The People’s Watchdog Newsletter - July 18

This week’s Common Cause newsletter is just a 6.5 minute read at 800 words.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 👋 Hi Pamela! Happy Saturday. And World Cup third place match day! In the Watchdog Newsletter, we share what you need to know to hold power accountable from the nonpartisan source you can trust. This watchdog doesn’t give in to pressure from presidents. This week’s Common Cause newsletter is just a 6.5 minute read at 800 words. 🚨 The Case to Block Blanche Just Got Stronger A federal judge just confirmed what Common Cause warned from the start: the Trump administration’s corrupt deal in Trump v. IRS was an attempt to manipulate the justice system for the president’s personal benefit. Common Cause was among the first groups to take legal action against the deal, which would have handed nearly $2 billion in taxpayer money to Trump’s political allies while providing unprecedented protections to the president, his family, and his associates. The judge condemned the scheme and referred Todd Blanche’s conduct for potential disciplinary investigation. This victory protected taxpayers and offered even more proof that Blanche is unfit to become Attorney General. The nation’s top law enforcement officer must defend the Constitution and serve the American people, not twist the law to protect the president. Americans across the country agree. Common Cause members have generated more than 100,000 calls and petition signatures opposing Blanche’s nomination. In North Carolina, we joined partners in delivering thousands of messages to Sen. Thom Tillis after more than 11,000 people demanded that he vote no. In Texas, Common Cause and our partners delivered more than 5,000 messages urging Sen. John Cornyn to oppose Blanche and put the rule of law over partisan loyalty. Want an even deeper look at why Blanche fails the test? Read what Common Cause members nationwide are saying about his nomination. And in the latest Pop Congress, Preston Mitchum uses Scandal’s Cyrus Beene to explain why the Attorney General must serve the people, not the president. Blanche’s record speaks for itself. Now, the Senate must reject his nomination. If you haven’t added your name yet to Block Blanche, you can do so here. 🚫 Getting the National Guard Out of D.C. Common Cause is leading calls for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green to withdraw their states’ National Guard troops from Washington, D.C. Alongside national and state partners, our Michigan and Hawaii teams sent letters urging both governors to bring their troops home – and Common Cause members like you sent hundreds of letters of their own as well. Out-of-state Guard members are being used to patrol civilian neighborhoods in D.C. despite no emergency that would justify the deployment, risking the normalization of military force in everyday law enforcement. If they can deploy troops to the neighborhoods of Washington D.C., they can do it in any city in America. We can’t let that happen. Governors Whitmer and Green have the authority to end their states’ participation, and Common Cause members are demanding that they use it. 🕯️ Remembering the Victims of ICE’s Deadly Violence This week, we mourn Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old Colombian husband and father authorized to work in the United States who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Maine. Agents were looking for someone else. His killing came just days after ICE agents killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old construction worker and father who was driving his crew to work in Houston. We also remember Renée Good, Alex Pretti, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, Ruben Ray Martinez, Jaime Alanis Garcia, Carlos Roberto Montoya, Josue Castro Rivera, and Keith Porter Jr. They are among the people who have been killed during immigration operations since Trump returned to office. At least 52 more people died in ICE custody during the administration’s first 500 days, including people whose deaths followed delayed or inadequate medical care. This is unacceptable, inhumane, and must end. Congress must investigate these killings, hold ICE accountable, and refuse to give the agency more money without real reform. 📱 Our Favorite Post 👀 ICYMI   We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss: Colorado ⛷️: Common Cause is using Colorado's new Voting Rights Act (that we championed last year) to challenge an election system that leaves Black and Latino voters underrepresented. Learn more. Illinois 🚜: We’re calling for greater transparency after new reporting found millions in state spending went to outside law firms, including firms that donated to the Attorney General’s campaign, raising concerns about misuse of taxpayer money. Read more. Ohio 🎢: After a case originating in Ohio led the Supreme Court to weaken longstanding campaign-finance protections, Common Cause is leading the fight to curb wealthy donors’ influence and restore stronger guardrails. Learn more. Rhode Island ⚓️: With most incumbent state lawmakers running unopposed in the upcoming fall election, we're highlighting how gerrymandering limits competition and leaves voters without meaningful choices on the ballot. Read more. 📊 By the Numbers 🗞️ Kicker Quote 👕 Wear Your Values If you're not following Common Cause, you’re not getting the truth. If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up too, click here. For updates, follow us on X [Twitter], Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Substack, Facebook, and TikTok. Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local and state level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Floridians. 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