Midterms 2026
Abdul El-Sayed Beats the Democratic Establishment and AIPAC in Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens — despite a record-setting $60 million in outside spending in her favor.
Jonah Valdez
Jonah Valdez is a reporter for The Intercept covering politics, U.S. foreign policy, Israel and Palestine, human rights issues, and protest movements for social justice.
He previously was a staff writer with the Los Angeles Times where he joined the paper as an inaugural member of the L.A. Times Fellowship. For the Times, Valdez covered stories about environmental justice, gentrification, transportation, labor, pop culture, and the Hollywood industry. Valdez got his start covering local news for the Southern California News Group. His work can also be found in The Guardian, Voice of San Diego, and the San Diego-Union Tribune. He was raised in San Diego and now resides in Los Angeles, where he also writes poetry and is working on his first collection.
He previously was a staff writer with the Los Angeles Times where he joined the paper as an inaugural member of the L.A. Times Fellowship. For the Times, Valdez covered stories about environmental justice, gentrification, transportation, labor, pop culture, and the Hollywood industry. Valdez got his start covering local news for the Southern California News Group. His work can also be found in The Guardian, Voice of San Diego, and the San Diego-Union Tribune. He was raised in San Diego and now resides in Los Angeles, where he also writes poetry and is working on his first collection.
Contacts:
- jonah.valdez@theintercept.com
- @jonahmv.05 on Signal
- @jonahmv on X
Posts:
Midterms 2026
Abdul El-Sayed Faces Islamophobic Attacks From GOP and Democratic Establishment
AIPAC has spent nearly $30 million against the Michigan Democratic Senate candidate, fueling ads that paint him as a terrorist sympathizer.
Midterms 2026
Nancy Pelosi’s Pick for Her SF House Seat Takes Anti-AIPAC Pledge
House candidate Connie Chan is backed by Pelosi, Adam Schiff, and now TrackAIPAC, signaling the growing influence of a politics skeptical of Israel.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Armed Israeli Settlers Detained Ro Khanna. He Wants Their Illegal Outposts Demolished.
In an interview, Khanna recounts the fear at being detained and says anyone who visits the West Bank “would conclude that it is apartheid.”
Midterms 2026
There’s a New Democratic Machine. It’s Unabashedly Socialist.
While establishment Democrats argue socialists are confined to the coasts, DSA chapters have helped elevate more than 300 candidates nationwide.
Midterms 2026
Abdul El-Sayed Becomes First Senate Candidate Backed by Pro-Palestine Jewish Group
The political arm of Jewish Voice for Peace, known for protesting the genocide in Gaza, is wading into the race for the open Senate seat in Michigan.
Midterms 2026
Once a Target of TrackAIPAC, Ro Khanna Gains Its Endorsement
With endorsements and a new pledge for lawmakers, TrackAIPAC is flexing its growing influence on the Capitol.
Midterms 2026
Democratic Socialist Overcomes GOP-Funded Opponent to Advance in Los Angeles Mayor Race
City Councilmember Nithya Raman will face off against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November general election.
Midterms 2026
Establishment Dems Stave Off the Left in Key California Congressional Primaries
State Sen. Scott Wiener and Rep. Jimmy Gomez easily advanced ahead of insurgent candidates who called out their positions on Israel.
Midterms 2026
The Los Angeles Left Is at War With Itself Over the Mayor’s Race
Rae Huang supporters say Nithya Raman is compromised. Raman’s base calls Huang a spoiler. Looming over it all: reality TV star Spencer Pratt.