Anger elected him, righteous anger will defeat him
January 9, 2026 - News, Views and To-Dos for Democrats
What Art Friedson Has On His Mind
Welcome back, dear readers. We had a relaxing holiday break whenever we were away from the newsfeeds on our screens, and we hope you did as well. Now let’s kick off 2026 on a hopeful note.
But before we do, we must acknowledge the events of the week. We just marked the fifth anniversary of the insurrection at the nation’s Capitol fomented by Donald Trump. Despite all his efforts to create an entirely false narrative then and now, and at a time when new lows are set every day, it may truly have been the lowest point in our democracy since the Civil War.
Hooligans and thugs stormed our cherished Capitol intending to publicly murder the Vice President and the Speaker of the House in order to overturn a free and fair election. While our elected representatives huddled in fear for their lives, the President of the United States ate cheeseburgers and savored the scene on TV, refusing to intervene for three hours. Take a moment to honor the police officers who were so brutally assaulted, and to remember those who have died from their trauma since. [One must read: Jeffrey Goldberg’s essay in The Atlantic.]
Cry for Venezuela, whose leader -while by no means a good guy in any way- was illegally kidnapped and extradited so that Trump could steal his nation’s oil. Cry for Ukraine, Taiwan, Greenland and all the other nations that now stand imperiled by Trump’s vision of a world carved up by strongmen. Cry for the demise of NATO and the new world order that has kept the world free from major multinational wars for the last 80 years. [One must-read: Masha Gessen’s short but biting op-ed.] And cry for Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three young children, a white U.S. citizen, who was pointlessly murdered by some ICE goon sent to Minneapolis to create chaos and fear.
Now blow your nose, wipe your tears, and channel all of that pain, sadness and fear into righteous anger. Because that is the secret sauce that can defy the odds and take back not just the House, but the Senate as well.
Nobody knows better than Trump that anger is what drives people to the polls. But his unholy alliance is fraying at the seams. America Firsters are not happy with his newfound focus on dominating the Western Hemisphere. MAGAts are not happy that his economic policies have not only failed to bring down prices, but that prices continue to rise. Minority voters who thought they’d cross over and give him a chance are experiencing some major buyers’ remorse. Even some evangelicals are starting to wonder if Jesus would really approve of his cruelty and corruption. And no one is happy with the sudden catastrophic jump in their healthcare premiums.
Owning the libs just isn’t as much fun as they thought it would be. That will keep those marginal voters who turned out for Trump in the past away from the polls this year.
On the other hand, those of us who love democracy and cherish our nation are mad as hell. Those of us who remember how America fulfilled the hopes and dreams of our grandparents and great-grandparents for a better life are furious at what is happening. And we are going to vote.
So let’s get down and get wonky. We’re going to win the House. We’re not going to get the huge majority that previous wave elections brought because of gerrymandering, but as long as the money shows up from big and small donors to counter the massive war chest that Trump has amassed, we’re going to be okay, even more than okay.
Here’s the bigger news: I think we can win the Senate. Yes, it’s a huge uphill battle. First, we need to retain four seats. There will be a very close election in Georgia where Senator Jon Ossoff will face weaker competition now that former Governor Brian Kemp has said he won’t run. I think he’s got it.
We’ll need to take the open seat in Michigan being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. We will do it as long as one of the two mainstream Democratic candidates (State Senator Mallory McMorrow, a 39-year-old who is one of the party’s leading advocates for generational change and Representative Haley Stevens, 42, a suburban Detroit moderate) wins the primary. The winner will be facing tough opposition from Republican Representative Mike Rogers who almost won a Senate seat the last time. But the deep hit that manufacturing jobs has taken from Trump’s tariffs, and the near total wipeout of thousands of jobs tied to electric vehicles that is 100% Trump’s fault, should carry the Democratic candidate over the line.
In New Hampshire, Democratic Representative Chris Pappas is running to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. He’ll face either former Governor John Sununu or former Senator Scott Brown whose election in Massachusetts in 2010 took away the filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the Senate and nearly tanked the Affordable Care Act. Again, this will be close, but the fervor of Democratic voters and the torpor of Republican voters should get the right folks to the polls to save the seat.
One more Democratic seat to be defended is in Minnesota, where Senator Tina Smith is retiring. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will face Representative Angie Craig in the primary. There are several candidates running on the Republican side, but none of them are much to write home about. And, Minnesota is a blue state. So we should be good.
But that, if you can believe it, is the easy part. The hard part is going to be winning five seats currently held by Republicans. We’ve got a great chance in North Carolina where the popular Democrat, former Governor Roy Cooper, will be running against the former RNC Chair, Michael Whatley. Whatley is tied to Trump’s hip, so this will be a contest where national issues will prevail despite the old adage that all politics is local. It will take a wave election for Cooper to win, but I don’t think he’ll need a tsunami. A gentle blue wave should do.
Then there’s Ohio, which has turned from purple to red over the last decade or so. Former Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who is almost impossible to hate, will be running against the Republican incumbent, Jon Husted, who was appointed to replace J.D. Vance.
Brown lost his last election, but by less than 4 points. Like Michigan, Ohio has lost a whole heap of manufacturing jobs, particularly in the auto industry, thanks to Trump. Perhaps that, plus the unrelenting cruelty of the Trump years, may get just enough Buckeyes to opt for the unmistakable kindness and good common sense of Sherrod Brown this time around.
It’s always hard to unseat Senator Susan Collins, 73 years old, the fifth-term Republican lawmaker from Maine, but it’s not out of the question. Former Democratic Governor Janet Mills could give Collins a run for her money, even though she’s 79. Mills is facing a primary challenge from 41-year-old Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran. Platner has a lot of baggage, not to mention his nazi tattoo, but the progressives love him. My guess is that Maine Democrats will figure out that Platner is more likely to be a John Fetterman than a John F. Kennedy. While Mill’s age will certainly be a factor, enough Maine voters will have had enough of Susan Collins’ Profiles in Capitulation to put Janet Mills in office.
As one who was a precinct captain for Joe Biden in Iowa, I can tell you that Iowa voters are really tough to predict. This is an open seat (Joni Ernst is returning to her first love, castrating cows), and there are some good Democratic prospects, including Zach Wahls, a state senator; Josh Turek, a state representative; and Nathan Sage, a Marine veteran and former chamber of commerce president. The winner will likely be facing Representative Ashley Hinson, who will have Iowa’s red wind at her back. But in Iowa, the waves of grain may be driven by a blue wave, so maybe we can surprise everyone and win this one.
Then there’s Texas. Let me tell you: just like the Cubs and the Bears, Texas will always break your heart. But two strong Dems are running, the passionate progressive Representative Jasmine Crockett and a wild card, State Representative James Talarico, who couches his political rhetoric in gospel. The winner will face either Senator John Cornyn, who would be very tough to beat, or the scandal-ridden State Attorney General and rabid MAGAt, Ken Paxton, who would make it a lot easier. But again, Texas.
Finally, Alaska is weird and impossible to poll, so anything could happen there, but don’t hold your breath. And who knows? Maybe even Nebraska could surprise us.
[Much of this analysis relied on Kellen Browning in the NYTimes, and the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.]
The pundits give Dems about a 30-35% chance of winning the Senate this year. But hang on to this: in his final prediction of 2016, Nate Silver and fivethirtyeight gave Donald Trump a 28.6% chance of winning. Lots of things can happen even when they only have a 30% chance of happening.
The country finally rejected Senator Joe McCarthy in 1954. We can neuter Trump in 2026. Let’s get mad and do it.
Check It Out with Nancy Kohn
Now we understand it. Trump does so many awful things at such a dizzying pace that it’s really hard to find a unifying theory of how he governs. One theme, of course, is that it has to be about him. And, of course, it has to make him richer. But how would you explain his foreign policy? Our thanks go to Missy Ryan and Ashley Parker at The Atlantic, who explain the Trump Doctrine as this: Fuck Around And Find Out. FAFO. How perfect is that? Impose a tariff, then remove it. FAFO. Fight a drug war, pardon the biggest drug lord in history. FAFO. Run on isolationism, bomb Iran, and kidnap the president of Venezuela. FAFO. The problem, of course, is that he is FAFOing around with our lives, our liberties, our freedoms, our bodies, our health, and our finances. I can’t wait for that moment when America comes to its senses and tells Trump to F-Off.
SCOTUS for the [rich] people. Like Trump, there’s so much wrong with this Supreme Court that it’s hard to know where to start. When they’re sworn in, Supreme Court judges take an oath to “do equal right to the poor and to the rich.” A new study by economists at Columbia and Yale called “Ruling for the Rich,” concludes that a good way to guess the outcome of a case is to follow the money. Republican appointees to this Court vote for the wealthier party 70% of the time, as opposed to 45% in 1953. Like the president, there’s just no bottom for these folks.
There’s always time for corruption. Kidnapping the Venezuelan leader from the highly fortified presidential palace was the result of an incredibly well-planned and flawlessly executed operation. You’d think that would keep everyone in Trump World pretty busy, but hey, there’s always time to make some money. WaPo reports that between December 27 and minutes before the attack was launched on January 2nd, someone placed $34,000 in wagers on the online prediction market, Polymarket, that the U.S. would invade Venezuela by January 31st. The bet paid off with a $400,000 profit. There are so many criminals in Trump’s circle that it’s hard to guess which one did it, but my favorite theory -completely unsubstantiated- was that Baron Trump placed the bets from his dorm room.
Finally, a little good news. Almost exactly a year ago, New York City started imposing congestion pricing. If you drove a car into Manhattan below 60th Street, you had to pay a $9 fee. One year later, the NYTimes reports that it has been a smashing success. Over the course of the year, about 73,000 fewer vehicles entered the downtown area per day! That resulted in faster traffic, more transit riders, safer crosswalks, easier bicycling, and better air quality. Yes, government can do good things for people. Congrats, New York.
Last chance to name a snowplow. Chicago has had so much success with its snowplow-naming contests that they’re doing it again this year. Remember, this is the contest that brought you gems like Salter Payton, Sears Plower, and Ernie Snowbanks. The fourth annual contest is underway, but you must submit your entry here by January 10th. Good luck!
Worth it. It’s January, when young and old dream of getting away. To help your planning, the annual NYTimes feature, 52 Places To Go in 2026, is out. You can start right in your own backyard, because Hyde Park made the list!
Lasagna Palozza 2026! Thanks to Lucy Moog and Tamar Newberger, this is the 5th year Lasagna Palooza will pair homemade lasagnas with local residents in need. It’s an easy and meaningful way to help our community. This year, the recipe comes from the Chef and Owner of Chicago’s famous Piccalo Sogno, Tony Priolo. Feel free to follow the recipe tor go your own way. Sign up here to make a lasagna (or a few) at your home and pick a location to deliver it on Monday, January 19 or later in the week.
Galentine’s Game Night is back. The night will kick off with a tasty dinner, giving you plenty of time to mingle before the gameplay begins. Register for your game of choice: Canasta or Mahjong. All Levels Are Welcome! Sign up Solo or with a partner. Come ready to socialize and play your favorite game. (Cash bar available) It all happens on Thursday, February 12th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
Between the looming deadline for finishing an important needlepoint project and playing lots of mahjongg and canasta, my reading is going slowly. However, I have two book group recommendations to share - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and The Names by Florence Knapp. They will lend themselves to robust discussions next week - one in Streeterville and one in Palm Beach. Atmosphere is a fictional account of the first women scientists in NASA's Space Shuttle program in the 1980s. If, like me, you remember “Ride Sally Ride”, you will enjoy this book. The opening chapter of The Names begins with a mother making three different choices for her baby son’s name, Bear, Julian or Gordon. The subsequent chapters jump ahead seven years, and each explore the impact and trajectory of life for Bear vs. Julian vs. Gordon.
On The Calendar
IWILTA Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum. Please join the IWIL Training Academy for their annual Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum, held virtually on Zoom on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
This year’s forum, Lawfare, Courts, and the Future of Democracy, will explore how legal strategies are shaping executive power and testing democratic norms. The conversation will feature Carolyn Shapiro of the Institute on the Supreme Court of the United States, in dialogue with IWILTA alumna Colleen Kilbride (’19), an attorney with experience in immigration and workers’ rights. RSVP HERE to reserve your spot. The event is free, but advance registration is required. We encourage you to invite friends and colleagues to join us!
Illinois Senatorial Debate. The University of Chicago Institute of Politics, WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and International House of the University of Chicago are convening the three frontrunner Democratic candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois in advance of the March 17, 2026, primary elections. The debate will feature Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. You can join in person, virtually or on air on Monday, January 26th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. RSVP here.
Men For Choice Documentary. Men For Choice will be holding an online viewing and discussion of its 10-year documentary, “Off The Sidelines” on Monday, January 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The documentary runs 30-minutes. You can RSVP here.
Equality Illinois 2026 Gala. It’s big. It’s bold. It attracts so many elected officials they have to hold a parade for them. And, of course, it’s big fun. Please join co-chairs Grant Gochnauer and Heather Steans as they honor Dave Bentlin with their Freedom Award and Lambda Legal with their Organization Award. It all happens on Saturday, January 31st, at 5:30 p.m at the Hilton Chicago. Click here to sponsor, donate, or get your tickets. We hope to see you there!
Jobs and Internships
NEW! The Obama Presidential Library is preparing to open in June and is now accepting applications for a wide variety of roles. Click here and remember to check back frequently for openings. (1/9/2026)
NEW! Men For Choice is accepting applications for its virtual Fellowship, which offers the opportunity to explore key issues in the fight for reproductive freedom, learn how to be an effective pro-choice ally, build new organizing skills and relationships, grow your influence and professional network, and enhance your resume and organizing credentials. Get more details here. (1/9/2026)
Ignite, a legacy non-profit enrolling over 800 youth annually who are overcoming homelessness or at the greatest risk of harm in Chicago, is seeking a relationship-centered professional to lead its engagement and philanthropy efforts. The Senior Director of Engagement & Philanthropy position is a critical part of the agency's strategic leadership team and leads a portfolio of private funding relationships totaling over $2.5 million. In return, Ignite invests in staff development, training, benefits, culture, and the overall experience of each team member. You can learn more about this important position here. (12/19/2025)
SHALVA is the oldest independent Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States. They are seeking a Development Director to create and implement a comprehensive annual Development Plan with campaign goals to meet SHALVA's fundraising targets. For more information or to apply, click here. (12/19/2025)
The Woods Fund Chicago has links to job openings at various organizations that they fund. Check out their newsletter and scroll down for the job listings.
Know someone looking for an internship? Send them to Brandon’s Hillternship Hub to track opportunities on the Hill. And then they should subscribe to brandonsbulletin.substack.com to learn about internships in progressive politics, nonprofits, and foreign policy/international affairs.
Finally, here are some useful links to check out if you’re searching for a job in politics, policy, or advocacy:
Daybook is a valuable resource for individuals seeking political, policy, and government jobs nationwide.
Want to work with progressive organizations or nonprofits doing good? Check out the listings at Democracy Partners, Grossman Solutions, NPAG, and Forefront.
Here are two good sites to land campaign jobs at the entry level and beyond: Emily’s List and GainPower.
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Who are we? Since 2003, we’ve been sharing our news, views and to-dos. The NKC Occasional Update is brought to you by Nancy Kohn, a seasoned political consultant in Chicago, and Art Friedson, a dedicated political enthusiast. We enjoy hearing from our readers, so feel free to post directly on this article or send us an email. Thank you for your support!
Nancy Kohn nkohn@kohnconsulting.com Art Friedson art.friedson@gmail.com
Art, great wrap up of possible Dem chances in the upcoming Senate races. But I’m fearful that even though, say, Ohio has been hit economically due to Trump’s policies, will Dems actually campaign on those losses?
I’m hoping we - finally - go low before they go low. Name names, name policies, say - truthfully - what Republicans have done that Democrats will fix?
We have to toughen up…