Mainstream Conservatives hold off far-right candidate in Armana Senate primary

LACKING HILLS, Ara. -- Conservatives avoided an embarrassing upset in the Armana Senate primary election Thursday night.

Conservative businesswoman Mary Shelley, from the northern suburbs of Marchande, won the party's nomination for Senate.

Her opponent was a far-right member of "The Proud Boys," an extremist right-wing group.

Cesar Canelo-Candide, 44, from the beach town of East Hampton on the north end of Cape Newton, had, at times, espoused violence, calling for a "conservative revolution."

His association with notorious members of The Proud Boys and other right-wing groups had earned him scorn from Nationalists and even from many fellow Conservatives.

There was some concern in Armana that Canelo-Candide might beat Shelley, who was hand-picked by the party establishment.

Polls had shown Shelley neck-and-neck with Canelo-Candide, and her lackluster fundraising numbers didn't reassure panicked supporters.

But ultimately, the little-known Shelley held off the bombastic Canelo-Candide by a wide margin, 60.6 - 39.4 percent, according to unofficial election results released by Armana Secretary of State Elaine Madaganan.

Voter turnout was just over 14 percent, Madaganan reported.

Support for the candidates didn't fall neatly into urban-versus-rural, with many rural counties backing Shelley, and some urban counties swinging in Canelo-Candide's favor.

Shelley won big in the Greater Marchande metro area, which put her so far ahead, there was no hope of Canelo-Candide overcoming the deficit. The race was called at about 10:00 pm, just two hours after the polls closed.

Despite having denied election results in previous elections, and casting suspicion on elections, particularly mail-in voting, Canelo-Candided did not contest the election results.

He issued a concession to Shelley around 10:30 pm, and the two reportedly spoke on the phone before Shelley gave an acceptance speech from her home in the northern suburbs of Marchande.

"Tonight, we have proven that you don't have to be the loudest, the most outspoken, the most hardcore candidate to win. We need to return the Senate to civility, and that begins with building relationships with other senators from other parties and by giving people the benefit of the doubt," said Shelley.

Canelo-Candide told his supporters gathered in his hometown on the cape that while he didn't win this race, "this is not the last of me."

"I'm not going nowhere," said Canelo-Candide, for whom English is a second language.

The 44-year-old was born in Venezuela, and had used his campaign to denounce communism.

He accused Shelley of being too soft on Nationalists, and not being conservative enough.

"When Nationalists are literally talking about socialism and buying property and taking over companies, we have to have a Conservative senator who will stand up to these lunatics and say 'hell no. Over my dead body.'"

Shelley also spoke out against communism, and disputed that her conservative credentials were in doubt.

"I'm a life-long Conservative. I'm from the party and movement of Edinough and Reagan. Everyone who knows me knows I don't support or tolerate communism or socialism, full stop," she said at a campaign event last week in Westernmyer.

Communism and socialism have become more prominent in international headlines, as left-wing politicians in multiple western countries have espoused the virtues of both socialism and, in lesser cases, communism. 

And incumbent Sen. Serap Figaori (N), who is up for reelection and whom Shelley is challenging in December, has been accused of supporting socialism in the past.

Back in 2020, Figaori, then a freshman senator, supported the federal government nationalizing utility conglomerates.

"If we want to drive down the cost of electricity for Grassadellians, we can't keep letting the rotten, nasty electric companies continue to rob our citizens blind," he said in an interview back in 2020.

The senator also appeared alongside striking iron workers in northern Armana, demanding higher pay and better benefits from employers.

His staunch pro-labor and pro-social democratic policies have given Conservatives much fodder, as they seek to defeat him in his quest for a third term in the Senate.

However, most polling has shown Figaori -- despite his left-wing views -- comfortably ahead in his bid for reelection.

With Shelley, a first-time candidate, having little name recognition, Conservatives will have to pour in millions of dollars just to raise awareness of Shelley. Polls have shown most voters don't know anything about her.

As of last week, Shelley's campaign reported it had raised $6.47 million, and had about $3.9 million in cash-on-hand.

Figaori's campaign reported the senator had raised $6.69 million, and had $4.2 million on hand.

In his previous campaigns, Figaori has been an adept fundraiser, with more than half of his campaign donations coming from outside the state.

***Conservative Senate Primary Election -- Armana -- Unofficial Results***

828,953	538,681
60.61%	39.39%
Shelley	Canelo-Candide

DeMerius Jenkins pulls off upset in Lial NAT gubernatorial primary

HOLQUIN, Lial -- He was the last candidate to enter the race, but Lial Lt. Gov. DeMerius Jenkins (N) has won his party's nomination for governor, upsetting a seasoned state senator who was favored to win.

Jenkins swept the Greater Monvaille area, winning large margins that his two opponents could not overcome.

At the same time, he also won many rural counties.

State Sen. Bill Passaneas, who was the front-runner and who entered the race almost two years ago, conceded to Jenkins Monday night.

The two men held election night celebrations just across town in the suburbs south of Monvaille, where they both hail from.

"Congratulations to DeMerius. It's clear he has the passion, and he has captured the attention and the favor of Lial's NAT voters. I wish him a successful campaign this fall," said Passaneas.

Lial Attorney General Alice Mobley, who finished last in the three-way race, also conceded at her celebration further downstate in Bambois.

"I want to wish DeMerius the very best as he moves on to the fall election, and to the very tough challenge of taking on Junes Charmagne. I hope our party can come together and unite, because when we are united, we are unstoppable," she said to a group of her supporters, who gathered at a wine bar in the small city where she grew up.

Lial Gov. Junes Charmagne (C), who is seeking an unprecedented third term this fall, also congratulated Jenkins.

"Congrats to @DeMerius Jenkins on his big win. I look forward to debating the issues and sharing our very different visions for the state of Lial in the coming months," wrote Charmagne on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Initial returns from rural counties showed Passaneas firmly in the lead. But as more ballots came in from Monvaille and its suburbs, it was clear Jenkins had the momentum.

At just age 39, he is the youngest nominee for governor in Lial history, as well as the first person of color.

Then a little-known state representative from Monvaille's south side, Jenkins first made a name for himself in 2022, when he narrowly defeated Conservative Lieutenant Governor Jim Fallberry.

That race hinged greatly on race, crime and policing.

Jenkins has used his campaign for governor to highlight those same issues.

Conservatives have already pounced on comments he made about abolishing immigration enforcement, reducing police forces, and reducing funding for police.

"DeMerius Jenkins really is the dream candidate for Conservatives. He is a self-described socialist who wants less police and more government ownership of private property. He wants to take away people's money and 'spread the wealth' to the masses. All hard-working Lialans are going to see right through his crazy policies and vote for someone who understands economics, the free market, and letting people keep their money," said Curtis Scholer, a Conservative strategist who works in Lial politics, but who is not involved in the race.

Charmagne has enjoyed high popularity as Lial's economy has boomed, with increases in manufacturing jobs and investment from foreign companies.

The moderate CNS governor, who is socially liberal, has championed low taxes, a business-friendly agenda, and has personally made multiple trips around the world to recruit major companies to Lial.

Charmagne has also advocated for more police and a tougher stance on crime, though he has largely left local policing matters to local authorities.

In his third term, should he win one, Charmagne has expressed his desire to crack down harder on the city of Monvaille, whose liberal leaders have often thumbed their nose at the governor.

Charmagne says that while the state's economy has boomed as a whole, Monvaille's economy continues to "drift," as the "liberal politicians" who run the city have opposed his "growth-driven policies."

"Crime and homelessness continue to be out of control in Monvaille," said the governor at a press conference last week. "I've tried to work with the mayor, the city council, and all those folks. They have opposed me at every turn, simply because of politics. They are actually willing to sell their city down the river and let their city drown in crime and homelessness, just because they don't want to work with Conservatives. It's sad. It's wrong. It's unconscionable. But these are the radical left lunatics we're dealing with," he said, using similar language to US President Donald Trump.

Jenkins disputed that characterization of his home city, telling his supporters on primary election night that "Monvaille is thriving, despite what Junes Charmagne and the Conservative fear-mongers say."

"When I see Monvaille, I see a city that is alive, with culture, with diversity, with art and love. Don't believe what you hear on right-wing news channels and social media. Monvaille is doing great."

Still, the lieutenant governor said the state's largest city, which is also the nation's third-largest city, is too expensive, and many Monvailleans are struggling to afford urban life.

"We still have too many people who can't afford rent, who can't afford their medical bills, who can't afford groceries. We have work to do, and we're going to make life more affordable for Lialans," said Jenkins.

He has supported popular democratic-socialist policies, such as allowing the City of Monvaille to purchase and run grocery stores to lower prices for citizens. And providing free public transportation for all Monvailleans.

Conservatives call those ideas "radical" and "bound to fail," and say Lialans will choose "common sense" this fall.

"These pie-in-the-sky socialist policies of DeMerius Jenkins and the Nationalists, they just don't work. We've tried socialism before. We've seen it in effect in other countries. And not once has it ever succeeded. It won't succeed here either, but I hope we don't even give them the chance to try it," said Conservative strategist Evan Modick.

Polls conducted on the Lial governor's race show Charmagne comfortably in the lead. However, Nationalists are hoping economically distressed voters in Monvaille's urban core will grow tired of the incumbent governor and be ready for change.

"DeMerius Jenkins represents change on so many levels. Not just a change in policy, but a change in generations, a change in viewpoints on how the economy should work for everyone, and a change in the lease of equity," said Sean Aston, a Monvaille-based Nationalist political operative who worked for the Mobley campaign.

Ultimately, the fate of the race may come down to the suburbs of Monvaille, which are notorious swing territories.

Smaller cities such as Castleton, Kappasanna, Cedrickson, Sauvienne, Naving, Bambois and Brisanten may also play a significant role in the race.

Dr. Kerry Rudgley, of Dulkalow University, currently rates the Lial governor's race as "Conservative Favored."

***Lial Governor Primary Election -- NAT -- Unofficial Results***

31.83%	30.82%	37.35%
Passaneas	Mobley	Jenkins

599,093

580,083

702,954

Volston edges Bannich in tight S. Ceona NAT gov primary

KEMPER, S. Ceona -- After a close primary race, former South Ceona Attorney General Patty Volston prevailed in Saturday's gubernatorial NAT primary election.

Volston narrowly edged out former Gov. Scott Bannich. Less than 17,000 votes separated the two of them, out of almost 580,000 votes cast statewide.

Secretary of State Vickie Mayfield reported Volston earning 51.45% to 48.55% for Bannich.

While the former governor took the state's two-largest counties in population, Hinterwin and Fairfield, albeit by modest margins, Volston won the state's third and fourth-largest counties, Addieburg and Malden.

She also won a majority of the state's mid-sized counties by wider margins. The two split rural counties relatively evenly.

Around 9:00 pm on Saturday night, Bannich called Volston to concede. At his election night gathering at an Irish pub in east Fairfield, where he was born and raised, Bannich congratulated Volston on her historic win.

"Never before has South Ceona had a female gubernatorial nominee. Patty, tonight you made history. And I congratulate you on your win. And I look forward to seeing you make history this fall when you become our state's first female governor," said a proud Bannich.

While Bannich supporters were noticeably disappointed, many in attendance at the Bannich election night party were supportive of Volston and pledged to vote for her.

At her party over in High Point, an eastern suburb of Fairfield, Volston beamed as the cameras zoomed in on her for her victory speech.

While her supporters sipped wine and celebrated to live music on the terrace outside an upscale wine bar, Volston went around and shook hands.

In her speech, she thanked Bannich for his years of service to the state.

"Scott, thank you for all you've done for our state. And all you continue to do. I especially admire the free dental care you provide to people in need in east Fairfield. You truly are an icon in this state, and I think that's clear by just how close this race was," said Volston.

Turning to the general election, Volston reminded her supporters of the uphill battle against incumbent CNS Gov. Mike Lembcke.

"We had a close primary election. This was a tough one. It was close, our party was divided somewhat. But as we head into the fall election, we aren't divided anymore. We're all on the same team. And we all agree that Mike Lembcke is wrong for South Ceona. His policies are hurting South Ceona's families. And we have to win this December, we simply have to. For the sake of our children, our seniors, our economy, for the vulnerable...we have to win."

Lembcke's office released a Facebook statement Sunday evening congratulating Volston on winning the NAT nomination, although the written statement was also an insult.

"Congratulations to 'Wacky Patty Volston' for winning her party's nomination. I look forward to debating her lunatic left policies and showing the people of South Ceona what her socialist policies would do to our economy and our beloved state," wrote Lembcke.

While Volston was the more left-leaning candidate in the NAT primary, compared to other Nationalists from around the nation, Volston is more of a traditional Nationalist. 

Conservatives, however, have already begun to tie Volston to Ansleigha Gov. Agatha Houndsler, who is an unabashed social democratic progressive. 

"Patty Volston is South Ceona's Agatha Houndsler. The two look alike, they act alike, and they both support radical left policies," says the narrator in a CNS-sponsored ad on Fairfield's local television channel.

Volston has supported some left-wing policies, such as Universal Basic Income (UBI), increasing funding for homeless services, including providing free bus passes to homeless South Ceonans.

However, Volston does not support giving clean needles to drug addicts, despite a viral post on Facebook circulating among the state's Conservatives.

Bannich shared many policy positions with Volston. The former governor has worked closely with the homeless population in Fairfield, and has been a staunch advocate for the homeless and the needy. On economic issues and taxes, though, he is more moderate, favoring lower taxes and less spending.

Volston has advocated for a tax increase on wealthy South Ceonans, as well as budget increases for health care and education.

The two NAT candidates widely agreed on transit, environmental and social issues.

Volston is now focusing on the general election. She announced Sunday morning that she has chosen state Sen. Jaime Eskin (N-west Fairfield) as her running mate.

Eskin is openly gay, and would be a history-making lieutenant governor, if the pair were to win.

Polls have shown a close race between Volston and Lembcke, with voters split evenly between the two.

Most political prognosticators consider the South Ceona governor's race to be a toss-up.

***South Ceona Governor Primary Election -- NAT -- Unofficial Results***

Bannich	Volston
281,571	298,354
48.55%	51.45%

Kalnier's left-wing dealt blow with DeSalle primary win

HATHAWAY, Kal. -- Leftists in Kalnier are still reeling from their primary loss in the state's NAT gubernatorial primary last month.

After a recount, progressive former Gov. Nick Hall (N) lost his bid for a second term to another former NAT governor, Karen DeSalle.

The race between the two former state executives came down not only to age, but also different factions of the party.

Neither Hall nor DeSalle are moderate. They're both firmly liberal Nationalists.

However, Hall, just age 42, is from the progress left wing of the party, while DeSalle, 58, is a traditional, run-of-the-mill Nationalist, firmly in the party establishment.

Hall's supporters were hoping to ride a recent left-wing populist wave that has seen left-wing candidates winning in other countries, particularly in the United States and Great Britain.

However, after a recount, Hall fell further behind DeSalle.

The final county had DeSalle with 44% to Hall's 42 percent. Businessman and political newcomer Chris Kinlock took 14 percent, respectively.

Hall conceded to DeSalle and wished her well as she continues her candidacy and faces off against Conservative Mark Radowski in the December election.

For her part, DeSalle has rebuffed some of the criticisms she's faced from her party's left flank.

"I'm not a moderate. I'm not a centrist. I'm a liberal. I'm a proud Nationalist. I'm pro-union. I'm pro-women. I'm pro-senior. I'm pro-trans and LGBT. I'm pro-diversity. I'm not sure why his people (Hall's supporters) are coming after me for not being sufficiently progressive," said DeSalle in a radio interview back in May.

Her comments were almost immediately turned into a political campaign TV and radio advertisement by Conservatives, who used her comments to portray her as "extreme."

But for progressives who backed the younger and more hardcore Hall, Desalle's candidacy is just "more of the same."

"She doesn't bring anything new to the table," said Shai Anonan, an artist from downtown Lamberth. "Karen DeSalle is literally part of the old party guard. She is right on many issues, but on other issues, like bail reform, medicare for all, UBI (universal basic income), houselessness and free pre-K for all, she is really just disappointingly not in favor of those things."

DeSalle is attempting to reclaim the governorship after she lost reelection back in 2014.

In Radowski, a former Drogen County sheriff, DeSalle faces a law-and-order candidate who has assailed Nationalist policies on crime and homelessness.

"We know where Karen DeSalle stands on crime and homelessness. We know because she was governor once before and we saw the inaction and the inept policies she enforced back then," said Radowski in a TV news interview last week. "Her policy is less police, limit what police can do and who/when they can arrest, let homeless people abound on the streets, let them do drugs out in the open, and let them commit crimes and get away with it with no punishment. That's the Karen DeSalle policy on crime and homelessness."

The DeSalle campaign disputed that characterization, with a campaign spokesperson calling Radowski's comments "utterly and completely false."

"Karen DeSalle supports a strong and robust law enforcement presence in Lamberth and in all Kalnier communities. She supports building housing and shelter facilities for those who are unhoused. And she supports treatment, including mandatory treatment in some cases," said spokesman Robby Parsons.

As a former Under-Secretary of Housing under the McCaren Administration, DeSalle has phrased her experience as vital to tackling homelessness in Kalnier, which has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the nation.

However, Conservative critics have pointed to ineffective policies as evidence that DeSalle's housing experience is inadequate.

"If Karen DeSalle has all these great ideas for housing and ending homelessness, why do we continue to have one of the largest rates in the country?" asked right-wing radio host Mike Mitchell.

Current Gov. Tony Ritonio, a Conservative, has taken a hard-line on homelessness. His administration has forced homeless camps to move, has attempted to commit a record number of addicted and mentally ill homeless people into mandatory treatment, and has beefed up police patrols in Lamberth, where the state's homelessness crisis appears to be centered.

Nationalist critics have called Ritonio's policies "inhumane and ineffective," and are continuing to espouse voluntary treatment and social services over arresting and jailing homeless people.

"Arresting and booking homeless people into jail does absolutely no good. It costs taxpayers money, and it doesn't help the homeless person who needs a safe place to sleep at night," said Tiffany Day, executive director of the Kalnier Housing Coalition.

It's clear in addition to the economy, which is struggling in Kalnier, homelessness and crime will once again play a central role in the 2026 campaign, as they did in previous elections.

Radowski and DeSalle are scheduled to have their first televised debate next month in suburban Lamberth.

Wolmach-Duvan rift persists after gubernatorial primary

MADAGEN, Mar. -- They used to be close allies, but former Federal Sen. Heidi Wolmach and Damoign Gov. Jenna Duvan are reportedly on the outs right now.

The schism in their relationship stems from a few months ago, when Duvan threw her support to Marchenay Lt. Gov. Kevin Levenetti in the Marchenay NAT gubernatorial primary.

At the time, Duvan, who has long held close relationships with fellow NAT women politicians and has championed women in NAT leadership, explained her backing of Levenetti as simply strategy.

"I know Kevin, I've worked closely with him. He has been in this race for over a year, he has raised the most money and gotten the most endorsements. I believe he is the best candidate to win in December, and my endorsement is simply based on which candidate is best positioned to win," said Duvan back in April.

Wolmach responded by saying she was "surprised" Duvan was backing her opponent over her. However, "politics is a fickle game," she told reporters at the time.

After Wolmach's surprise win in the June primary, she and Duvan met in Grassadellia City, ostensibly to bury the hatchet. 

Duvan announced she would support Wolmach in the general election, and the two shared lunch together at a posh bistro in the heart of the city.

However, sources close to both liberal women say the tension is lingering between Duvan and Wolmach.

"Heidi is still pissed off that Jenna endorsed Levenetti over her. There's a lot of hurt feelings and bitterness there," said one close ally of Wolmach, who asked for anonymity, so as to speak freely.

A close associate of Duvan told The Grassadellia City Times that Duvan's endorsement was "purely business."

"No politician wants to endorse a loser. Kevin Levenetti was expected to win. He had a better chance of winning. He had the establishment behind him. Jenna just made the safe and logical decision, which was to back the leader. Unfortunately, he came up short and the horse Jenna bet on didn't win," said the Duvan confidante.

Still, Duvan said publicly she would campaign with Wolmach later in the year, if asked.

So far, no official plans have been made, according to representatives from both women's offices.

Wolmach is challenging popular incumbent Gov. Mike Shannon (C), who is seeking a second term.

If he wins, he'll be the first governor of Marchenay to win a second full term.

If she wins, Wolmach will become the second female governor of Marchenay, and the first person to serve as both governor and federal senator from the state.

Radowski wins CNS nomination for governor in Kalnier; NAT race still too-close-to-call

LAMBERTH, Kal. -- Kalnierans got some answers on primary election night, but many races remain unclear.

In the governor's race, on the Conservative side, former Drogen County Sheriff Mark Radowski won his party's nomination. In a crowded four-way race, Radowski beat out Lt. Gov. Marie Dehignen, businessman Bill Broadbent, and former Senate candidate Steve Mickelson, who made a late entry into the race.

Radowski won with just 28.4 percent -- a slight but decisive plurality.

At his election night party in Aeropark, just west of Lamberth, Radowski thanked the voters for giving him another chance after several close but ultimately failed runs for Federal Senate.

"I know that elections matter, that winning matters, and I know that your trust is not cheap," he said. "I am taking this race for governor seriously, and I am determined to win this December."

Radowski's NAT opponent is still unknown. In a three-way race, former Gov. Karen DeSalle led ever-so-slightly on primary election night, with 42.7 percent, barely ahead of former Gov. Nick Hall, who had 42.5 percent, respectively.

Both were far ahead of NAT businessman Chris Kinlock, who pulled in just under 15 percent.

Both DeSalle and Hall were hesitant to claim victory on primary election night. At her celebration in downtown Lamberth, DeSalle said "we have more waiting to do" before knowing the full result.

Hall, at his election night gathering on the South Slope, also urged caution.

"It's really too close to say who has won, at this point," he said.

Kinlock, a political newcomer and moderate businessman from southwest Lamberth, conceded at his election night rally. He said he had not made up his mind about which fellow Nationalist, if either, he would support in the general election.

On Lamberth's north-central side, Dehignen conceded to Radowski, telling her supporters, who gathered at Tony Ritonio's Italian restaurant, that the outcome was "difficult to accept" but "clear."

"It's close, but not that close," Dehignen told reporters after speaking to her supporters. "This was a close race. It always has been a close race. It would have been a close race whether it was a four-way race or a three-way race or two-way race. I don't think it would have mattered much. This was a tight contest. But it was decisive and the result is clear: Mark Radowski is our nominee, and it's time to come together to support him."

Broadbent, at his celebration on Curillo Bay, northeast of the city, also conceded to Radowski, and urged the party to come together.

"The only way the Conservative Party wins in Kalnier is if we are all united and stand together strong," said Broadbent. "I wholeheartedly endorse Mark Radowski against whichever radical left candidate the Nationalists pick."

Southwest of Lamberth in the idyllic suburban countryside of St. Pierre County, Mickelson, too, acknowledged the Conservative race's outcome, and reflected on his disappointment at finishing last in the primary.

"I congratulate Mark Radowski, and I wish him the best as he continues his campaign," said Mickelson. 

The businessman and former stock broker acknowledged to reporters that his late entry into the race was detrimental to his campaign.

"I think we entered the race too late. I think we didn't have much time to get our campaign off the ground. Which is disappointing. Had we had more time in the race, had we been more front-and-center and had more publicity, I think we would have won. But lessons are learned, and we move on," said Mickelson.

The race had previously been dominated by Dehignen, the state's current lieutenant governor who had the endorsement of outgoing Gov. Tony Ritonio, and Radowski, whose tough-on-crime policies resonate with the party's law-and-order faction.

But Broadbent's entrance into the race last year turned the contest into a competitive three-way face-off. While his personal wealth was a turn-off to some voters, many liked the businessman's populist policies and open disregard for political correctness.

Mickelson had vacillated between a run for governor or for Federal Senate. He ultimately chose the governor's race, but didn't enter the race until early 2026, by which point, his three competitors had already secured endorsements, raised considerable amounts of money, and had staked out top status in the race.

Mickelson's moderate policy positions also flopped against his three more right-wing challengers.

Still, despite finishing last in party's primary, the moderate businessman says he will remain involved in Kalnier politics, though he didn't specify what role he would play.

Mickelson, along with Broadbent and Dehignen, ruled out serving as Radowski's running mate.

But the wealthy businessman did not rule out donating money to the Radowski campaign.

Kalnier remains a left-leaning state, but moderate Conservatives, such as Ritonio, have won some races.

In 2024, mainstream Conservative and construction company owner Scott Revard narrowly defeated Sen. Paul LeBouse (N).

Ritonio's two terms in office -- from 2015 to 2019 and from 2023 to present -- have seen him enjoy mixed popularity, with his approval ratings higher in his first term, overall.

But his latest approval ranking showed 51% of voters approving of his performance. And Conservative officials are hoping their next CNS candidate can ride Ritonio's coattails into office in the fall.

Nationalists are hoping to bury the hatchet after a sanctimonious and heated primary between DeSalle and Hall, two former governors who both want a second shot at their old jobs.

The NAT is looking to reclaim the governorship after Ritonio's current term ends in January.

However, both DeSalle and Hall carry baggage.

DeSalle's icy personality and obsessive gender politics have brought her criticism from even many within her own party.

Hall's youth and inexperience, and his further left-wing views that have espoused socialism, have caused many Nationalists to question his chances of winning in the fall election.

For Radowski, he is happy to run against either NAT candidate.

"Whether it's Karen, who really doesn't need a nickname because she is literally a "Karen," she fits that stereotype perfectly," said a taunting Radowski. "Whether it's 'Deranged Desalle' and her temper tantrums, or 'No Brains Nick' and his socialist giveaways, free lunch for everybody policies, I am excited to run against either of them. I think we can easily beat these two radical left lunatics, and I look forward to spending the next few months showing Kalnierans just how insane these two candidates are."

***Unofficial Results -- Kalnier Governor's Race***

***NAT Primary***

354,430	352,704	122,789
42.71%	42.50%	14.80%
42.71%	42.50%	14.80%
DeSalle	Hall	Kinlock

***CNS Primary***

211,716	225,370	199,789	157,455
26.65%	28.37%	25.15%	19.82%
26.65%	28.37%	25.15%	19.82%
Dehignen	Radowski	Broadbent	Mickelson

Wolmach wins Marchenay governor's primary

MADAGEN, Mar. -- A divided Marchenay Nationalist Party has chosen its nominee for governor, and the front-runner did not get the win.

Initially billed as a long-shot, former federal Sen. Heidi Wolmach's (N) late entry into the governor's race ended up paying dividends for her, as elections officials officially certified her as the winner of the state NAT's nomination.

The outcome was close, with Wolmach pulling in 51% to Levenetti's 49%, respectively. Marchenay Secretary of State Ari Kavarnath reported voter turnout to be lower than usual, at 15 percent.

Wolmach jumped in the race early this year -- months after Lt. Gov. Kevin Levenetti (N) had already declared his candidacy.

After losing reelection to the Senate, Wolmach was reportedly depressed and frustrated, according to friends and close associates.

She quickly turned her eyes to the governor's race, where Levenetti was already well-established, had raised over $3 million, and had already lined up the support of hundreds of local and state NAT officials.

When Wolmach filed to run for governor, many fellow Nationalists expressed anger and annoyance, since Levenetti was already well-positioned to win the party's nomination.

Many political insiders dismissed the former senator's campaign as too little, too late.

Despite the criticism and the daunting odds against her, Wolmach soldiered on with her underdog campaign.

She caught criticism from Conservatives when she said, in a radio interview, that, as a woman, she brought a unique perspective to the governor's race.

She cast Levenetti as "nice enough," but also "too nice" to take on Conservative incumbent Gov. Mike Shannon, who is running for reelection in the fall.

"The Marchenay NAT needs a fighter, a warrior. Someone who will get in the trenches and fight these Conservative ideologues with everything they have. And that's me! That's what I've already done in the Senate and what I will do if I get the chance to go up against Mike Shannon," said Wolmach at a campaign appearance in her home county of Snowden, just west of Madagen.

Levenetti initially downplayed Wolmach's candidacy.

"I was the first person to enter this race. I have a strong record as lieutenant governor, as a state representative. I'm focused on the fall election," said a confident Levenetti at a press conference in Rowe County, northeast of Madagen, back in April.

The race between the two candidates stayed mostly civil. Both refrained from personal attacks on their opponent.

But in the final weeks of the campaign, Wolmach began drawing in more money through fundraising, with much of her campaign donations coming from out of state.

Levenetti, too, received large donations from out of state sources, as the race became somewhat nationalized as a referendum on the NAT's path forward: either a hard-left path, which Wolmach championed, or a moderate, pragmatic path, which Levenetti embodied.

The race also came down to age, gender and rural versus urban.

Older voters, woman and urban voters favored Wolmach, while younger voters, which constitute a smaller portion of the primary electorate, men and rural voters broke strongly for Levenetti.

At his campaign celebration in west Madagen, a visibly disappointed Levenetti congratulated Wolmach on her win. He promised not to contest the results, despite the close results.

"I have to hand it to Heidi. She got into this race very late, she didn't have any money. But she campaigned on her ideas, on her strengths, on her commitment to the people of Marchenay, and she pulled off what a lot of people thought was impossible: beating me," said a smiling Levenetti.

The lieutenant governor pledged to support Wolmach in the general election, as she faces an uphill battle to unseat the popular Shannon.

Just across town in downtown Madagen, Wolmach basked in the glow of the cameras, as her supporters gave her a nearly five-minute long standing ovation when the results were announced.

"We did it, we did it, we did it!" exclaimed an exuberant Wolmach. "And I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you, who donated money, who gave your time, who knocked on doors, who talked with neighbors. I am forever indebted to you all," said an emotional Wolmach.

She quickly turned her attention -- and her fire -- on Shannon.

"Tonight, we celebrate," said Wolmach. "But tomorrow, we get right back to work, because we know there is so much to do. We are running against a radical Conservative campaign machine. They have already tried to take away a woman's right to choose, they have already rolled back protections for trans and LGBTQ Marchenayans. They have already rolled back environmental protections. They've already cut taxes for the wealthy while leaving working class and poor Marchenayans behind. They've done so much damage. But we are coming, Marchenay. We are coming to save the day. But I'll be honest, it's going to be tough, and we need to be prepared for battle, because this is going to be the fight of our lives."

Shannon congratulated Wolmach on her win. The governor told reporters gathered around him that he was "surprised she pulled it off," but he is "looking forward to a spirited but respectful race."

He dismissed Wolmach's "hyperbolic" victory speech.

"If you listen to her when she's campaigning and speaking to her people," said Shannon, "she uses terms like 'battle,' 'war,' 'fight.' I mean, she acts like this election is a literal war. I think it's a little much."

"Look, we have differences, of course. She and I disagree strongly on policy. But this is not a war. It's a contest. It's a campaign. We each get the chance to put our records and our ideas up against the other's, and we let the voters of Marchenay decide who has the best record and the best vision for our state. I'm confident they'll choose me," said Shannon.

Both national parties have already raised millions of dollars for what is expected to be a hard-fought election. 

Wolmach, a darling of the Nationalist Party, is a prolific fundraiser, though she frequently lands herself and her party in hot water through her often controversial comments.

Shannon is less outspoken and less charismatic. An average fundraiser, he has still managed to pull in an impressive $8.1 million, with about half of that total coming from large corporations and corporate donors, and the other half coming from small, individual contributors.

But the governor is popular, according to polls. Marchenay's economy is one of the best in the nation, with job increases in auto manufacturing, software and AI, and aerospace. 

While a social conservative, Shannon has focused largely on economic issues and kitchen table matters during his term.

He did sign a bill putting some mild restrictions on abortion in the state, including extending the waiting period for women to obtain an abortion after consultation with a doctor. And requiring minors to obtain permission from a parent or guardian before having an abortion procedure.

And he did issue an executive order that mandates that people should use the bathroom of their gender assigned at birth, with mild penalties for violators.

Overall, the governor has focused on business recruitment, lowering taxes, and lowering government spending. He's also relaxed environmental laws, promoting logging, mining and oil exploration, particularly in the northern third of the state, where he hails from.

Polls show Shannon will be difficult to beat. However, Marchenay is fairly evenly matched between Conservative and Nationalist voters. So any contest can be close.

Experts and insiders say the outcome of the race will largely come down to voter turnout, as well as personalities.

"Heidi Wolmach has a strong personality. Some people love her, a lot of people hate her. So, the question is, will people choose someone really divisive over someone who is generally a pretty easy-to-get-along with guy," said Mark Jacobs, a Conservative campaign consultant, who is not involved in the race.

On the NAT side, James Comer, an NAT strategist, says Mike Shannon's "boring" personality and Heidi Wolmach's "energy" may be the ultimate determiner.

"The voters want someone who will get things done. Heidi Wolmach might be a bitch, but she gets shit done," said Comer. "Mike Shannon is a nice guy and he's quiet and reserved. But is he going to fight hard for the people of Marchenay? Those are the questions that Marchenayans are going to have to ask themselves this election."

***Unofficial Election Results -- Marchenay Primary Election -- Governor***

15% Turnout	1,613,329 total votes	49.02%	50.98%				#	790,847	822,482
		Levenetti	Wolmach					Levenetti	Wolmach
		49.02%	50.98%				# Total Votes:	1,613,329
								100%

Kelly attracting large crowds in Biereland

BAR GREEN, Bie. -- Though he's been massively outspent and lacks the name recognition and support of state leaders, Conservative candidate for Biereland governor Chris Kelly is garnering a lot of attention in his uphill effort to secure his party's nomination for governor.

Kelly, a 43-year-old political newcomer and little known sports executive from southeastern Farnham County, is running for the CNS nomination against a Goliath opponent -- former Gov. Ben Jordan.

Jordan has raised $4.3 million, Kelly has raised just $1.9 million. 

Many national and state Conservative leaders have rallied behind Jordan, while Kelly has received a few endorsements from a handful of prominent Conservatives.

And yet, the younger Kelly is attracting attention, not just in Biereland but nationally.

He's said that he respects Jordan, but the time for a new, younger Conservative leader is now. Jordan, 73, is running for a third term. He previously served as governor from 2015 to 2023. Before that, he served two terms as the state's attorney general.

And crowds are responding to Kelly. Speaking at the Young Conservatives Conference at the Climate Zone Arena in downtown Brookings last week, Kelly was front-and-center before more than 4,000 young CNS activists gathered from across the country. They applauded as Kelly spoke about the importance of the free market, low taxes and smaller government.

"Ben Jordan has done a good job, but we are entering a new era of radical Nationalist politicians who want to steer our country to socialism, to radical transgender theory, to radical social policies. We don't need an elderly candidate leading the fight against all that. We need a younger candidate from the next generation who can rise to the occasion and lead today's Gen Z and Millennials in the fight," said Kelly. 

He received a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

Of course, the youthful audience at the YCC was stacked in Kelly's favor.

At various stops around the state, though, Kelly's crowds have been smaller than the YC Conference, but still impressive.

He pulled in over 60 people in the small town of Wisen, population 300, in north-central Biereland.

And in Berringer, he pulled in more than 300 people at a community forum that usually only attracts a few dozen attendees.

In Kensington, hundreds of people came out to hear him as he walked and spoke with the public in downtown.

And on social media, the candidate, a Millennial himself, is getting thousands of views on popular social media apps.

Kelly's presence on social media, where he often posts selfies and produces his own content, is unmatched by Jordan, who has staff that manage his socials.

"There's a clear age gap between these two candidates," says Peter Green, a political sociologist who is studying the race. "And you're seeing that in the energy and the media savviness of Chris Kelly."

The Jordan campaign dismisses Kelly as "an also-ran," as Jordan called him last week in a press conference.

"Chris Kelly is a nice kid," Jordan said. "But he doesn't have the experience, he doesn't have the network and connections, he doesn't have the money, and he really doesn't have any accomplishments to speak of."

Kelly acknowledges that beating Jordan would "be like David beating Goliath," as he told a reporter last week in a sit-down interview in between campaign appearances.

As he ate a brown-bag lunch at a picnic table at a food truck lot in Sanderson, a small town in north-central Biereland, Kelly admitted he is out-gunned by Jordan's money and campaign infrastructure.

"He definitely has the upper hand in this contest, no doubt about that," he said. "But what was I supposed to do? Just defer to Ben Jordan and let him run again? That's what everyone else has done. That's what all the other Conservatives in this state have done. We have a lot of people who make great Conservative governors, but nobody wanted to run against Ben Jordan. Everyone just deferred to him.

"Well, the problem with that is the polling shows Ben Jordan can't beat [incumbent Gov.] Joel Gruenwalder. So, we can defer to Ben Jordan. But then we lose to Joel Gruenwalder. Would you rather defer to a veteran candidate who is revered in this party and Conservatives in Biereland love Ben Jordan. But would you rather defer to him or beat Joel Gruenwalder? I'd rather win in December, personally," said Kelly.

Polls have shown a close hypothetical contest between Jordan and Gruenwalder (N), with Gruenwalder narrowly leading Jordan.

Kelly also trails Gruenwalder in the polls, although many voters polled say they've never heard of him before.

"There is a name recognition issue that we have to overcome. But I think if we have the party behind us and all the money that comes with that, we can get our name out there and give voters a real option. A lot of people would vote for me without even knowing me because they're just so sick of the NAT and these liberal policies coming out of Brookings," said Kelly.

The Gruenwalder campaign has not commented on the CNS primary, although political action committees (PACs) associated with Gruenwalder and the Nationalist Governors Association (NATGA) have reportedly been quietly supporting Jordan in the CNS primary race.

NATGA has dropped two TV commercials praising Jordan's conservative credentials. And a pro-NAT PAC has even donated to Jordan's campaign.

Jordan has said he will return the money from the NAT-affiliated PAC, although his campaign has not done so yet.

Regardless of who wins on the CNS side, it will be a difficult race for Conservatives.

Biereland is a center-right state, but Gruenwalder, a moderate, has deftly avoided contentious social issues. Polls show many Conservative voters approve of many of his policies.

"I don't see Joel Gruenwalder as someone who is really hated by Conservatives," said Green, who has analyzed many governors race in the past and present. "Joel Gruenwalder is a pretty middle-of-the-road guy. He may be a Nationalist and he may lean to the left, but he's not a Ramon Ramos or a Jenna Duvan," said Green, referring to two of the more liberal governors in other states, POG and Damoign, respectively.

The economy also seems to be doing fairly well in Biereland, after a post-pandemic burst of growth. And Gruenwalder has eschewed raising taxes, except a small increase on large corporations.

"Joel Gruenwalder is keeping Biereland's economy running and strong," said campaign spokesperson Cary Gilders. "Joel is focused on bringing new industry to Biereland, diversifying our economy, bringing living-wage jobs to our state, and strengthening our economic development package that will attract new businesses."

The governor focuses on the economy every week in his frequent social media posts.

For Kelly, the current governor is "okay."

"But we could do better," said Kelly. "I want to give not only the Conservative voters of Biereland another choice, but the people of Biereland a choice too. I believe in freedom, liberty, the free market, freedom of ideas and school choice and freedom of health. I think a lot of Bierelanders support those ideas, and I'd love to stack my policies up against Joel Gruenwalder's and let the people decide."

The Biereland primary election is scheduled for August 4.

Duvan didn't want Zeme as running mate, leaked emails show

GRASS. CITY -- Damoign Gov. Jenna Duvan (N) wanted to pick a more exciting running mate in her 2024 reelection campaign, a trove of leaked emails revealed.

The emails, between Duvan and her top campaign staff and advisors, reportedly show Duvan complaining about her running mate Jeff Zeme (N).

Duvan wanted a more outgoing and popular running mate, but ultimately chose Zeme because he was "boring" and "practical," according to the emails.

"He [Zeme] is boring and has no flair. I'd much rather have someone more exciting running next to me, but he's a safe pick politically, and his boringness counters my big personality," wrote the governor in an email to campaign chair Rick Kulley back in August 2024.

Other emails reveal Duvan calling Zeme "unexciting," "stiff," and "nerdy."

"But that's a good thing, because I have a reputation as being sexy and showy, and having a boring nerd next to me looks more down to earth," the governor said to chief campaign communications director Sarah Marshall Stevens.

Not all her comments were negative, however. 

Duvan praised Zeme for sticking by her and being loyal.

"Jeff is a nice guy who is always loyal and always has my back. In the end, that's what you need most in a running mate," said Duvan in an email to her campaign attorney, Vickie Floyd.

The emails were leaked by an anonymous source at the progressive Graffiti Upwork.

Asked about the emails Friday, Duvan apologized and said she had already spoken to Zeme.

"You know, Jeff and I had a conversation about this a long time ago before we even became running mates. I was honest with him and frank with him about our appearances and the public's perceptions of us. And I did say some rude things about him. I didn't say them in a purposely rude way, but they came across rude and hurtful. And for that, I apologize to my good friend Jeff Zeme. I've apologized to him in private earlier this week, because I'm just so embarrassed with how it came across and how people perceived those comments," said the governor.

"The truth is, Jeff Zeme may not be the most exciting and exuberant politician out there. He's maybe not the most engaging or inspiring or a captivating speaker. But you know what? He's a great guy. He's a loyal guy. He knows policy like no one else I know. He is intelligent, he is committed, he is a team player, and he gives me the best advice. And really, I would not be where I am today without his loyal friendship and partnership," she said.

Zeme was asked about the emails in a radio interview with 4LocalLive on Tuesday.

"She's called me a 'nerd' and 'boring' to my face before," said Zeme, laughing. "It's really not news. Everyone knows I'm sort of nerdy and not the most charismatic. And I think you have to remember when you're running for office and choosing a running mate, like Jenna has done, you have to consider how the other person appears and looks and acts and how their public perception is. Politics is all about appearance and perception. If you have somebody too flashy or too showy who seems superficial and materialistic, that can really hurt you with voters. Sometimes the boring guy is the better choice," said Zeme.

He added that he has forgiven Duvan and the two share a close relationship.

"She comes over and has dinner at my house with my wife and kids. I meet with her multiple times a week. She asks for my advice, I give her my advice. And ultimately, she does whatever she wants because she's the governor and she has the final say," said Zeme.

It's unclear who, exactly, Duvan would have preferred over Zeme, as her running mate.

She considered former Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol, but Duvan and Kastol previously dated a decade ago, raising a personal relationship issue.

Duvan considered Assemblyman Bill Blair, who has previously ran for governor too. But he was ruled out by Duvan's campaign team for the same reason as Zeme, being too boring.

"You have to strike the right balance with your lieutenant governor running mate selection," says Kevin Mullins, an NAT political operative based out of Eastholm. "If you get someone too boring, the voters will be bored and turned off. If you get someone with too much personality who is flashy and loud, that turns voters off too. If you get someone too old, the voters consider that person to be geriatric. If you get someone too young, they may seem unexperienced and uncapable. So, you really have to find that right balance. Sometimes the more boring person is a better choice," said Mullins.

Duvan and Zeme ran together on the same ticket for the first time in 2024, the first election in which Damoign's governor and lieutenant governor were elected on a joint ticket.

Previously, the lieutenant governor was elected separately from the governor, frequently resulting in the positions being split by the two political parties.

The Duvan-Zeme duo easily held off Conservatives George Velmar and Dianne Roselli in the 2024 general election, 52.1 to 46.6 percent, respectively.

Duvan is the first Damoign governor in modern history to be elected to a third term. Previous governors were limited to just two terms.

The state legislature passed a law in 2022 that allows a governor to seek an unlimited number of terms in the governorship.

However, the voters of Damoign had perviously voted for term limits. The legislature's 2022 law made previous voter-passed laws void.

The Conservative Party is still filing lawsuits and motions to get term limits back in place.

For now, Duvan could seek reelection again in 2028 if she wants. If she chooses to step down, Zeme could be a leading candidate to replace her, though there are a host of other NAT candidates who would likely enter the race too.

Conservatives' top choice in Carova declines to run for governor

CAROVA, CITY, Car. -- Attorney General Sean Travern is not running for governor, no matter how many Conservative politicians and party leaders try to convince him.

Finishing up his second term as AG, Travern was widely seen as a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, and he's expressed interest in the state's top job in the past.

But for months, Travern has declined overtures from party leaders to seek the governorship.

Sources close to Travern say he is reluctant to challenge popular incumbent Gov. Dan Sallovich (N), who is seeking reelection.

Travern has not said much publicly about his decision to forego the governor's race, only telling the media last month that he is "ready to be back in the private sector."

"I've been in state government for going on eight years now," he said at a press conference announcing his intent to not seek election in 2026. "I'm ready for a vacation and ready to get back to work in the private sector, where profit and performance matter much more."

Aides and allies of the attorney general say Travern is confident he could beat Sallovich in a head-to-head match up in November. However, defeating Sallovich would be difficult, expensive, and likely a nasty political fight, something Travern would prefer to avoid, sources say.

"It's not that he doesn't think he can beat Dan Sallovich. He thinks he could win, he thinks his chances would be pretty good. But in order to win, it would be a nasty, brutal fight. And he just doesn't want to deal with that right now," said one source, who asked to remain anonymous, since they were not permitted by Travern to speak to the media.

"I think he just wants to go on vacation and get a good job and just go back to having a normal life for a little while," said another anonymous source who works with Travern, though both sources told GNN they expect Travern to run for higher office in the future.

"I don't see this as retirement. He's not retiring, he's just taking a break. [He's] gearing up for a future run for governor or senator," said the second source.

Travern's declination leaves Conservatives with only two lesser-known candidates for governor. Construction company owner Michael Drake of Carova City and businessman Andrew Eskin of Beren.

Drake, who has never sought public office before, was the first to enter the race, and he has collected the most endorsements from party officials and prominent figures.

His campaign has centered on blue collar workers and the trades. He often emphasizes that he doesn't have a college degree, although he has gone to trade schools and received certifications for plumbing, electrician work and contracting.

"I'm proof that you don't have to go to college and graduate school and get an MBA or a law degree to be successful," Drake told a reporter from The Grassadellia City Times. "I'm a multi-millionaire business owner, and I did it through hard work, good business practices, and leadership."

Eskin, a lawyer and stock trader, is a former state senator from Beren. He splits his time between Carova and Grassadellia City. He's focused on his economic background as an asset in the race for governor.

"Carova is at a crossroads. We can keep misspending our money and growing our social safety net, which disincentives people to work and bloats government, or we can trim our spending, spend responsibly, and empower Carovan workers," said Eskin.

Travern's deferral means either Drake or Eskin will be the CNS' nominee.

While he's not in the race, Travern still looms large over it, with many suspecting he'll seek the governorship in 2030.

His endorsement would also carry a great deal of weight among CNS primary voters, who highly regard the attorney general.

Former Gov. Dan Wainwright (C), who lost to Sallovich back in 2022, was considering running for a rematch or for the state's open senate seat, which is up for grabs this year. However, Wainwright's family and advisors convinced him to stay out of the 2026 races.

Instead, the former governor, senator and attorney general will help campaign for his son Dan Wainwright Jr., who is running for attorney general.

The younger Wainwright is likely to face Nationalist Dan McGregor in the AG race.

The former governor, Wainwright Sr., has not made an endorsement in the CNS race yet. Sources close to him say he favors Eskin, but is open to Drake too.

Sallovich remains popular with NAT voters and independent voters. His approval among Conservative voters has dwindled in recent years, as the governor has expanded the social safety net and has moderately raised taxes.

If he wins reelection later this year, Sallovich will become Carova's first governor to win reelection.

Carova has two senate seats up for election this year. Conservative incumbent Sawyer Upton is up for reelection, while longtime Nationalist Ann Kocheni is retiring after more than 30 years in the Senate.

Former Sen. Karen Coriano is likely to seek Kocheni's seat, while Conservatives Donna Creilo and Jim Calisto run for the position on the CNS side.

No major NAT candidates have filed to challenge Upton, although former appointed Sen. Bob McGregor is mulling a bid. Former Lt. Gov. Carson Latzo is also considering running.

Ugorachin to challenge Traetori in Roddenshire

COLCICHUTT, Rodd. -- After losing her Senate seat in 2024 by a sliver, former Sen. Anita Ugorachin (N) is seeking a comeback, and this time she'll be running against her former Conservative colleague Sen. Frank Traetori.

Ugorachin, who was known as one of the most progressive senators in the chamber, formally entered the Roddenshire senate race yesterday, filing papers to seek Traetori's seat.

Ugorachin starts her race with a few advantages. She's well-known in the small state, after serving for two terms. She's a prolific fundraiser, especially among women's and minority rights groups. And Roddenshire is a blue state, which tips the race in her favor.

Traetori, a staunch law-and-order conservative, is seeking a third term. Though deeply unpopular with left-wing voters, Traetori has a strong following among conservative voters, and in recent years has appealed more to independent and and moderate voters.

Both candidates have high name recognition and strong support from their national and state parties.

The fate of the race may well come down to voter turnout. If Conservative voters show up in large numbers to back Traetori, he may win. If Conservative voters stay home and NAT voters flood the polls, Ugorachin may be swept back into office.

Ugorachin beat Traetori once back in 2012. Traetori made a comeback in 2014 by beating then Sen. Vince Montimado (N). He beat Montimado again in 2020. Ugorachin won a second term in 2018 against a little-known Conservative opponent.

But her run for a third term in 2024 ran into a roadblock when Hong Kong-born Chinese Grassadellian and political newcomer Victoria Kejung (C) challenged her. Riding a nationwide Conservative tide, Kejung narrowly topped Ugorachin by a 51-48% margin.

But now Ugorachin, the first Vietnamese-Grassadellian senator, will face another tough race against Traetori, who already has $4.3 million in the bank.

Ugorachin has $1.1 million left over from her 2024 campaign, so she won't start from scratch. But both candidates and parties will have to raise a hefty amount of cash for the race, as Roddenshire has three media markets, including the Grassadellia City and Mavocke markets, which are two fo the most expensive for advertisements.

In her campaign announcement, Ugorachin said she is running "to finish the work we started." She railed against Traetori and his "ultra-right-wing billionaire friends" whom "he constantly votes to protect."

"Frank Traetori has no idea what it's like to be a normal person who has a normal life and normal bills. He doesn't know what it's like to struggle to pay rent. He doesn't know what it's like to struggle to pay a surprise medical bill or to pay for kids sport equipment or summer camp. Or how hard it is for a single mother or father trying to pay the bills and raise a kid at the same time. All Frank Traetori knows is how to get bigger returns on corporate stocks and how to expand one's stock portfolio," she said.

Traetori shot back on X, formerly Twitter, saying "Ugorachin is in bed with the national NAT party. She's raised millions from these left-wing groups. For someone who rails against rich people, she sure has raised a lot of money and hob-knobbed with a lot of these same rich people she claims to fight against."

A iVote poll released Thursday found Traetori leading Ugorachin by nearly six points, 52.8% to 46.2 percent, respectively, with a little over one percent choosing other candidates or write-ins.

Liffrey jumps into POG governor's race, Trau to seek Senate seat again

KINGHAM, P.O.G. -- After weeks of lobbying and trying to persuade POG Sen. John Paul Liffrey (N) to seek reelection to the Senate, Nationalists senators have failed.

The freshman senator announced he will not seek reelection to the Senate and will instead seek the state's governorship, which is up for grabs this year.

Liffrey joins the governor's race late, and other NAT candidates, such as state Sen. Jean Kane, Lt. Gov. Phil Wantanab, former Lansdale Mayor Pat Gaynor, and Assemblywoman Elaine Najiscoto, are already established. 

However, Liffrey brings high name recognition to the race and a strong fundraising prowess. On the first official day of his campaign, he raised $1.7 million, with many donations coming from out of state donors.

His candidacy for governor is a blow to Federal Senate Nationalists, as they seek to rebuild their ranks following a massive loss in the 2024 elections that saw the NAT lose its majority for the first time in 20 years.

Senate Minority Leader Debbie Madronas (N-Damoign) had personally lobbied Liffrey on multiple occasions, staff for both senators confirmed. 

In a closed door meeting with the entire NAT caucus, Madronas admonished senators up for reelection this year to seek reelection, since the NAT is in the minority and most of the Senate races this year are NAT-held seats, and incumbents usually have an edge in elections.

But sources close to Liffrey say the senator has long had his eye on the governorship, and he feels the current candidates running on the NAT side are weak.

"John Paul jumped in this race because he looked at who the NAT had and he just didn't feel any of them can beat Austin Mendajara," said one source close to Liffrey, who asked for anonymity to discuss their private conversations.

Mendajara, the state's Attorney General, is the leading CNS candidate for governor, though he'll have to work his way through a contentious CNS primary race that includes former gubernatorial nominee Mike Indano, businessman Dick Johnson, Assemblywoman Nancy Garblake, professional baseball manager Tommy Maddox, and realtor Terry Silvi.

Mendajara, a 44-year-old Hispanic politician from south Lansdale, is the most popular of the Conservative bunch, but also the most moderate, which may hurt him with CNS primary voters, who skew more to the right.

In his campaign announcement, Liffrey, 52, said he is focusing his campaign on affordability and kitchen table issues.

"The Conservative candidates in this race don't understand the affordability challenges POGers face. They don't know what it's like to go to the grocery store and have to check your bank account first. They don't know what it's like to choose between your utility bill and putting food in your refrigerator. POG needs a governor who understands the costs and strains people in this state face," said Liffrey in a video announcement, surrounded by his wife and teenage kids.

Liffrey's entry into the governor's race means the NAT will have yet another open seat to defend in the Senate this year. And it's unclear which NAT candidates will jump into the race.

Former Sen. Max Kiesling (N) has expressed interest, as have Assemblywomen Maria Adebos and Jill Yateri, and former Sen. Charlie Quince (N).

On the Conservative side, former senator Dick Trau announced his intention to seek the seat. College regent Mike Holloway, who has previously ran for the senate unsuccessfully, also announced his candidacy.

Holloway is the more right-wing of the two. Trau lost reelection in 2022 to Nationalist Jim Mahenas. Trau sought Diane Coke's seat in 2024 but lost in the primary race to Conservative professional baseball coach and businessman Tommy Maddox, who in turn lost to Coke.

Rather than seek the senate seat again this year, Maddox opted to run for governor.

Polls have shown a close race for governor, with several candidates from both parties struggling for name recognition with voters.

Whoever wins both parties' primaries will likely face a hard-fought general election race, as both parties are expected to pour millions of dollars into the high-stakes race in the nation's second-most-populous state.

Another uncertainty is outgoing Gov. Ramon Ramos (N), who may run for president in 2028, or could also seek Liffrey's vacant senate seat.

In a statement on his social media channels, Ramos praised Liffrey for "his pragmatic approach to legislating" and for "charting a middle-of-the-road path through the Senate, a path that works for all POGeans."

Liffrey's late entry into the race may hinder his candidacy, but he announced an aggressive fundraising tour in order to qualify for the first televised debate in the race, scheduled for May 17. Candidates must have raised $5 million or be polling at more than 10 percent with NAT primary voters.