Principles First

Most just want a good life & a government they can trust. It’s not about red or blue—it's about protecting democracy & the rule of law. If you're concerned but new to politics, you're not alone. Get involved with #PrinciplesFirst today: www.principlesfirst.us/get-involved/

Undermining public trust in free and fair elections without proof isn't principled oversight. It's direct assault on the foundational bedrock of the American republic. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

I think people are struggling financially. I think they see a president & an admin that seems to be profiting off of their coffers when people can't afford groceries that are...more expansive than they were a year ago. - @brittanymartinez.bsky.social on @forbes.com.

You can oppose Amy Acton’s policies without exploiting her childhood abuse. That should be an easy distinction for anyone asking to lead a state. This isn’t toughness. It’s a failure of judgment and basic decency. Ramaswamy is wrong, period. cc: @principlesfirst.bsky.social

Are career foreign service officers being asked how they voted during promotion interviews? A new report exposes troubling questions regarding political loyalty tests at the State Department. Is this policy alignment or a return to the spoil system? www.washingtonsun.com/administrati...

Our republic relies on a professional, nonpartisan civil service bound by the rule of law & the Constitution. Questioning foreign service officers on their past votes for promotion betrays core institutional values. Merit & integrity over party fealty. www.washingtonsun.com/administrati...

Outer space is rapidly becoming a battlefield. Recent moves by Russian satellites tracking U.S. assets in low-Earth orbit demand our attention. National security and liberty require adherence to principles over partisanship. www.axios.com/2026/10/22/s...

When those tasked with upholding the law shut down anti-corruption investigations, justice isn't delayed it’s erased. A must-read Pro Publica report on how political influence and an FBI purge buried a major bribery scheme involving top lawmakers. www.propublica.org/article/nava...

Reports that 1 in 4 IN voters see govt corruption as a top concern point to a deeper crisis of accountability. When public trust breaks down, the republic suffers. We must demand ethical governance & leaders who answer to a higher standard than party loyalty www.thestatehousefile.com/politics/ele...

When party loyalty trumps everything else, accountability vanishes. Is Arizona showing us a path forward out of hyper-partisanship? Check out our deep dive into the Arizona experiment: principles1st.substack.com/p/country-ov...

Local election officials are the frontline stewards of our republic. When federal power is leveraged in secret, public trust breaks down. Today's "The 60" explores why institutional integrity and local autonomy must always come before party loyalty.

Diplomatic retreat is not leadership. Josh Gillespie breaks down the dangers of a pro-Russia pivot and backroom deals that exclude Ukraine from deciding its own fate. Real security requires standing resolutely with democratic allies.

From calls for public executions to controversial Russia diesel deals & White House scandals, we are breaking it all down on the latest episode of Principally Speaking w/ @brittanymartinez.bsky.social & Josh Gillespie Watch: youtu.be/JyvriKF-1Gc Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6VfL...

Hey Charlotte, NC, join us Sunday, 10/18 at 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails for a Principles First Happy Hour! If you're in town for The Bulwark tour or looking to connect w/principled folks come grab a drink & talk about our future. Free admission—bring a friend! www.eventbrite.com/e/principles...

There is a toxic rot in how some approach civic life: a race to out-tough, out-shout, & de-civilize one another, treating state violence as entertainment. Read our latest Substack on why public execution proposals violate the core tenets of our republic. principles1st.substack.com/p/the-theate...

President Trump’s decision to call off the livestream is a welcome relief, preventing a dark stain on America’s national conscience. But we should be clear-eyed about the reality: this is a decision that shouldn't have had to be made in the first place. www.cnn.com/2026/10/15/p...

Ukraine is our partner. Russia is the aggressor. Rewarding Putin with sanctions relief while pressuring Ukraine to stop defending itself gets that backward. America should stand with the country being invaded. www.axios.com/2026/10/10/t...

Livestreaming an execution is appalling and beneath the dignity of the United States. Justice should never become a public spectacle, potentially reaching children’s screens. www.axios.com/2026/10/13/h...

We're less than a month out from Election Day. Have you made your plan to vote yet? Interested in becoming a trusted neighbor? Find out more here. www.principlesfirst.us/trusted-neig...

Political rhetoric, mail-in voting double standards, and the state of our elections. @brittanymartinez.bsky.social & Josh Gillespie break it all down on a new Principally Speaking. Watch: youtu.be/f1kEVoRA8So?si Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/3hv1...

When everything around us feels performative or transactional, where do we actually find solid ground? Our latest on the Principles First Substack explores what it means to hold onto something real in turbulent times. principles1st.substack.com/p/holding-so...

Power, fear, & the photographic record. Watch photojournalist Nate Gowdy join Principles First for a fascinating, behind-the-lens look at documenting political polarization, crisis, & history as it happens. youtu.be/EZWH2m4lJyA

New episode of Principally Speaking is live! Brittany Martinez & Josh Gillespie are unpacking the wild headlines coming out of Capitol Hill, viral AI media moments, & why political commentary has turned into a circus. Watch: youtu.be/6qxROVj_c8A Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/5B2O...

You don't need election law experience just 40 minutes & a willingness to show up. #PrinciplesFirst is proud to sponsor this national virtual briefing for lawyers on how to protect free & fair elections & defend the rule of law. Join us tomorrow at 12pm EST Register here: nationoflaws.org/40-minutes

When access to the press is restricted, transparency suffers. Brittany Martinez & Josh Gillespie are tackling press bans, historical precedents, & the latest political ethics debates on a brand-new episode of Principally Speaking Watch: youtu.be/2lCleMvUJ8I Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/1iMJ...

Join us live right now for a fascinating conversation with photojournalist Nate Gowdy moderated by Rory Riley Topping! Nate was on the ground for the Minneapolis ICE raids in Jan & Feb as well as for Jan 6th. us02web.zoom.us/j/88195908075

We applaud the Judge Kelly's swift temporary restraining order restoring White House access to the banned news orgs. A free press & constitutional due process are foundational to American democracy, & the rule of law must prevail over retaliation against critical reporting. tinyurl.com/2xuyeou8

There are some things politics should be bipartisan about. On this clip from Principally Speaking, Josh Gillespie discusses the state of proposed AI legislation and why Congress needs to step up action on tech regulation. Watch: youtu.be/zle-ngmZQ64 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6dbL...

Join us tomorrow (9/24) at 1pm for a thrilling conversation w/photojournalist Nate Gowdy moderated by Rory Riley-Topping! Nate was on the ground for the Minneapolis ICE raids in Jan & Feb as well as for Jan 6th. Find out more & RSVP in the link below: www.eventbrite.com/e/through-th...

The rule of law protects everyone, regardless of who holds power. Principles First is proud to co-sponsor this effort to stand up for our constitutional framework and democratic norms. Learn more: nationoflaws.org/40-minutes

AI growth is exponential, but are we moving too fast? In this clip, we break down why tech CEOs are calling for regulation and what it means to build compassionate AI. Watch: youtu.be/zle-ngmZQ64 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6dbL...

The rule of law & a free press must remain paramount. Banning news outlets from the White House undermines an independent press & weakens accountability & transparency. True governance requires facing scrutiny including from outlets you may disagree with. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/b...

What are tech CEOs suddenly demanding from DC & why is Congress at a standstill? In the latest Principally Speaking, @brittanymartinez.bsky.social & Josh Gillespie break down the policy push around AI & Capitol Hill gridlock. Watch: youtu.be/zle-ngmZQ64 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6dbL...

Voters are the ones who elect lawmakers, pay their salaries, and have the power to vote them out. Are we acting like the bosses we are? Josh Rultenberg discusses public pressure, accountability, and how real change happens. YouTube: youtu.be/fq_b3r2qNWo Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2CSM...

Today marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution back in 1787—a vital blueprint for a more perfect union that remains an ongoing work in progress. Honoring the framework, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the continuous effort to live up to our highest ideals today.

The legal playbook behind redistricting battles is getting increasingly partisan. Rory Riley-Topping joins Principally Speaking to discuss how political strategies in states like Ohio and Missouri are shaping the fight over maps. Watch: youtu.be/fq_b3r2qNWo Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/2CSM...

Join #PrinciplesFirst on Thursday, 9/24 for a powerful virtual event featuring photojournalist Nate Gowdy: “Through the Lens of a Photojournalist: Power, Fear, & Photographic Record.” Hear firsthand insights on documenting history through the camera lens. www.eventbrite.com/e/through-th...

How do political maps really get drawn? In our latest Principally Speaking, co-hosts Brittany Martinez & Josh Gillespie talk w/Rory Riley-Topping & Josh Rultenberg about Draw the Line in Ohio & the fight for fair maps. Watch here: youtu.be/fq_b3r2qNWo Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/2CSM...

"We saw the worst of humanity that day, but we also saw its best." Beyond the grief & horror of 9/11 lies the lesson of September 12th—a reflection on national tragedy, imperfect unity, & what it means to show up for one another. principles1st.substack.com/p/remember-s...

On 9/11, Josh Gillespie was 23 & in his second week as a Hill staffer. Looking back, he reflects on the sounds, the evacuation of the Rayburn Building, the brief wave of bipartisan unity that followed & how it changed his view of American politics. principles1st.substack.com/p/twenty-thr...

Happening TONIGHT at 7:00 PM ET! "Facts, Truth, & the Rule of Law" public forum in Portland, ME plus there is a live stream available! Keynote: Andrew Weissmann Free admission Details & stream: maineruleoflaw.org

The Illinois chapter of #PrinciplesFirst will be hosting an informal happy hour next Thursday at the Copper Club! If you're going to the @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social book tour event in Chicago, drop by beforehand & hang out w/like-minded folks! Find out more: www.principlesfirst.us/event/princi...

In a new episode of Principally Speaking, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) @markhertling.bsky.social discusses his book, If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal, sharing personal reflections on military service, family, & leadership Watch here youtu.be/BC7CJfXNQi4 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/6WS9...

How do we protect due process and uphold the rule of law? Join the Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law on Sept 10 @ 7 PM in Portland, ME for a public forum featuring Andrew Weissmann & expert panelists. We are proud to partner with this event! 🎟️ Free registration & stream: maineruleoflaw.org

Election security and making it harder for Americans to vote should never go hand in hand. We can protect the integrity of our elections while protecting Americans' access to the ballot.

Democracy isn't just defended in Washington—it starts on the ground in our local communities. Check out our latest piece on why local action and principle-centered leadership are essential to protecting democratic institutions: principles1st.substack.com/p/defending-...

"Americans can only take so much for so long." On @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social, @brittanymartinez.bsky.social breaks down why fatigue with MAGA politics and rising costs could shape the future of the GOP heading into 2028.

Did you miss yesterday's virtual event to learn more about how to become a Trusted Neighbor? Have no fear! You can watch the replay below. This event featured the Advancing Liberty Coalition & speaker @stephenricher.bsky.social. Help save democracy where you live! youtu.be/SAAka0q2jZY

Join us today at 1pm for a virtual session to learn about the Trusted Neighbors Project - a part of the Advancing Liberty Coalition. This session will feature @stephenricher.bsky.social as we learn how we can defend democracy block by block. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-trust...

Strong democratic institutions start in our own communities. In our latest substack: Local civic action w/the Trusted Neighbors Project Episode 5 of Principally Speaking featuring @walshfreedom.bsky.social Save the dates: Phoenix & Gettysburg dinners! principles1st.substack.com/p/serving-de...

Mark your calendars for Wednesday's virtual session to learn about the Trusted Neighbors Project - a part of the Advancing Liberty Coalition. This is built on a simple idea: democracy is defended block by block, by neighbors who show up for one another. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-trust...