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Good afternoon,
Ahead of the midterm elections this fall, states are battling to re-draw congressional maps in order to gain control of the House of Representatives. As of now, six states have redrawn their maps: Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, California, and Utah. On Friday, Virginia passed an amendment to redraw its maps before the midterms, sending it to voters to approve the measure. If passed, Virginia's Democratic-controlled legislature could put the party in a position to gain four seats in the House. As Democrats use the GOP's own tactics against them, the right is attempting to frame these efforts as "abuses of power." The next few months and the continuing redistricting battle will determine not only who controls the House, but whether either party will accept the new norms on redrawing congressional maps.
Here are a few important updates...
A YEAR OF TRUMP
One year ago today, Donald Trump returned to the White House and upended the American political system. Trump has expanded presidential power and entirely reshaped the nation's foreign policy. As we enter the second year of his second term, Trump appears to be unconstrained by any laws, as the only check on his power is "[his] own morality." The past year has made it clear that this term is about erasing the boundaries of presidential power. Trump has consolidated authority through dozens of executive actions, dismantling the federal bureaucracy, sending the National Guard to patrol American cities, and directing aggressive immigration crackdowns. With the Supreme Court and Congress offering little resistance to Trump's expanding powers, the president has been able to enact his own agenda.
Despite his campaign claims that he had nothing to do with Project 2025, the administration has implemented nearly 50% of Project 2025. The policy plan is a roadmap to undermining women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, education, and more while imposing extremist Christian beliefs on all Americans. Only one year in, half of the 900-page document's goals have already been implemented. America is becoming increasingly unrecognizable to many of its citizens. This year, the vote will be the most powerful tool we have as the midterm elections offer an opportunity to take back Congress. Trump has made it clear that he has no intentions to leave office, frequently making jokes that Americans "no longer need to vote." While the midterms will not erase the damage the administration has caused this past year, it is the best test of whether American democracy is still intact.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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START THE STEAL (SOCIAL SECURITY DATA EDITION)
The Social Security Administration suffered a serious breach in data security thanks to two employees working for DOGE. These employees were contacted by an unnamed right wing advocacy group seeking information it could use to overturn election results in key states and districts to help Republicans.
These two employees have been referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Hatch Act violations in connection with the data breach. One year ago today, Trump pardoned over 1,500 people who violently assaulted the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the outcome of an election. Given the administration's track record of letting its allies commit crimes, it remains to be seen if the DOJ will prosecute this blatant criminal conduct.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
Maybe 5, 10, 12: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speculating on the number of homes "mom and pop" retirees may own.
The average American family owns less than one home. Only 65% of American families are homeowners. A number that continues to decline as "mom and pop" investment trusts and private equity continue buying up available homes, raising prices, and forcing more Americans into rental situations.
DATES TO WATCH
- January 26, 2026
- What to watch: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith will testify before Congress on his investigation into January 6th and Donald Trump's role in directing the attack on the Capitol.
- Why it matters: This might be the last opportunity for some form of accountability for Trump's crimes after the Supreme Court invented the concept of presidential immunity.
- February 28, 2026
- What to watch: The President and First Vice Presidents of the 12 regional Federal Reserve Board Banks five-year terms expire on this date.
- Why it matters: The new term begins on March 1, 2026 for a list of pre-approved Presidents and First Vice Presidents. If Trump wants to escalate his war on the Federal Reserve, he could attempt to block these orderly appointments.
WHAT WE'RE READING
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