In Ohio's governor race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton have announced their running mates. Ramaswamy, a biotech executive, has chosen Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, a seasoned conservative lawmaker. Acton, a former state health chief, has picked David Pepper, a pragmatic former state Democratic Chair. The announcements were made Wednesday. Current Republican Gov. Mike DeWine cannot seek reelection due to term limits. Ramaswamy praised McColley for his legislative experience. Acton highlighted Pepper's problem-solving skills and local government experience.
The Trump administration is giving Iowa more power to decide how it spends its federal education money. Washington is signing off on a proposal that’s expected to be the first of many as conservative states apply for new spending freedom from the federal government. Iowa was the first state to apply for an exemption from certain spending rules after Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited states to request the flexibility last year. Such waivers have been offered for years but are finding new interest under President Donald Trump. Indiana and Oklahoma have made similar requests.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and a conservative commentator, has died. He was 80. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday. The foundation called him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.” His cause of death was not immediately announced. Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show.” He also focused his time on several charities, raising money in powerboat racing and serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and conservative commentator, dies at 80.
Republican Doug LaMalfa, a California rice farmer who served seven terms in the U.S. House and was a reliable vote on President Donald Trump’s agenda, has died at age 65. LaMalfa's death reduces the GOP's narrow control of the House to 218 seats to Democrats’ 213. LaMalfa was a former state lawmaker and rice farmer who was first elected to Congress in 2012. The Butte County sheriff’s office says the congressman experienced a medical emergency Monday and died during a surgical procedure. LaMalfa's chief of staff says he was a funny guy who loved cars and classic rock. Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff says LaMalfa was willing to work across the aisle to get things done.
Rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona. Speaking on stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, the artist praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who has since taken over as leader of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump, whom she had condemned in the past. Minaj's appearance Sunday at the flagship event for the powerful conservative youth organization may shore up her status as a MAGA acolyte.
PHOENIX (AP) — Turning Point USA is holding its annual youth conference in Phoenix, where conservative influencers have clashed and the women …
Vice President JD Vance says the conservative movement should welcome anyone who loves America. He declined to condemn antisemitism that has divided the Republican Party. This statement came during Turning Point USA’s annual convention, where debates raged about excluding figures like Nick Fuentes. Vance says he opposes “purity tests” and emphasized patriotism as the only boundary. Turning Point leader Erika Kirk has endorsed Vance as a potential successor to Donald Trump. The convention highlighted the challenges of defining a post-Trump GOP, with tensions over antisemitism and rivalries among conservative commentators. Vance remains a key figure in this evolving landscape.
Young women who have grown emboldened in their conservative beliefs are attending the annual conference held by Turning Point USA. The organization was founded by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September. The women don't want to apologize for their traditional views on faith, marriage and family, and they draw inspiration from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who now leads the political juggernaut that helped return President Donald Trump to the White House. Turning Point's efforts to appeal to young women are intended to bridge a gender divide that has challenged the Republican Party, which has been more popular with men.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and current CEO of the conservative youth group, endorsed the potential presidential bid of Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 election. Erika Kirk promised to support President Donald Trump's efforts to maintain GOP-control of Congress and vowed to “get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected” in the 2028 presidential election. The late Kirk and Vance were close friends.