June 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Join us to connect and learn from parents across Massachusetts to protect students and families. We’ll also hear from an amazing group of parent panelists from Massachusetts and other states about how they have been organizing at this moment.
Bob Brooks has been a firefighter, a bartender, a teamster, and a baseball coach – he is a working-class fighter with a proven record of leadership, a lifetime of service, and the authenticity needed to win in one of the nation’s most competitive districts. Supported by Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Senator Bernie Sanders, Bob is ready to flip PA-07 and bring a voice for working families to Congress.
Cook Politico rates this race as a toss-up.
The US House is in great flux this year, due to redistricting and retirements, and a change in the political climate. The “generic ballot”, which measures which party voters say they will vote for, is hovering around D+10. This means that races Republicans won by 7 or less points are now competitive.
There are many flippable US House races that TurnPurple2Blue won’t have the bandwidth to cover. We will prioritize House races in the same states as our Senate or Governor races. This nesting strategy will allow our actions to overlap and increase voting across the ballot in November. California and New York, although not nesting, will yield more flippable seats to work on.
However, we recognize that our readers may have interest in other races, e.g. a connection to that state, or a special dislike of the incumbent. Some of the primaries are quite late in the summer, and there is still time to help those primary candidates by donating or phone banking. We encourage you to support these candidates thoughtfully, and would like to share the criteria we use to evaluate them.
Choices In a Primary
Primaries present an important opportunity to make our Democratic candidates more responsive to the people, and less responsive to their corporate and lobbyist donors. So when choosing a primary candidate it is important to make sure your values match. Which corporations, PACs, and other elected officials support them? We don’t want to feed the “both sides are the same” trope. Here are some examples.
You can also look at their philosophies, e.g. do they have blind spots about demographic groups you care about?
Do Your Research
It is important not to take shortcuts. For instance, there is a new group in the fundraising space called Oath that claims to do all the vetting for you.
Looking closely at their choices, it is clear that they have backed many Democrats with red flags, without even discussing those problems. Dark money entities are spawning organizations with new names so it is essential to do the research before donating and engaging.
It’s easier to get a good person elected, than it is to lobby a problematic person after they are elected. So when choosing between Democrats in a PRIMARY, it is important to do your research carefully.
Choices In the General Election
Now it’s time to coalesce behind the Democrat no matter their stripe. Any D by their name will help us get the majority in either the House or the Senate. The majority is more important than a “perfect” candidate. The majority will allow us to control the agenda by choosing which votes come to the floor. It will also provide oversight through hearings. Only the majority can bring impeachment charges.
After the primary, it’s time to focus on the candidates’ race. How to tell if a race is worth your time and money:
Be Careful How You Donate
Donate directly to the candidate or trusted grassroots groups. Do not donate to large PACS (including the DCCC), no matter how compelling their name sounds. These groups are notorious for fundraising churn, where 80% of the money raised is spent on salaries and more fundraising. Avoid the deluge of fundraising texts by going directly to the candidate’s website to donate.
Here are what we consider to be safe grassroots groups to donate to:
In addition to providing financial support to candidates, grassroots groups may also organize volunteers to canvas and phonebank to aid candidates’ campaigns. In state races, they may offer technical expertise. The state-focused groups are always an excellent choice and worthy of your support year-round. They are on the ground throughout the years, building local relationships and trust.
In Summary
June 25 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
This a local Indivisible Maynard Area event.
We meet the last Thursday each month from 5-6pm at the parking lot for Shaws Plaza in Stow and stretch out along Route 117 W between Red Acre Rd and the Citizens Bank.
If you haven’t seen a Sign Brigade before, we each hold a sign according to a theme that tells a story (ie- signs of good government). In order to allow cars to read each sign, we each stand 100 ft apart.
Feel free to join us or drive by and honk in solidarity.
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
June 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
Join us for music and waving on Main Street. Bring a chair, rollator…we have signs!
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
June 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
Stand Out with your message, we got the music, bring a smile!
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Facts: There are a total of 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and all terms expire every two years. Currently, there are 217 seats held by Republicans, 212 by Democrats, one by an Independent (who caucuses with the Republican party), and 5 vacant seats. Democrats need 218 seats to attain the majority. This number serves as the absolute threshold required to control the floor and pass legislation. So flipping the House is a high priority for the midterms.
Actions you can take: House races are well-suited for grassroots organizing! These races are very different from Senate races in that voter numbers are much smaller. Nationally, average turnouts per election are on the order of 250,000 voters per district. In close races, differences between candidates can be miniscule – in 2022, Republican Lauren Boebert (CO-03) won her House race by less than 600 votes. These expected close races are perfect targets for grassroots organizing – whether it be donations, postcards, canvassing, or other tactics – where our efforts have the greatest impact. Here are some of the House races where you can make a real difference.
Pennsylvania is a top battleground state in 2026.
Pennsylvania was a blue state from the 1990s to the 2010s, voting strongly Democratic during this period. The state shifted from blue to purple when Donald Trump was elected by a hair in 2016. The following three districts are considered among the most vulnerable in the country to flipping in 2026. Replacing these particular Republican representatives is high priority, given their indefensible ethics and voting records.
PA-7 (Lehigh Valley) – Republican Ryan Mackenzie is an election denier. As a state House representative in 2020, he urged Congress to reject and decertify PA’s electoral votes. Trump’s endorsement in 2024 inched Mackenzie past three-time Democratic incumbent Susan Wild. As a U.S. House representative, Mackenzie has voted with Trump 98% of the time. His close connection with Trump may not be an asset for him in 2026.
Mackenzie’s current challenger, Democrat Bob Brooks, is a union leader and former firefighter with blue-collar credentials running in a working class district. Brooks enjoys strong Democratic support and is widely endorsed by key Democrats, labor unions, and progressive PACs.
Cook rates this race as a Toss Up.
PA-8 (Northeast PA, Poconos) – In 2024, political newcomer Republican Rob Bresnehan flipped this seat to narrowly defeat 6-time Democratic incumbent Matt Cartwright. Ethical transgressions by Rep. Bresnehan have been numerous. After campaigning on prohibition of stock trading by members of Congress, as a US House representative, he himself became the second most active stock trader in Congress. Many of his transactions smell of insider trading. For example, he sold stocks in several major health care companies a week before he voted to gut Medicaid. Given Bresnehan’s shady financial dealings and character, both sides consider PA-08 one of the races most vulnerable to flipping in 2026.
Bresnehan faces an uphill battle against Scranton Mayor, Democrat Paige Cognetti. Her campaign focuses on anti-corruption and lowering working-class costs, a strong platform for this district. She has heavily weaponized Bresnehan’s record, pledged to ban congressional stock trading, and rejected corporate PAC money.
Cook rates this race as a Toss Up.
PA-10 (Harrisburg and York areas) – MAGA incumbent Republican Scott Perry is endorsed by both Trump and Mike Johnson. Like Mackenzie, Perry is an election denier who led the charge to decertify PA’’s slate of electors. He is a prominent member, and former Chairman, of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, and has close ties to Turning Point. As with Mackenzie, Perry’s relationship with Trump may be a political liability in the current landscape.
Perry will be fighting for his political life in this rematch race against challenger Democrat Janelle Stelson. After losing the 2024 election by only 1%, she is favored to win in 2026. Stelson is an Emmy Award-winning, former PA news anchor with strong support from the Democratic party. Her campaign focuses on affordability and paints Perry as an extremist, even among MAGA Republicans.
Cook rates this race a Toss Up.
California – consequences of redistricting.
California is one of the bluest states in the nation. Last year, in direct response to Texas’s gerrymandering, California passed Proposition 50 to level the playing field. Initially, the expected additional five seats seemed to be easy pickups for Democrats. However since then, there have been several major setbacks in the national gerrymandering battle. Suddenly the new California seats appear as must-flips, and two of these races – CA-22 and CA-48 – are now seen as highly competitive.
CA-22 (California’s Central Valley) – This redrawn district is considered a prize, as Democrats have long coveted it. Organizers for both parties are gearing up for a tough and expensive fight. CA-22 counted the third fewest ballots in the country during the last midterm election, so Democratic turnout is going to be absolutely critical to win this district!
In recent years, CA-22 shifted right with pro-Trump Hispanic voters, and for the past 10 years, the valley has been represented by Republican David Valadao. Now Valadao’s seat is in jeopardy, as the new CA-22 map drawn after Prop. 50 favors Democrats. Trump is unlikely to come to his rescue, as Valadao was one of the handful of Republican representatives to vote to impeach him in 2021 for his role in Jan 6. Further weighing against him, Valadao voted for Trump’s cuts in Medicaid, while over half of his district receives Medicaid. This will not be passed over lightly during the race for the CA-22 seat.
Democrat Randy Villegas is the candidate running against incumbent Valadao. Villegas, a “proud son of immigrants,” is a political scientist, educator, and politician with deep roots to the community and a proven commitment to justice and equality. He is also a proud progressive and has been endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, AOC, labor unions, and by Indivisible. He rejects corporate PAC money and has successfully built a significant war chest from grassroots donors.
In the June 2 CA top-two primary, Valadao attained the first place position, while the second position was split by the two Democratic candidates, Villegas and Jasmeet Bains. Defying political odds, Villegas defeated moderate Bains, who was backed by the Democratic establishment. The direct involvement of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in Bain’s campaign showed poor judgement and was loudly decried as inappropriate as well as ineffective, particularly as their strategy of promoting centrist candidates has in the past failed miserably against Valadao. Villegas will now run against Valadao in the November general election, and the Democratic establishment is now behind him. Democratic turnout will be key for this race.
Cook rates this race a Toss Up.
CA 48 Open seat (San Diego area) – Incumbent Republican Darrell Issa has decided not to run for re-election, leaving the district open. In the House, Issa is regarded as a staunchly partisan attack dog, and this deep red district was a good fit for him. However, redistricting has turned the district light blue and given Democrats a serious advantage, which discouraged Issa. Another factor in Issa’s decision may have been the vocal discontent of the Democratic constituency, who protested in large numbers at No Kings. The writing was on the wall from Issa’s perspective, leading him to retirement.
Unfortunately, Issa’s departure has opened the door for a strong challenger, who many think is better than Issa was. Republican Jim Desmond is a well-known local official with strong community ties, including fundraising connections. He also isn’t saddled with Issa’s close ties to Trump. He will be a formidable candidate, having taken the top position in the CA top-two primary on June 2.
However, Desmond’s opponent, Democrat Marni von Wilpert, has her own strengths, including strong union and constituent support in addition to the redrawn district boundaries. A lawyer and San Diego councilwoman, she is campaigning on the skyrocketing cost of living, reproductive rights, cleaning up corruption and defending democracy. She has won competitive elections and beaten Republicans before, and she will stand up to Trump in Congress.
Cook rates this race Lean Democrat.
More states to follow after their primaries!
June 20 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
This a local Indivisible event!
Come join us, Worcester County Indivisible Alliance, to see a free screening of the documentary, Earth’s Greatest Enemy! Director Abby Martin reveals how the US Military, the world’s greatest polluter, impacts the environment while operating with minimal accountability. This is an essential film as we face an increased Pentagon budget, war in the Mid-east, and climate change catastrophes.
Come join us on Saturday, June 20th, at the Northborough Free Library beginning at 1pm, to learn more about this incredibly impactful topic. https://earthsgreatestenemy.com/
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
June 19 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
Visit The Robbins House for its 4th Annual Juneteenth celebration on its front lawn. There will be musical performances from area groups and food trucks. Come join the fun and celebrate this American holiday of freedom, resilience, and community.
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
June 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm EDT
Admission to the MFA is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Join us for performances, participate in art-making activities, catch a talk, see art, and more. Activities are for visitors of all ages and abilities unless otherwise noted.
10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm)
Huntington Lawn (rain location: Druker Family Pavilion)
Sculpt your own clay vessel and inscribe it with a poem to commemorate Juneteenth.
10 am–4 pm (last entry at 3:45pm)
Druker Family Pavilion (rain location: Shapiro Family Courtyard)
Use colorful collage materials and mixed media to create a wearable Juneteenth button!
11 am–4 pm
Riley Seminar Room
Join Boston-based racial justice project Wee the People for an art-filled intergenerational workshop. Using recycled materials and found objects, create your own mini monument to Black art, culture, history, and experience.
11 am–4 pm
Calderwood Courtyard
Future Masters Chess Academy uses chess to improve focus, thinking ability, and decision-making—both on and off the chessboard. Stop by and play chess. Try out a life-sized chess set and learn from masters of the game—including a state champion.
11:30 am–Noon
Shapiro Family Courtyard
Experience “Ansanm Ansanm, Together Together,” a vibrant medley of music and dance from Jean Appolon Expressions celebrating reflection, resilience, and Haitian culture. This performance uplifts the transformative power of Haitian folk dance while addressing global power and liberation. Dancers, musicians, and audiences share in a joyful expression of unity.
Performance begins with a procession in the Lower Rotunda that ends in Shapiro Family Courtyard.
12:30–1 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard
Boston City Singers presents “Freedom,” a program of spirituals and folk songs in honor of Juneteenth. Now in its 30th season, Boston City Singers gives young people high-quality musical programming and creative development opportunities within their communities. The Tour Choir is conducted by Jane Money and Kimani Lumsden.
1 pm–1:45 pm
Gallery 168
Honor Black liberation and radical expression with performer A.M Music’s immersive experience and blending of musical genres. A.M Music raises awareness about mental health and illness within the Black community by creating music that expands conversations about representation and emotional honesty.
2 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard
Elevate your soul with a performance from singer-songwriter Kay Wolf that masterfully combines jazz and soul, creating a soundscape as luxurious as a day of self-care. Wolf brings a modern twist to classic sounds, making her work accessible and relevant to audiences today.
2:30 pm
Gallery 168
See students from Beat the Odds perform and show off their hidden talents. Beat the Odds serves underresourced youth in Boston’s low-income communities by providing them with opportunities to explore creativity in a safe space. Young people have access to creative tools that inspire self-awareness and encourage healing from trauma.
ArtSpark is a community-powered event series based in Boston. Through live music and accessible community classes for all ages and experience levels, ArtSpark advances racial equity in the creative arts.
3 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard
Enjoy a batey comunitario performance from Hyde Square Task Force Ambassadors, a dynamic ensemble of youth and teaching artists rooted in Afro-Latin traditions. Feel the energy of bomba, a genre and rich Afro–Puerto Rican tradition that creates dialogue between dancers, drummers, and song.
11 am and 3 pm
Riley Seminar Room
Gather with Boston-based racial justice project Wee the People for a reading of author Nikkolas Smith’s award-winning 2023 picture book The Artivist, which explores how kids can combine art and activism in their daily lives. Recommended for families with children under ten.
ASL interpreter available at 3 pm
10:30–11:30 am
Meet in Sharf Visitor Center
Join Deaf Haptic artist Takiyah Harris for a guided tour of artworks across the collection by Black artists.
This tour is in American Sign Language with no English interpretation. Please e-mail access@mfa.org with questions.
11 am, Noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm
Meet in Sharf Visitor Center
Wondering where to start your visit? Experience the Museum on a 60-minute guided tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, look closely at artwork across the MFA’s collections. Learn more about old favorites and discover something new!
ASL interpreter available at noon
11:30 am–Noon
Gallery 132
Consider the gap between the promise of freedom and its arrival through the work of Black artists like Henry Ossawa Tanner, Edmonia Lewis, and contemporary voices. Reflect on the persistence of Black genius and the vigilant stewardship required to authentically reflect the American experience.
With Roberto Mighty, filmmaker, producer, and multimedia artist. His recent work includes the forthcoming documentary Edmonia Lewis: Forever Free and the We Were Here Too multimedia project.
ASL interpreter available
12:30–1 pm
Gallery 132
Look closely at Paul Revere’s 1770 engraving The Boston Massacre and learn about its significance to abolitionist movements of the 19th century and beyond.
With Christina Michelon, Pamela and Peter Voss Curator of Prints and Drawings.
ASL interpreter available
1:30–2 pm
Gallery 134
Learn about the intertwined histories of Haiti, the American Revolution, and US abolitionism, with particular focus on activity in Boston. Find out what lessons figures like Frederick Douglass and Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner took from the achievements of the Haitian Revolution to advance the abolitionist movement in New England.
With Charlot Lucien, artist, history instructor, storyteller, founder of the Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute scholar at UMass Boston.
ASL interpreter available
2:30–3 pm
Gallery 132
Discover how John Singleton Copley’s 1778 painting Watson and the Shark—a vision of Cuba painted in London by colonial Boston’s most famous artist—creates global connections in the MFA’s reimagined galleries of 18th-century Art of the Americas.
With Layla Bermeo, Kristin and Roger Servison Curator of American Paintings, Art of Americas.
