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)
Here’s an important next read from @protectdemocracy.org and our own Rule of Law Program Director @statesunited.org on states pursuing accountability when the federal government fails to. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Cities and states must hold ICE accountable for violence. The feds won’t | Kristy Parker and Samantha Trepel
As former federal prosecutors, we know an incident like the Minneapolis shooting must be followed by a credible inquiry
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Here’s an important next read from @protectdemocracy.org and our own Rule of Law Program Director @statesunited.org on states pursuing accountability when the federal government fails to. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
“In this moment, we cannot rely on this administration to conduct fair and thorough investigations – but we can and should look to state and local leaders. Their efforts are crucial to keeping our communities safe and seeking accountability.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
January 14, 2026 at 9:44 PM
“In this moment, we cannot rely on this administration to conduct fair and thorough investigations – but we can and should look to state and local leaders. Their efforts are crucial to keeping our communities safe and seeking accountability.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A sadly relevant piece from Sam Trepel, our Rule of Law Program Director at States United. DOJ can and should investigate excessive force cases and charge federal agents when appropriate. Their silence is dangerous.
www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
DOJ’s Dangerous Silence in the Face of Federal Immigration Agents’ Violent Tactics
The DOJ has the authority, resources, and responsibility to hold federal agents accountable for willful constitutional violations.
www.justsecurity.org
January 8, 2026 at 9:37 PM
A sadly relevant piece from Sam Trepel, our Rule of Law Program Director at States United. DOJ can and should investigate excessive force cases and charge federal agents when appropriate. Their silence is dangerous.
www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
www.justsecurity.org/128353/doj-s...
I am furious and heartbroken over the killing of Renee Good. This is both a tragedy and a deeply predictable outcome, following months of aggressive escalation from federal agents.
January 8, 2026 at 7:56 PM
I am furious and heartbroken over the killing of Renee Good. This is both a tragedy and a deeply predictable outcome, following months of aggressive escalation from federal agents.
Reposted by Joanna Lydgate
We’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump Administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety.
January 7, 2026 at 10:57 PM
We’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump Administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety.
Five years ago, we saw what happens when a President refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. We now have a federal administration full of people willing to do the same. It's on all of us to make sure the past is neither erased nor repeated.
www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
The next attack on free and fair elections won't look like Jan. 6
The U.S. isn't ready for another attempt to undermine elections.
www.ms.now
January 6, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Five years ago, we saw what happens when a President refuses to accept the results of a free and fair election. We now have a federal administration full of people willing to do the same. It's on all of us to make sure the past is neither erased nor repeated.
www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
www.ms.now/opinion/janu...
This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
December 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM
This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
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! 🗳️🇺🇸