Research Highlights:

• 2024 Vice Presidential Debate: The 2024 Vice Presidential debate between Republican Senator JD Vance and Democrat Governor Tim Walz was a generally civil exchange. Both candidates took a strategic approach, focusing on key issues like abortion, housing, immigration, and democracy. We are now 32 days away from the election.
• Revival of Betting Markets: A federal court ruling has allowed Kalshi, a financial exchange startup, to reintroduce fully regulated political betting markets in the U.S. This decision paves the way for legally betting on election outcomes, such as which party will control the House and Senate. It's a significant change for political betting in the U.S.

Key Votes: By the Officials Research team: Sam, Johanan, Neal, Thomas, and Quinn. Interns: Marc and Allyna.

Congressional and State

• Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
• DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act
• Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act
• GA - SB 502 - Prohibits State Agencies from Contracting with Certain Companies for Marketing Purposes
• ID - H 668 - Prohibits Public Funding for Gender Transition
• WA - SB 6251 - Establishes Regionalized Coordinated Behavioral Health Crisis Response Plans

Political Highlights: By the Elections Research team: Nick, Olin, Caleb, Seth, Max, and Lauren. Interns: Dakarai, Luiza, and Kathia!

Elections & Candidates

• Candidates from diverse political backgrounds and states—Nigel Bristow (Democrat, NC), Robert Reid (Independent, VA), and Heather Brown (Republican, IL)—have all demonstrated their commitment to transparency by completing the Political Courage Test.

• Click here to view your state’s Political Courage Test

Endorsements: Here are some interesting endorsements and interest group ratings our team found this week!

• Kamala Harris: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25 endorsed Harris and Walz.
• Donald Trump: Florida Right to Life endorsed Trump
• 3rd Party Candidates: None for this week.

Voter Registration:

• Voter Registration and Polling Place
• Click here to add or view our elections calendar, which provides voter registration dates for every state.