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Trump supercharged ICE. Now battleground candidates are scrambling for a message
Republican and Democratic congressional candidates are wrestling with how to talk about immigration. They consistently call for a strong U.S.-Mexico border but then diverge, with some calling for ICE ...
‘She’s One of Us’: Mary Peltola’s Bumpy Rise to Political Power
Ms. Peltola, the Democratic Senate candidate in Alaska, has complicated politics: She is pro-gun, pro-oil and pro-gas — but also pro-environment and especially pro-fish.
8 more Bills vs. Chargers predictions, scores, odds for Week 3 game
Just one NFL expert thinks the Los Angeles Chargers can escape Sunday with a win against the Buffalo Bills.
Fetterman defends political identity, weighs potential role as 51st senator
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) defended his position as a Democrat on Saturday despite straying from the party on key issues — but refused to speculate how he would break ties if his party at…
House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option
“There is a cost to the American people of the out-of-control corruption,” said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is in line to become House speaker if Democrats win control at the Capitol.
David Jolly to national Democrats: Show me some money for governor's race
This week the national elections rating group Decision Desk HQ shifted the Florida governor’s race to a “Toss up,” saying Donalds has a 60% probability of winning, down from 68%.
How ex-staffers’ allegations of hostile behavior by Peltola might affect Alaska’s key U.S. Senate race
Alaska political commentators said in interviews that the accusations appear to have left many of Democrat Mary Peltola’s supporters unswayed as she seeks to unseat Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.), who is in line to become the chairperson of the Judiciary Committee, characterized the issues involved as “gargantuan.”
Ocasio-Cortez downplays 2028 speculation, stresses 2026 elections
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said her focus is on helping Democrats win in 2026, downplaying speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.
Opinion | Genova: Three political platforms, three visions
American politics includes competing approaches to the economy, energy, immigration, abortion, taxation, transgender rights and the structure of our government. Comparing the published programs of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the Democratic Party and...
Opinion: Liberal Democrats reflect profound political change in Britain
British politics today is fracturing into multiple parties, no longer 2 or even 3
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: Democratic congressional candidate discusses bid for seat held by GOP since 2005
Yolanda Prince discusses her campaign for Texas’ 1st Congressional District.
David Jolly to national Democrats: Show me some money
He's not debating his opponent but he doesn't have the money he says he needs for ads.
David Jolly implores national Democrats to help his campaign for governor
David Jolly took his case for governor to the Tampa Tiger Bay Club Friday.
Forget Politics. EVs Have An Age Problem
Republicans and Democrats are surprisingly aligned on EV buying intent. It's Boomers that are the problem.
The GOP wants to talk about crime, immigration and trans issues. Voters don’t
Republican former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz summed up a large portion of the GOP’s midterm message this week when he responded to a man who said he was voting Democratic for the first time ever.
VoteVets Spends Millions to Elect Democrats, Shaping Midterms
The organization, founded in 2006 to back Democratic veterans opposing the Iraq war, is pouring huge sums into this year’s elections amid intense voter antipathy for another conflict in the Middle East.
The Senate map is looking even better for Democrats. Here are races to watch.
The goal of keeping Democratic Senate seats and flipping four GOP seats once felt like a long shot. Now it's feasible.
Geiger, Byer Vie for Rockland Area House Seat
ROCKLAND — Residents of Rockland, North Haven, Matinicus, and part of Owls Head will decide whether to return Democrat Valli Geiger to the State House or elect political newcomer Melissa
Lucas: What if politics actually worked?
There are some 3.2 million registered independent voters in Massachusetts compared to 1.3 million Democrats and 424,000 Republicans.
GOP governor candidate Stacy Garrity touts experience in business, military, state government
Editor’s note: This is the first of three profiles on this year’s candidates for Pennsylvania governor. A profile of Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro is scheduled to be published on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and one on Libertarian Ken Krawchuk is scheduled for publication on Thursday, Oct. 1. HARRISBURG — It’s
Rick Jackson talks healthcare, Burt Jones lawsuit at Savannah stop
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson met with veterans in Savannah on Friday, emphasizing his health care plan as he and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms approach the final weeks of the race.
Dems 'written off' campaign for GOP's only NYC House seat
Mike DeCillis, the Democratic candidate, said he's found little support from the Democratic Party nationally and locally.
White House claims pro-Trump ad it paid Fox to air was ‘public service announcement’
Some Democrats say taxpayer-funded ad could be illegal government propaganda aimed at influencing voters
Democratic lawmakers oppose state dollars for nuclear
They argue that taxpayers and ratepayers should not be asked to subsidize new nuclear projects.
Democratic lawmakers oppose state dollars for nuclear
They argue that taxpayers and ratepayers should not be asked to subsidize new nuclear projects.
For third time, Supreme Court rejects Missouri's bid for another GOP-leaning House district
The GOP wanted to redraw a district in Kansas City that had elected a Black Democrat. Six of the state's eight congressional districts favor Republicans.
Supreme Court for the third time rejects Republican redistricting push in Missouri
A Republican effort to use a new congressional map that would eliminate one of the two Democratic-held districts in the state has again failed in court.
Supreme Court rejects GOP’s third effort to capture Democratic House seat in Missouri
The third time was not the charm.
Talking health and welfare in Arkansas District 2
Second District Democratic candidate Chris Jones dissects the One Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on the poor.
Susan Collins hanging onto Senate seat despite heavy political gravity
The Maine Republican remains locked in a tight race with her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson.
Pretty Much Every Poll Is Good for Democrats Now
With just weeks to go before the midterms, polls are showing a wide range of Democratic candidates ahead. Here’s a quick scan.
Joe Neguse launches initiative to boost Democrats running statewide
Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse is sending volunteers into competitive Colorado districts, backing candidates challenging Republicans Lauren Boebert and Gabe Evans.
New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns after release of damaging ethics report
Dale Caldwell’s announcement came less than a day after fellow Democrat Gov. Mikie Sherrill released the findings and urged him to resign his post.
New Jersey’s lieutenant governor resigns after sexual harassment and ethics complaints
New Jersey’s Democratic lieutenant governor has resigned after the governor demanded he step down over allegations of inappropriate behavior with women. Gov. Mikie Sherrill had given Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell
Murray, Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding
Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump’s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research ICYMI: Murray on Trump Admin Scrapping Plans for Executive Order to Empower […]
WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to two new health zones
The World Health Organization said on Friday that the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to two additional health zones, bringing the total number affected to 63 across seven provinces.
After Tough Primaries, Democrats in Key States Feel Unified, New Polls Find
A majority of Democrats in Maine and Michigan said the primary process strengthened their party heading into November.
Napa couple’s chamoy candy business fills local growing demand
Cha Chas Sweets, cofounded by two Napa High School graduates, is filling a growing local demand for a confection with a connection to Mexico.
Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Republican nominee Mike Rogers in his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said this week she will vote for fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in his run for U.S. Senate, ending speculation that she did not endorse his candidacy due to their differences over Israel. […]
Trump administration runs taxpayer-funded ‘love me’ ad
Democratic lawmakers have demanded more details about the ad
‘Data senator’ ad prompts Frank Farry to send a cease-and-desist letter to his Democratic challenger in Bucks County
An attorney representing state Sen. Frank Farry (R., Bucks) called on Democrat Eileen Hartnett Albillar's campaign to retract the "data senator" advertisement.
Another new poll shows close Maine Senate race
Other UNH results show Democrat Hannah Pingree continuing to lead the pack for governor ahead of Republican Bobby Charles and independent Rick Bennett.
Why 3 Texas US House races are worrying Republicans. See which ones
A new Cook Political Report analysis moved three Texas U.S. House races toward Democrats as the GOP fights to keep its majority. See where each stands.
Democrats press RFK Jr. on an ethics agreement change involving law firm fees
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces scrutiny from congressional Democrats over ethics disclosures | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Capitol agenda: Dems weigh doing Husted a solid - Live Updates
A data center measure easily passed the House last week with more than 200 Democratic votes, but campaign-season politics are making action trickier for the party in the Senate.
Can the Left Make America Fun Again?
Hi friends, I’ve got a piece in The New York Times today about how collective joy — participatory, youthful, anti-corporate — can defeat Trumpism and transform our lives. The basic argument is that politics used to be embedded in communal life: dances, sports leagues, union halls. As that infrastructure disappeared — and more of everyday life was atomized and privatized — politics became something broadcast at people rather than something they did together. NYC-DSA and Zohran provide another model, where socials and face-to-face organizing are tied to a fight vs the corporations that fenced off so much of the good life. Rebuilding that kind of collective fun, I argue, could help bring young people back into politics and, by redistributing America’s wealth, make everyday life more joyful. I would super appreciate it if you’d read the piece, share it, or post comments on it. Thank you! p.s. FYI, Opinion writers don’t get any say over their headlines! More Take action to support the fight of licensed deck officers at Alaska Tanker Company and Overseas Shipholding Group to win a first union contract. This is one of the most important, and underreported, unionization campaigns in America: these workers have a huge amount of power over domestic energy distribution and maritime supply chains, and they’re still without a contract two years after having voted overwhelmingly to unionize. Please sign the public petition here, and if you’re an academic you can sign this support letter.
The hard choice Democrats face on Republicans’ anti-trans attacks
They’re being bombarded with attack ads. How do they respond without betraying a vulnerable community?
Can Democrats flip the House? Here's the latest in key races
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the House. Here are five races to watch before the Nov. 3 elections.
SC will elect ‘outsider’ to U.S. Senate. Whose bid for Congress does it help more?
Neither Democratic nominee Annie Andrews nor Republican candidate U.S. Sen. Darline Graham has been elected to political office.
Alaskans Dismayed, But Not Moved, by Peltola’s Treatment of Her Staff
Voters interviewed in Anchorage and Fairbanks on Thursday said news that Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had used offensive slurs would not change their vote.
Trump Is Destroying Public Health. Democrats Need to Fight Back.
If they win in the midterms, the party must move quickly and aggressively to undo the harm Trump and his cronies have caused. It is truly difficult to keep up with the pace of OMB Director Russell Vou...
Trump Is Destroying Public Health. Democrats Need to Fight Back.
If they win in the midterms, the party must move quickly and aggressively to undo the harm Trump and his cronies have caused.
Angie Nixon’s campaign runs through the labor, Civil Rights movements
Nixon’s rise comes as Democrats, Black activists and legal scholars say the gains of the Civil Rights Movement are under attack.
Opinion | Young Democrats Are Putting the Party Back in Politics. It’s Working.
Fun, free events communicate a larger goal: that everyday people should be able to afford a joyful life.
Democrats weigh how to handle data center vote that could benefit a GOP foe
“They say they’re for more affordability,” embattled GOP Sen. Jon Husted said. “This is a chance for everybody to prove it.”
The Real Threat From Political AI Isn't Lies
New evidence suggests that AI can gain a persuasive advantage by producing far more information far faster than people can respond. Democratic safeguards should make that advantage visible and give citizens control over the tempo.
Texas Republicans splinter as MAGA candidates test party limits
GOP leaders are voicing doubts about U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who's trailing Democrat James Talarico in polls with less than six weeks until Election Day.
In Texas, Talarico pitches a Fox News debate as Paxton stays silent
The state’s Democratic and Republican Senate candidates have not squared off yet.
Democratic House candidate arrested during Netanyahu protest in NYC
Darializa Avila Chevalier was among several progressive elected officials and nominees who protested Netanyahu's speech at the U.N.
A key Republican defends Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola after reports of abusive behavior
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan criticized his Democratic opponent Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, over allegations of abusive behavior toward members of her staff, which he described as “very disturbing.”
Emory launches Center for Civic Reasoning to foster constructive dialogue
Emory University’s new Center for Civic Reasoning will prepare students for democratic citizenship through courses that study how to engage in constructive disagreements around issues related to politics and daily life.
Dems shamed as DHS brings ICE shooting reciepts after politician called ICE officers ‘liars with masks’
The Department of Homeland Security accused Democrats and media of spreading lies about the ICE shooting in Austin as protests erupted citywide.
New Midterm Polling Has Good and Bad News for Both Sides
New polling and analysis released this week has encouraging signs for Democrats and Republicans, leaving the overall impression that control of both houses of Congress remains up in the air. Data published Thursday morning by The New York Times and Siena polling puts Democratic candidates Abdul ...
New poll shows Democrats with big lead over GOP on generic ballot
A new Emerson College poll has Democrats with a sizeable lead over Republicans on a generic congressional ballot two months from midterm elections.
5 Takeaways From a New Poll on the New Hampshire Senate Race
Representative Chris Pappas, a Democrat, leads by five percentage points, according to a New York Times/Siena poll. Voters say they are more interested in a check on President Trump than in a candidate who supports him.
Collins leads Jackson in new Maine poll
On the favorability front, 49% said they have a very or somewhat unfavorable opinion of Democrat Troy Jackson, with 41% saying very or somewhat favorable.
Political psychology: Why extremist parties are thriving and what democratic politicians can do
Far-right and far-left parties are celebrating success after success, leaving moderate politicians in the dust. Many Germans worry about this. Political psychology helps us understand what's behind growing polarization.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hints at future political run during book talk
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Tuesday that he is no longer certain his 2023 reelection campaign will be his last, while discussing his faith, political divisions and the future of the Democratic Party at GW.
Capitol agenda: Democrats fracture over college sports - Live Updates
Despite bipartisan backing of a college athletics bill, Black Democratic lawmakers are warning their own party that supporting the measure risks exploiting Black athletes.
How the fate of a rural hospital could help flip the House
In one Virginia race and others, Democrats are highlighting the rising costs of health care and possible closures of facilities, putting Republicans on defense.
Democrats Show Strength in Michigan Senate Race but Trail in Maine, Polls Find
The party’s nominees lead in Michigan and New Hampshire but the Republican incumbent is ahead in Maine, according to New York Times/Siena polls of the three battlegrounds.
Warren demands Trump officials explain removing a ban on interference in census data
Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren asked Trump officials to explain why the Census Bureau's parent agency cut a ban on political interference from its scientific integrity policy, as NPR first reported.
Democrats lead in 2 Pa. swing congressional district races: F&M poll
Pennsylvania voters in two key congressional districts that broke for Republicans in 2024 are moving left, according to results of the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
Stelson, Democrats lead in Pennsylvania district races: F&M Poll
Pennsylvania voters in two key congressional districts that broke for Republicans in 2024 are moving left, according to results of the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
Fintech After the Midterms: 3 Thoughts on How Politics Might Impact Policy
If the polls—and the prediction markets—are any indication, then the Democratic Party stands a better than even chance of taking control of the US House of Representatives after the mid-term elections in November.
McConnell got the health care he needed. Booker wants that for everyone
Opinion: For Senate candidate Charles Booker, health care isn't abstract.
Angry outbursts, slurs and firings: Tumult rocks a key Senate campaign
Democrats hope that Mary Peltola can flip a Republican Senate seat in Alaska. Former aides describe a campaign and congressional office marked by chaos.
Mary Peltola’s Campaign in Alaska Senate Race Is Rocked by Tumult, With Angry Outbursts and Slurs
Democrats hope that Mary Peltola can flip a Republican Senate seat in Alaska. Former aides describe a campaign and congressional office marked by chaos.
Blakeman pitches himself as Republican Democrats can back
Blakeman received an endorsement from former Council Member Bob Holden.
Sentencing date still to be determined amid health issues for Gov. Newsom's ex-chief of staff
Dana Williamson, a former top political aide to key Democratic leaders in California, including Gov. Newsom, is still struggling with an unexpected health issue and a hearing to discuss her prison sentencing has been postponed.
Maine Dems hammer Collins over report of pay-to-play probe. GOP senator calls it 'completely false'
Maine Democrats on Wednesday assailed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins over a news report that the FBI investigated how much she knew about illegal campaign contributions that sent one of her donors to prison.
New dark money GOP group dominates Wisconsin political spending
A brand new group reported spending $13 million against Wisconsin Democrats in its first campaign finance report.
Kansas becomes the latest headache for Republicans, with Democrats eyeing a ‘miracle’ in Senate race
Adam Hamilton is asking Kansans to take a leap of faith and do something that hasn’t been done in 94 years: send a Democrat to the US Senate.
Trump Backtracks on Plan for New Controls on N.I.H. Grants
Democrats and Republicans in Congress opposed the creation of a commission with the power to veto federal research awards.
Collins’ team rebuts ProPublica story
On Wednesday, the Maine Democratic Party called on Collins to directly answer questions raised by the story.
GOP challenger gets within single digits of blue-state gov despite Dem's massive advantage
Bruce Blakeman trails Kathy Hochul by just 9 points in a new Siena poll, closing the gap in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one.
NH Libertarian Party endorses ‘assassination’ of elected Democrats
The state Libertarian Party has issued repeated calls for political violence in social media posts.
Joint List's leader attacks Democrats leader for supporting Arab politician ban
'It would be proper for someone who calls himself a democrat to stand against racist attempts,' Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen said. He added that the Democrats party is pushing the agenda of Otzma Yehudit and Likud
Cook Political Report shifts Kansas, South Carolina Senate races toward Democrats
The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report on Wednesday shifted the Senate races in Kansas and South Carolina toward Democrats, with just over a month before the November midterm el…
Republicans say Democrats are extremists. These Democrats want to convince voters that's not true
Democrats are trying to win back Congress by criticizing their own party to appeal to voters in more conservative areas.
At Rutgers, Talking Across Difference Aims for Civil Dialogue in a Divisive Political Climate
An initiative at Rutgers University-New Brunswick is helping students develop the skills and confidence to engage in meaningful conversations during an era marked by political polarization, social division and declining trust in democratic institutions. Through Talking Across Difference, a program developed within the Rutgers Democracy Lab at the Eagleton Institute of Politics during the 2024-2025 academic year, students, faculty and staff are learning how to engage in productive conversations
Talarico works to reach Black voters in his bid to win a US Senate seat as a Democrat in Texas
Democratic Texas U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is working to reach Black voters, a key demographic in his race against Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton
The Fight for the Senate Is a True Toss Up; Three Races Shift Toward Democrats
With just under six weeks until Election Day, control of the Senate is on a knife’s edge as the handful of key races that will decide the majority remain within the margin of error.
San Francisco’s public-safety technology isn’t the problem — the politics around it is
Amid a local Democratic Party debate, supervisor makes the case for retaining automated tools while strengthening oversight and protecting against misuse.
NC seats join Democrats’ battleground list + Candidate gets unlikely endorsement
Democrats target more races for the NC Senate.
Reform and the UAE – a threat to British politics
By Alex Carlen The United Arab Emirates likes to present itself as part of the solution to the climate crisis. The oil-rich Gulf state has committed to Net Zero by 2050, hosted COP 28, and even declared “championing climate action” as one of three strategic objectives for this week’s session of the United Nations General Assembly. But behind the scenes the UAE has quietly built one of its closest political relationships in Europe with the party most hostile to climate action in Britain: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. There is no evidence that the UAE is funding Reform. But a new FairSquare report, Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat, published today, documents a growing political relationship that should concern anyone interested in the integrity of British democracy. Reform’s leaders have embraced the UAE’s political model and promoted positions that align closely with the Emirati government’s priorities, while the UAE has given Farage and his party unusually warm access and public backing. What is emerging is not simply a relationship between British politicians and a wealthy Gulf state, but a channel through which an authoritarian government can cultivate political influence here, and abroad. Democracy for Sale relies on its readers. If you already support us, thanks so much. If you don’t, sign up to support fearless independent investigative journalism. Subscribe Back in January, Nigel Farage appeared at a GB News event in Dubai. On the 50th floor of a tower overlooking the luxury resorts and upscale residences of Palm Jumeirah, the Reform leader declared: “I want Clacton to look like this.” At the event – which Farage never declared on his official register of interests – senior Emirati officials mixed with British expats. Farage was keen to flatter. “We recognise you are our friends”, he said, assuring them that “a Brexit London, a Reform London, will remember you.” Controversy surrounding Reform’s finances and its susceptibility to foreign influence have centred around high-profile donations from billionaire crypto donors, and the jailing of Nathan Gill, Reform’s former leader in Wales, for accepting bribes to give pro-Russia speeches. Far less attention has been paid to Reform’s blossoming new alliance with the UAE, an oil-rich authoritarian state with a track record of ruinous anti-democratic interventions. Farage wasn’t always so fond of the UAE. Back in 2023 he called it an “absolute monarchy with an abysmal human rights record.” Now Reform’s hierarchy calls the UAE home. Deputy leader Richard Tice splits his time between his constituency and Dubai and has called on the UK to learn from the UAE. The party’s treasurer Nick Candy runs a firm which has been in partnership with a UAE-state linked firm since 2024. Nadhim Zahawi sits on the board of an Abu Dhabi think tank alongside an array of the most senior UAE officials and is reportedly close to three brothers of the country’s despotic ruler Mohammed Bin Zayed. Reform’s leading lights have effusively praised the UAE’s governance model, defended it from criticism, and advanced its political agenda in the UK. GB News, whose two major shareholders – the Legatum Foundation and Paul Marshall – have strong links to the UAE, has been more than happy to broadcast UAE propaganda and was forced to pay damages in 2025 after airing a false claim about a UK charity by the UAE “disinfluencer” Amjad Taha. The UAE has responded in kind. When the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs conducted an official visit to the UK in May, Farage was the only non-government figure granted an audience. UAE state media publicised the meeting, and said that they discussed “the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves mutual interests.” For the UAE these ‘mutual interests’ largely concern its paranoia over political Islam, and in this regard the UAE-Reform alliance is part of a broad and troubling pattern. Following a crackdown on dissent at home in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the UAE has offered material and political support to a range of violent and authoritarian actors willing to oppose the Muslim Brotherhood with no regard for the consequences. Its meddling in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and most notably Sudan, have been devastating. The UAE’s strategy of seeking out partners on the political fringes who it believes will advance its interests is not unique to Britain – it extends beyond the Middle East to Europe and the US. In France, it has offered clandestine support to Marine Le Pen through secret meetings, as well allegedly funding trips to the region after which Le Pen returned with a renewed focus on the UAE’s perceived enemies – Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. Left-wing opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has accused the UAE of smearing him and of “encouraging discrimination, hatred or violence”. In the US, the UAE actively supported the rise of Donald Trump, establishing itself as a key ally during both his first and second terms. Around these relationships sits a wider ecosystem of figures willing to amplify UAE narratives, that even extends to Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson. Subscribe In Britain, the UAE has used a combination of aggressive diplomacy and illicit, disruptive tactics to achieve its policy goal of eliminating any perceived threat from political Islam. In 2012, for instance, it threatened to block billion-pound arms deals with the UK and stop inward investment if David Cameron did not act against the Muslim Brotherhood and rein in the BBC’s coverage of the group – going so far as to suggest, with no supporting evidence, that the group had infiltrated the BBC. It has financed smear campaigns against a high-profile UK charity and funded a mercenary to secretly surveil, and possibly assassinate, a British national on British soil. In Reform UK, the UAE has finally found an ally willing to not only ban the Muslim Brotherhood, but to publicly vilify the group and repeat the UAE’s claims that dangerous Muslims are a fifth column in British society, a narrative that aligns with the Islamophobia and anti-immigration sentiments that underpin Reform’s populist politics. The Rycroft review into foreign interference concluded that “hostile states and non-state actors have a clear incentive to attempt to undermine UK democracy.” The UAE’s network and alliance with Reform must be understood within that framework. It is a powerful, disruptive and deeply authoritarian actor with the resources and networks to intervene in our politics, and a track-record of doing so in a multitude of other countries. The evidence of the threat the UAE poses is overwhelming. The question is whether parliamentarians are willing to call the UAE out and demand action using the tools that the government has to respond. Placing the UAE on the “Enhanced Tier” of the Foreign Registration scheme alongside Russia and Iran would send a powerful signal to the UAE that its meddling will no longer be tolerated, and would place Farage’s next trips to the UAE under the scrutiny they deserve. Alex Carlen is research and advocacy manager at London based human rights organisation FairSquare and author of its new report Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat. Subscribe