Here's what you can do about it

Tired of dystopian nightmare doomscrolling. Information you can use to get involved in U.S. politics and/or support your community.

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Information

Creating action-focused political and community support posts. Please read the F.A.Q. before sending an ask.

▷ Frequently Asked Questions ▷ Politics Masterpost ▷ Community Involvement Masterpost

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The United States has attacked Venezuela again. Here's what you can do about it.

Today is January 3rd, 2026.

Resources: NPR Article, Text of Joint Resolution, ResistBot, 5 Calls, Locate Your Representatives

The Situation

Last night the United States bombed Venezuela following a series of unprovoked attacks on Venezuelan vessels beginning in late August. They also took Nicolás Maduro and his wife into custody; Maduro is an authoritarian whose government has been credibly accused of multiple human rights violations.

However, Trump has said, when asked about Venezuela that "We [the United States Government] are going to run it, essentially" and "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, going to spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." He has also said in reference to the situation "We're going to get back our oil." The strike also reportedly killed both soldiers and civilians.

It seems evident that this action had very little to do with altruism or helping the Venezuelan people. Trump wants to gain control of Venezuela's oil.

What you can do about it

On Monday, January 5th, 2026, the Senate will convene and vote on S.J. Resolution 98, which says:

"Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force." (Section 2, Paragraph a)

Call, text, email, fax, or write your Senators to make sure they support this resolution. As it is a matter of urgency, you may want to privilege the most direct methods. ResistBot, 5 Calls, Locate Your Representatives

Rand Paul (KY-R) is a co-sponsor of this Resolution. Republican Majority Leader John Thune cannot block the vote, and it only requires a simple majority (51 senators) to pass.

Assuming all Democratic Senators vote for the resolution (which you should contact them about to ensure they do), as well as Sanders (I-VT), King (I-Maine), and Paul, the balance of the senate sits at 48(D)-52(R). Only three Republicans need to defect.

The Hill speculates that Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) may be likely to vote for the Resolution-- however, all senators should be pressured, especially if you believe your Republican Senator to be more moderate.

There will be a lot more work to do if this passes the Senate, but it would be a good first step, and the legislation may gain momentum as more people take action.

Several protests have already taken place in opposition to this action. You can check your local political organizing groups to see if they have planned actions in relation to this. The PSL has called for emergency action, The ANSWER Coalition held emergency protests today, and may hold others soon. Remember to protest safely.

Sources used when writing this post: The Hill, Congress.gov, NPR, War Powers Resolution (50 USC Ch 33), Human Rights Watch, U.S. Constitution, GovTrack the Resolution

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

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The Banning Children From Social Media Bill (RESET, HR 6488) And What To Do About It

Today is: December 17th, 2025

Resources: Bill PDF, Verge Article, Committee Hearing (long), GovTrack RESET, Roll Call article about the bills advancing

This bill was discussed by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on December 2nd, 2025 and advanced to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee on a party line vote.

This bill is intended to pass with other "internet safety" bills like KOSA. They work with one another to create the possibility for a privacy and civil rights nightmare. The sponsors of this legislation are relying on the density of the text and the overwhelming number of bills to distract and demoralize people. Stay focused, don't get discouraged.

This bill would

Prohibit all "covered platforms" (the bill defines this using the definition from the TAKE IT DOWN Act. The bill's intent is clarified in the hearing memo for the December 2nd meeting.), meaning social media companies, from "allow[ing] an individual to create or maintain an account or profile on the covered platform if the covered platform knows that the individual is a minor." (Section 2, Paragraph a)

It would also require social media platforms to delete any existing accounts created by people under sixteen.

While it is true that children have had harmful experiences on social media platforms, social media can also be an important resource for children, especially those that may be socially isolated. It can help inform, organize, and connect, at its best. It seems overzealous to unilaterally ban anyone under 16 from accessing it.

Because the bill also gives the state the ability to punish any covered platform for violation of this law (Section 2, Paragraph b), it incentivizes providers to be overly cautious regarding the phrase "know is a minor". They may choose to implement age verification technology, or to terminate any account that they believe to belong to a minor for any reason.

Here's What You Can Do

You can find your Congressional Representatives here. Focus on your federal House representatives at present, since that's where the bill has been introduced.

Resources for contacting your representatives about this bill: 5 calls, Resistbot

The bill's sponsor is Representative Erin Houchin (R) of Indiana's ninth district. If you live in her district please be sure to contact her and let her know what you think of this bill.

It's important to remember that RESET is part of a suite of bills. In order to prevent the government from enacting internet restrictions, the bills must be opposed as a group.

My advice is to choose one bill to focus on and center your activism around that. Call, email, fax, or write your Representative repeatedly about that specific issue. It is likely the tactic these bills' sponsors are trying to use is to sneak by some of the worst things in the less prominent bills. Don't divide your attention to such an extent that you burn out; keep your focus narrow and consistent. If lots of people choose different things to focus on, we can collectively defeat these pieces of legislation.

OTHER BILLS IN THIS SET: KOSA, SCREEN, ASAA (This list will be updated as the week progresses)

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

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The App Store Age Verification Bill (ASAA, HR 3149) And What To Do About It

Today is: December 17th, 2025

Resources: Bill PDF, Verge Article, Committee Hearing (long), GovTrack ASAA, Roll Call article about the bills advancing

This bill was introduced on May 1st, 2025, but was discussed by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on December 2nd, 2025 and advanced to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee on a party line vote.

This bill is intended to pass with other "internet safety" bills like KOSA. They work with one another to create the possibility for a privacy and civil rights nightmare. The sponsors of this legislation are relying on the density of the text and the overwhelming number of bills to distract and demoralize people. Stay focused, don't get discouraged.

This bill would

Require all "covered app store provider" (defined Section 2, Paragraph 8) meaning any app store operating at scale in the United States to " at the time an individual creates an account with the covered app store provider— (A) request age information from the individual; and (B) verify the individual’s age category using a commercially available method or process that is reasonably designed to ensure accuracy." (Section 3, Paragraph A)

Any accounts owned by minors would then need to be connected to a verified adult account. The adult account would be required to provide parental consent if the child downloaded an app or purchased anything. Consent would need to be obtained a second time in the event the app developer made any changes. (Section 3, Paragraph A)

It would also require app stores to: "provide to an app developer the ability to determine, in real time, the age category of any user" (Section 3, Paragraph A)

This would create a a privacy nightmare. While the bill specifies that the app stores must take precautions to safeguard user data, there is no guarantee this will be effective, or that the external companies or software that is used to verify age would be secure. Besides that, providing any kind of personal data to any app developer on the store (which could include literally anyone) could have the potential for disastrous consequences.

Here's What You Can Do

You can find your Congressional Representatives here. Focus on your federal House representatives at present, since that's where the bill has been introduced.

Resources for contacting your representatives about this bill: 5 calls, Resistbot

The bill's sponsor is Representative John James (R) of Michigan's tenth district. If you live in his district please be sure to contact him and let him know what you think of this bill.

The co-sponsors are: Gus Bilirakis (R) FL-10, Erin Houchin (R) IN-9 . If you live in either of those districts, please be sure to contact your representative to let them know what you think of their support for this bill. [US State Abbreviations List]

It's important to remember that ASAA is part of a suite of bills. In order to prevent the government from enacting internet restrictions, the bills must be opposed as a group.

My advice is to choose one bill to focus on and center your activism around that. Call, email, fax, or write your Representative repeatedly about that specific issue. It is likely the tactic these bills' sponsors are trying to use is to sneak by some of the worst things in the less prominent bills. Don't divide your attention to such an extent that you burn out; keep your focus narrow and consistent. If lots of people choose different things to focus on, we can collectively defeat these pieces of legislation.

OTHER BILLS IN THIS SET: KOSA, SCREEN, RESET (This list will be updated throughout the week)

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

[uspoltakeaction]

Politics Masterpost

▷ TN-7 Special Election (Finished December 2nd, 2025)

▷ KOSA December 2025 (Kids Online Safety Act, H.R. 6484)

▷ SCREEN December 2025 (Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net Act, H.R. 1623)

▷ ASAA December 2025 (App Store Accountability Act, H.R. 3149)

▷ RESET December 2025 (Reducing Exploitative Social Media Exposure for Teens Act, H.R. 6488)

[uspoltakeaction]

The Age Verification Bill (SCREEN, HR 1623) And What To Do About It

Today is: December 15th, 2025

Resources: Bill PDF, Verge Article, Committee Hearing (long), GovTrack SCREEN, Roll Call article about the bills advancing

This bill was introduced on Feb 26th, 2025, but was discussed by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on December 2nd, 2025 and advanced to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee on a party line vote.

This bill is intended to pass with other "internet safety" bills like KOSA. They work with one another to create the possibility for a privacy and civil rights nightmare. The sponsors of this legislation are relying on the density of the text and the overwhelming number of bills to distract and demoralize people. Stay focused, don't get discouraged.

This bill would

Require all "covered platforms" (defined Section 3, Paragraph 3) meaning any platform that operates in the United States and "for which it is in the regular course of the trade or business of the entity to create, host, or make available content that meets the definition of harmful to minors under paragraph (4) and that is provided by the entity, a user, or other information content provider, with the objective of earning a profit" to "adopt and utilize technology verification measures" to prevent minors from accessing the platform (Section 4)

Paragraph 4 defines "harmful to minors" as: A depiction of anything sexual or pornographic. (Section 3, Paragraph 4)

Functionally, this would require all platforms where someone sells adult content to utilize age verification measures for all users. This has the potential to be interpreted extremely broadly to include platforms where that is not the primary function, but does occur (i.e. Patreon, Ko-Fi, Twitter/X). The definition of sexual content could also be stretched to include any depiction of Queer experience.

Here's what you can do

You can find your Congressional Representatives here. Focus on your federal House representatives at present, since that's where the bill has been introduced.

Resources for contacting your representatives about this bill: 5 calls, Resistbot

The bill's sponsor is Representative Mary Miller (R) of Illinois' 15th district. If you live in her district, please make sure you contact her about your opposition to this bill.

The co-sponsors are: Jefferson Van Drew (R) NJ-2, Josh Brecheen (R) OK-2, Doug Lamalfa (R) CA-1, Austin Scott (R) GA-8, Mike Kennedy (R) UT-3, Elijah Crane (R) AZ-2, Robert Aderholt (R) AL-4, Brian Babin (R) TX-36, John Rose (R) TN-6, Andrew Ogles (R) TN-5, Keith Self (R) of TX-3, Andy Harris (R) of MD-1, Diana Harshbarger (R) TN-1, Mark Harris (R) NC-8, Randy Weber (R) TX-14, James Baird (R) IN-4, Ralph Norman (R) SC-5, Barry Moore (R) AL-1, Sheri Biggs (R) of SC-3, Gregory Steube (R) FL-17, Burgess Owens (R) UT-4, Carol Miller (R) WV-1, Stephanie Bice (R) OK-5, Blake Moore (R) UT-1, Pat Harrigan (R) NC-10. If you live in any of those districts, please be sure to contact your representative to oppose this bill. [US State Abbreviations List]

It's important to remember that SCREEN is part of a suite of bills. In order to prevent the government from enacting internet restrictions, the bills must be opposed as a group.

My advice is to choose one bill to focus on and center your activism around that. Call, email, fax, or write your Representative repeatedly about that specific issue. It is likely the tactic these bills' sponsors are trying to use is to sneak by some of the worst things in the less prominent bills. Don't divide your attention to such an extent that you burn out; keep your focus narrow and consistent. If lots of people choose different things to focus on, we can collectively defeat these pieces of legislation.

OTHER BILLS IN THIS SET: KOSA, ASAA. RESET (list will be updated as the week continues)

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

[uspoltakeaction]

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has been re-introduced to the House of Representatives (Dec 2025, HR 6484) with a group of other bills. Here's what you can do about it.

Today is: December 15th, 2025

Resources: Bill PDF, Verge Article, Committee Hearing (long), GovTrack KOSA, Article About Bill Advancing by Roll Call

All of these bills are intended to pass together. They work with one another to create the possibility for a privacy and civil rights nightmare. The sponsors of this legislation are relying on the density of the text and the overwhelming number of bills to distract and demoralize people. Stay focused, don't get discouraged.

This bill would

Require all social media platforms to create "reasonable policies, practices, and procedures" to prevent specific harms to people they know are minors. (Definitions in Section 2, Outlining of policies in Section 3)

Require social media companies to submit to annual third-party audits to make sure they are complying with these rules. During these audits, the companies would be required to provide all relevant data and server access to these third-party companies. This would include user data such as how many minor users are located in the United States, and how long they spent on the social media platform that year. (Section 6)

Make it possible for the government to prosecute a company if they believe they are in violation of these rules. (Section 7)

The "duty of care" language from the previous version of this bill, and the sections about mental health, have been removed. While portions of this bill may appear less objectionable, it is meant to work in conjunction with the others. When you see them say that they won't require the companies to collect new information to verify identity, remember that SCREEN would all but guarantee many companies have to collect the information, anyway.

I feel that it is reasonably possible to defeat this bill, since removing the language from the previous iteration has caused some original supporters to abandon it.

Here's what you can do

You can find your Congressional Representatives here.

Resources for contacting your representatives about this bill: 5 calls, Resistbot, Stop KOSA (please be aware that this website's default script includes language about the 'duty of care' part of the bill, which is outdated), Electronic Frontier Foundation, Woodhull Freedom Foundation

The bill's sponsor is Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R), representing Florida's twelfth district. If you live in his district, please make sure you contact him to oppose this bill; he is the face of it this time around, and he should receive strong, consistent push-back.

Versions of this bill have also gained wide bipartisan support in the Senate— while it is possible that some former sponsors will rescind support due to the changes made by the House, remember to continue to contact them, as well.

It's important to remember KOSA is part of a suite of bills. In order to prevent the government from enacting internet restrictions, the bills must be opposed as a group.

My advice is to choose one bill to focus on and center your activism around that. Call, email, fax, or write your Representative repeatedly about that specific issue. It is likely the tactic these bills' sponsors are trying to use is to sneak by some of the worst things in the less prominent bills. Don't divide your attention to such an extent that you burn out; keep your focus narrow and consistent. If lots of people choose different things to focus on, we can collectively defeat these pieces of legislation.

OTHER BILLS IN THIS SET: SCREEN, ASAA, RESET (list will be added to throughout the week)

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

[uspoltakeaction]

The Congressional Race in Tennessee District Seven & What To Do About It

Today is: November 25th, 2025. Please scroll to the end of the post if you are not interested in electoral politics.

The situation

Republican Representative Mark Green of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District announced that he would retire from congress on Monday, May 19th, 2025 because he had received a private sector offer he wished to pursue.

This required a special election to be held in order to fill his seat.

The Seventh Congressional District (TN-07) was created in 2022 by the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. It has been gerrymandered to provide Republicans with a presumed "safe" seat.

Multiple Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ran in the primaries for this election. The final remaining candidates are: Aftyn Behn (D), Matt Van Epps (R), Theresa Christie (I), Bobby Dodge (I), Robert James Sutherby (I), and John Thorp (I).

During the 2024 Presidential Election, TN-07 was an R+22 district. This means the constituents voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, and the seat was presumed safe for Republicans. However, recent internal polling from the Democrats (take it with a grain of salt, as they obviously have a vested interest in their candidate's success) puts Aftyn Behn within 8-10 points of Matt Van Epps, indicating a massive 12-14 point swing in the district. The Democrats believe they are within striking distance. Polling indicates the combined vote of the Independents totals 7%, with Matt Van Epps at 51%.

Why This Matters

The Republican majority in the United State House of Representatives is currently listed as 219 to the Democrat's 213. That is extremely narrow. There is a special election in Texas that is projected as a Democratic hold, as well as one in New Jersey to replace the Governor-Elect which the Democrats are expected to win that will take place early next year. Representative Marjory Taylor Greene (R) has announced her resignation from the House in January. While Greene's seat is vacant, the TN-07 seat could put the count at 217 (R) - 216 (D).

This would mean that the Republicans could not afford any defections; we are already beginning to see party members break away from Trump's agenda. If the Democrats can persuade even a few Republicans to defect during votes, they could stymie some of Trump's legislation even before the midterms.

Even if Aftyn Behn does not win this district, the swing and the concerted effort from the Democrats may put the district in play in future, and will contribute to building a more robust political infrastructure in the area.

If You Are in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

Here is Aftyn Behn's website. You can read about her legislative accomplishments in the Tennessee State House and decide for yourself if she is someone you want to support.

You can volunteer to help with phone banking or canvassing for Aftyn's campaign here. You can do this even if you do not live in TN-07.

You can see a map of TN-07 here (includes parts of Nashville + surrounding), find your congressional representative here, and check your voter registration status here, If you live in TN-07 and are registered to vote, you can participate in this election. If you are voting in Tennessee, you must bring a valid form of ID with you to the polls.

🚨Early voting ends TOMORROW, 11/26. Find your polling location here. Election Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here.🚨

If You Are NOT in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

If you have relatives who live/may live in TN-07, contact them about the special election.

You can still volunteer for Aftyn Behn via virtual phonebank.

Aftyn's campaign is accepting donations.

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

▷ I am not interested in electoral politics OR I do not like this candidate, but I still want to help my community. What can I do?

[uspoltakeaction]

UPDATE: Emerson College released a poll on 11/26 surveying 600 likely voters in TN-07. It now puts the district at R+2, with Van Epps leading 49% to Behn's 47%. If this poll is an accurate reflection of the voting public, this race is very winnable.

Early voting for this race has ended. Voting Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here, volunteer for or donate to Behn's campaign.

[uspoltakeaction]

Election day is tomorrow, December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here.

The polls will open at:

7 a.m. local time in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, and Williamson counties.

8 a.m. local time in Benton, Decatur, Hickman, Stewart, and Wayne counties.

9 a.m. local time in Houston, Humphreys, and Perry counties.

The polls will close everywhere at 7 p.m. local time, BUT if you are in line by that time YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE. STAY IN LINE.

[uspoltakeaction]

The Congressional Race in Tennessee District Seven & What To Do About It

Today is: November 25th, 2025. Please scroll to the end of the post if you are not interested in electoral politics.

The situation

Republican Representative Mark Green of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District announced that he would retire from congress on Monday, May 19th, 2025 because he had received a private sector offer he wished to pursue.

This required a special election to be held in order to fill his seat.

The Seventh Congressional District (TN-07) was created in 2022 by the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. It has been gerrymandered to provide Republicans with a presumed "safe" seat.

Multiple Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ran in the primaries for this election. The final remaining candidates are: Aftyn Behn (D), Matt Van Epps (R), Theresa Christie (I), Bobby Dodge (I), Robert James Sutherby (I), and John Thorp (I).

During the 2024 Presidential Election, TN-07 was an R+22 district. This means the constituents voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, and the seat was presumed safe for Republicans. However, recent internal polling from the Democrats (take it with a grain of salt, as they obviously have a vested interest in their candidate's success) puts Aftyn Behn within 8-10 points of Matt Van Epps, indicating a massive 12-14 point swing in the district. The Democrats believe they are within striking distance. Polling indicates the combined vote of the Independents totals 7%, with Matt Van Epps at 51%.

Why This Matters

The Republican majority in the United State House of Representatives is currently listed as 219 to the Democrat's 213. That is extremely narrow. There is a special election in Texas that is projected as a Democratic hold, as well as one in New Jersey to replace the Governor-Elect which the Democrats are expected to win that will take place early next year. Representative Marjory Taylor Greene (R) has announced her resignation from the House in January. While Greene's seat is vacant, the TN-07 seat could put the count at 217 (R) - 216 (D).

This would mean that the Republicans could not afford any defections; we are already beginning to see party members break away from Trump's agenda. If the Democrats can persuade even a few Republicans to defect during votes, they could stymie some of Trump's legislation even before the midterms.

Even if Aftyn Behn does not win this district, the swing and the concerted effort from the Democrats may put the district in play in future, and will contribute to building a more robust political infrastructure in the area.

If You Are in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

Here is Aftyn Behn's website. You can read about her legislative accomplishments in the Tennessee State House and decide for yourself if she is someone you want to support.

You can volunteer to help with phone banking or canvassing for Aftyn's campaign here. You can do this even if you do not live in TN-07.

You can see a map of TN-07 here (includes parts of Nashville + surrounding), find your congressional representative here, and check your voter registration status here, If you live in TN-07 and are registered to vote, you can participate in this election. If you are voting in Tennessee, you must bring a valid form of ID with you to the polls.

🚨Early voting ends TOMORROW, 11/26. Find your polling location here. Election Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here.🚨

If You Are NOT in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

If you have relatives who live/may live in TN-07, contact them about the special election.

You can still volunteer for Aftyn Behn via virtual phonebank.

Aftyn's campaign is accepting donations.

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

▷ I am not interested in electoral politics OR I do not like this candidate, but I still want to help my community. What can I do?

[uspoltakeaction]

UPDATE: Emerson College released a poll on 11/26 surveying 600 likely voters in TN-07. It now puts the district at R+2, with Van Epps leading 49% to Behn's 47%. If this poll is an accurate reflection of the voting public, this race is very winnable.

Early voting for this race has ended. Voting Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here, volunteer for or donate to Behn's campaign.

[uspoltakeaction]

The Congressional Race in Tennessee District Seven & What To Do About It

Today is: November 25th, 2025. Please scroll to the end of the post if you are not interested in electoral politics.

The situation

Republican Representative Mark Green of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District announced that he would retire from congress on Monday, May 19th, 2025 because he had received a private sector offer he wished to pursue.

This required a special election to be held in order to fill his seat.

The Seventh Congressional District (TN-07) was created in 2022 by the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. It has been gerrymandered to provide Republicans with a presumed "safe" seat.

Multiple Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ran in the primaries for this election. The final remaining candidates are: Aftyn Behn (D), Matt Van Epps (R), Theresa Christie (I), Bobby Dodge (I), Robert James Sutherby (I), and John Thorp (I).

During the 2024 Presidential Election, TN-07 was an R+22 district. This means the constituents voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, and the seat was presumed safe for Republicans. However, recent internal polling from the Democrats (take it with a grain of salt, as they obviously have a vested interest in their candidate's success) puts Aftyn Behn within 8-10 points of Matt Van Epps, indicating a massive 12-14 point swing in the district. The Democrats believe they are within striking distance. Polling indicates the combined vote of the Independents totals 7%, with Matt Van Epps at 51%.

Why This Matters

The Republican majority in the United State House of Representatives is currently listed as 219 to the Democrat's 213. That is extremely narrow. There is a special election in Texas that is projected as a Democratic hold, as well as one in New Jersey to replace the Governor-Elect which the Democrats are expected to win that will take place early next year. Representative Marjory Taylor Greene (R) has announced her resignation from the House in January. While Greene's seat is vacant, the TN-07 seat could put the count at 217 (R) - 216 (D).

This would mean that the Republicans could not afford any defections; we are already beginning to see party members break away from Trump's agenda. If the Democrats can persuade even a few Republicans to defect during votes, they could stymie some of Trump's legislation even before the midterms.

Even if Aftyn Behn does not win this district, the swing and the concerted effort from the Democrats may put the district in play in future, and will contribute to building a more robust political infrastructure in the area.

If You Are in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

Here is Aftyn Behn's website. You can read about her legislative accomplishments in the Tennessee State House and decide for yourself if she is someone you want to support.

You can volunteer to help with phone banking or canvassing for Aftyn's campaign here. You can do this even if you do not live in TN-07.

You can see a map of TN-07 here (includes parts of Nashville + surrounding), find your congressional representative here, and check your voter registration status here, If you live in TN-07 and are registered to vote, you can participate in this election. If you are voting in Tennessee, you must bring a valid form of ID with you to the polls.

🚨Early voting ends TOMORROW, 11/26. Find your polling location here. Election Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here.🚨

If You Are NOT in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

If you have relatives who live/may live in TN-07, contact them about the special election.

You can still volunteer for Aftyn Behn via virtual phonebank.

Aftyn's campaign is accepting donations.

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

▷ I am not interested in electoral politics OR I do not like this candidate, but I still want to help my community. What can I do?

[uspoltakeaction]

UPDATE: Emerson College released a poll on 11/26 surveying 600 likely voters in TN-07. It now puts the district at R+2, with Van Epps leading 49% to Behn's 47%. If this poll is an accurate reflection of the voting public, this race is very winnable.

Early voting for this race has ended. Voting Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here, volunteer for or donate to Behn's campaign.

[uspoltakeaction]

Community Engagement Resources for Tennessee

If you would like to engage with and assist your community without participating in electoral politics, here are some options.

Please note: This is a preliminary list that will be added to in the next few days.

▷ Many families are facing food insecurity due to recent government cuts. Find your foodbank by county and volunteer.

▷ Help unhoused people in the Tennessee Valley by donating time, money, or supplies.

▷ Many public radio and television stations will lose portions of their funding next year, due to government cuts. Adopt a station here. Consider WLJT or WTCI, which will lose the most.

▷ Join the Tennessee branch of the IWW to organize for better working conditions and workers' rights.

▷ Get involved with the Urban Green Lab in Nashville to organize for environmental justice.

▷ Support the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee by volunteering your time or donating money.

[uspoltakeaction]

The Congressional Race in Tennessee District Seven & What To Do About It

Today is: November 25th, 2025. Please scroll to the end of the post if you are not interested in electoral politics.

The situation

Republican Representative Mark Green of Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District announced that he would retire from congress on Monday, May 19th, 2025 because he had received a private sector offer he wished to pursue.

This required a special election to be held in order to fill his seat.

The Seventh Congressional District (TN-07) was created in 2022 by the Republican supermajority in the state legislature. It has been gerrymandered to provide Republicans with a presumed "safe" seat.

Multiple Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ran in the primaries for this election. The final remaining candidates are: Aftyn Behn (D), Matt Van Epps (R), Theresa Christie (I), Bobby Dodge (I), Robert James Sutherby (I), and John Thorp (I).

During the 2024 Presidential Election, TN-07 was an R+22 district. This means the constituents voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, and the seat was presumed safe for Republicans. However, recent internal polling from the Democrats (take it with a grain of salt, as they obviously have a vested interest in their candidate's success) puts Aftyn Behn within 8-10 points of Matt Van Epps, indicating a massive 12-14 point swing in the district. The Democrats believe they are within striking distance. Polling indicates the combined vote of the Independents totals 7%, with Matt Van Epps at 51%.

Why This Matters

The Republican majority in the United State House of Representatives is currently listed as 219 to the Democrat's 213. That is extremely narrow. There is a special election in Texas that is projected as a Democratic hold, as well as one in New Jersey to replace the Governor-Elect which the Democrats are expected to win that will take place early next year. Representative Marjory Taylor Greene (R) has announced her resignation from the House in January. While Greene's seat is vacant, the TN-07 seat could put the count at 217 (R) - 216 (D).

This would mean that the Republicans could not afford any defections; we are already beginning to see party members break away from Trump's agenda. If the Democrats can persuade even a few Republicans to defect during votes, they could stymie some of Trump's legislation even before the midterms.

Even if Aftyn Behn does not win this district, the swing and the concerted effort from the Democrats may put the district in play in future, and will contribute to building a more robust political infrastructure in the area.

If You Are in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

Here is Aftyn Behn's website. You can read about her legislative accomplishments in the Tennessee State House and decide for yourself if she is someone you want to support.

You can volunteer to help with phone banking or canvassing for Aftyn's campaign here. You can do this even if you do not live in TN-07.

You can see a map of TN-07 here (includes parts of Nashville + surrounding), find your congressional representative here, and check your voter registration status here, If you live in TN-07 and are registered to vote, you can participate in this election. If you are voting in Tennessee, you must bring a valid form of ID with you to the polls.

🚨Early voting ends TOMORROW, 11/26. Find your polling location here. Election Day is December 2nd, 2025. Find your polling place here.🚨

If You Are NOT in Tennessee and Want To Do Something

If you have relatives who live/may live in TN-07, contact them about the special election.

You can still volunteer for Aftyn Behn via virtual phonebank.

Aftyn's campaign is accepting donations.

▷ You can check the bias and credibility of the news sources in this post here, if you want.

▷ I am not interested in electoral politics OR I do not like this candidate, but I still want to help my community. What can I do?

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F.A.Q.

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