic turnout. Voters turned out and delivered for Democrats in NJ and VA, CA, PA, GA, NYC, Boston & Cincinnati.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
Today is election day. If you live in CA, help save democracy by voting yes on Prop 50.
Here's how to find your polling place. www.sos.ca.gov/elections/po...
Here's how to find your polling place. www.sos.ca.gov/elections/po...
Find Your Polling Place :: California Secretary of State
www.sos.ca.gov
November 4, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Today is election day. If you live in CA, help save democracy by voting yes on Prop 50.
Here's how to find your polling place. www.sos.ca.gov/elections/po...
Here's how to find your polling place. www.sos.ca.gov/elections/po...
President Obama does an excellent job of articulating what the election tomorrow is about. Please feel free to share. And volunteer for Yes on Prop 50 if you are able. Www.cadem.org/prop50
www.facebook.com/reel/1340456...
www.facebook.com/reel/1340456...
746K views · 39K reactions | "I am worried about how quickly basic democratic rules and norms have been weakened."
Former President Barack Obama discusses democratic backsliding and defines the stake...
"I am worried about how quickly basic democratic rules and norms have been weakened."
Former President Barack Obama discusses democratic backsliding and defines the stakes ahead of the 2025 election.
www.facebook.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:04 PM
President Obama does an excellent job of articulating what the election tomorrow is about. Please feel free to share. And volunteer for Yes on Prop 50 if you are able. Www.cadem.org/prop50
www.facebook.com/reel/1340456...
www.facebook.com/reel/1340456...
Efforts to portray Democrats and federal employees as being on different pages on federal worker pay are misleading. AFGE and Democrats both recognize funding without guardrails simply enables White House mischief. Don't be fooled.
eedition.sacbee.com/shortcode/LM...
eedition.sacbee.com/shortcode/LM...
Friday, Oct 31
As shutdown stretches on, Congress' efforts to pay federal employees stall
eedition.sacbee.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Efforts to portray Democrats and federal employees as being on different pages on federal worker pay are misleading. AFGE and Democrats both recognize funding without guardrails simply enables White House mischief. Don't be fooled.
eedition.sacbee.com/shortcode/LM...
eedition.sacbee.com/shortcode/LM...
"Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s ... taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious ... & requires immediate action. ...CA is stepping up... to fill in the gaps. ... As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, CA is working to ensure [Californians] ... don’t go hungry....”
-- Gov. Newsom
-- Gov. Newsom
October 30, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s ... taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious ... & requires immediate action. ...CA is stepping up... to fill in the gaps. ... As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, CA is working to ensure [Californians] ... don’t go hungry....”
-- Gov. Newsom
-- Gov. Newsom
For those tired after watching last night's 18 inning Dodger game, a little good news to pep you up. Victories don't just happen, however. Volunteer: Www.cadem.org/prop50
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
California Republicans retreat as anti-Prop 50 campaign collapses
Opponents of the Democratic-gerrymander start casting blame for defeat at the ballot.
www.politico.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
For those tired after watching last night's 18 inning Dodger game, a little good news to pep you up. Victories don't just happen, however. Volunteer: Www.cadem.org/prop50
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
There are 2 sides to this. Trumpists think that they are pressuring Democrats. Democrats recognize that the solid Trumpist wall is swiftly crumbling. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and say keep up the pressure for a better deal.
click1.newsletters.rollcall.com/wglmdsyjthnb...
click1.newsletters.rollcall.com/wglmdsyjthnb...
Bills to pay federal workers stall, but senators ready to compromise - Roll Call
The Senate blocked dueling bills to pay federal workers during the partial government shutdown, but a compromise could be in the works.
click1.newsletters.rollcall.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
There are 2 sides to this. Trumpists think that they are pressuring Democrats. Democrats recognize that the solid Trumpist wall is swiftly crumbling. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and say keep up the pressure for a better deal.
click1.newsletters.rollcall.com/wglmdsyjthnb...
click1.newsletters.rollcall.com/wglmdsyjthnb...
Attended a fabulously successful LA County Democratic Party event last night. The topic at top of mind was the same in this article--improving Democratic outreach to, & success with, Latina/o voters. www.nbcnews.com/politics/ele...
Steve Kornacki: Trump's 2024 gains in New Jersey hang over November's race for governor
The challenge for the GOP will be replicating Trump's inroads with nonwhite voters in the blue-leaning state without him on the ballot.
www.nbcnews.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Attended a fabulously successful LA County Democratic Party event last night. The topic at top of mind was the same in this article--improving Democratic outreach to, & success with, Latina/o voters. www.nbcnews.com/politics/ele...
Proud to see federal sector employees and their unions standing up for workers' rights. Live better; work union.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
How are unions pushing back against Trump’s attacks on labor and layoffs?
Unions are battling in court to halt firings and ensure workers retain their collective bargaining rights
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Proud to see federal sector employees and their unions standing up for workers' rights. Live better; work union.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Very proud of USC for rejecting Trump's attack on academic freedom and international students.
USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right - Los Angeles Times share.google/Xhv5Fae69V9D...
USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right - Los Angeles Times share.google/Xhv5Fae69V9D...
USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right
USC interim President Beong-Soo Kim said in a statement that he had sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education turning down the Trump offer.
share.google
October 17, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Very proud of USC for rejecting Trump's attack on academic freedom and international students.
USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right - Los Angeles Times share.google/Xhv5Fae69V9D...
USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right - Los Angeles Times share.google/Xhv5Fae69V9D...
The SCOTUS on Wed. can uphold VRA Section 2, which protects the right of people of color to elect representatives of their own choosing where racially polarized voting would otherwise deprive them of representation. With a far-right SCOTUS supermajority, it looks grim. apnews.com/article/supr...
Supreme Court takes up Republican attack on Voting Rights Act in case over Black representation
A Republican attack on a core provision of the Voting Rights Act that's designed to protect racial minorities comes to the Supreme Court this week, more than a decade after the justices knocked out an...
apnews.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:03 PM
The SCOTUS on Wed. can uphold VRA Section 2, which protects the right of people of color to elect representatives of their own choosing where racially polarized voting would otherwise deprive them of representation. With a far-right SCOTUS supermajority, it looks grim. apnews.com/article/supr...
My experience canvassing for Prop 50 shows that voters are barely aware of the measure or the fact ballots drop next week, but are very receptive to stopping Trump & his acolytes. With the money advantage & volunteers on the streets & phones, we can win this! www.politico.com/newsletters/...
The incredible shrinking Republican campaign against Prop 50
www.politico.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
My experience canvassing for Prop 50 shows that voters are barely aware of the measure or the fact ballots drop next week, but are very receptive to stopping Trump & his acolytes. With the money advantage & volunteers on the streets & phones, we can win this! www.politico.com/newsletters/...
In the firehose of Trumpist overreach, the stripping of collective bargaining rights from federal employees often gets lost. It's part of a larger war on federal workers & freedom of association. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 & demand Congress act. www.afge.org/article/bure...
Bureau of Prisons Council Vows to Fight Administration’s Move to Strip Officers and Staff of Union Rights
More than 30,000 federal correctional officers and support staff are the latest casualties of the Trump administration’s unrelenting efforts to strip federal workers of their collective bargaining rig...
www.afge.org
September 30, 2025 at 12:22 PM
In the firehose of Trumpist overreach, the stripping of collective bargaining rights from federal employees often gets lost. It's part of a larger war on federal workers & freedom of association. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 & demand Congress act. www.afge.org/article/bure...
Glad Oregon is not taking this lying down. Glad JB Pritzker is pushing back on masked ICE agents in Chicago. Resistance is not futile. Democrats must fight back because the other Party lacks the courage to stand up for the Constitution or the rule of law.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
Oregon sues Trump administration over deployment of National Guard troops to Portland
The suit comes a day after Trump announced he was authorizing the guard to use "full force" in Portland.
www.nbcnews.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Glad Oregon is not taking this lying down. Glad JB Pritzker is pushing back on masked ICE agents in Chicago. Resistance is not futile. Democrats must fight back because the other Party lacks the courage to stand up for the Constitution or the rule of law.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...