WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) announced their joint introduction of a resolution to denounce President Trump's recent statements calling on members of the Republican Party to "nationalize" or "take over" voting procedures in more than a dozen states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This action is illegal and it will not be tolerated. Their resolution would reiterate the constitutional authority of individual states to run federal elections.
"Donald Trump's recent statements regarding the 2026 midterm elections are inflammatory, foolish, and downright dangerous," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution puts it very simply: 'The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.' Calling for these elections to be taken over by members of the president's political party in advance of a hotly contested midterm election sows distrust in our democracy and is flatly unconstitutional and illegal. Congress must take a stand and make it clear to this administration that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated."
“The Constitution gives states the primary authority over the times, places, and manner of federal elections to the States. It does not assign to the President any power to directly control or administer State-run elections;” said Senator Markey. “There is no clause in the Constitution or law on the books—none—that allows a President to commandeer state election systems. No emergency power. No implied authority. No ‘because I say so.’ The President’s role is to faithfully execute the laws—not to rewrite the Constitution when the facts or the voters displease them. If any President were to attempt—by order, directive, or coercion—to nationalize or commandeer state-run elections, that action would be unconstitutional, illegal, and without effect. Such an attempt would not merely be unlawful—it would be impeachable.”
Click HERE to read the resolution's full text.