Celebrating Earth Day

April 1, 2026

WDC Newsletter — April 1, 2026



President's Letter

Dictatorships are one-way streets. Democracy boasts two-way traffic.
—Albert Moravia 

On Thursday, April 9, WDC is convening an event for Democrats and the democratically inclined public to hear from special guest speaker Simon Rosenberg of Hopium Chronicles. 

Hopium Chronicles is a nationally known Substack newsletter and political organizing community founded in March of 2023 by DC-based Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. Hopium provides keen insights and informed political projections that emphasize electoral success paired with civic engagement. The nationwide Hopium community focuses on countering Democratic pessimism with strategic and positive action.


Hopium also highlights and raises funds for Democratic Congressional candidates who are poised to tip the scales in November 2026. These highly competitive “Winning the House” candidates include Janelle Stelson (PA-10), Paige Cognetti (PA-08), Christina Bohannon (IA-1), Sarah Trone Garriott (IA-3), Jo Mendoza (AZ-6), Jonathan Nez (AZ-2), Elaine Luria (VA-2), Jamie Ager (NC-11) and others. (I’m an enthusiastic monthly contributor to two of these candidates, so far.)

I hope to see a few hundred of you in the audience at Round House Theatre on April 9th to welcome and engage with Simon Rosenberg. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a powerful, call-to-action evening. Get your ticket(s) today.


Cynthia Rubenstein
President.


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"No Kings" around Town

And in Minneapolis...


CLICK HERE to view images of the event

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Advocacy Corner

WDC Advocacy Continues

Kate Stein, Advocacy Chair

The MGA (Maryland General Assembly) had a busy week of March 16th, with a rare Saturday session on March 21st and with a few key bills “crossing over” at the last moment on Monday, March 23rd, the 69th day of this year’s 90-day session, known as “crossover day.” 

“Crossover” is an important day in the General Assembly. A bill that passes in one chamber—either the House or the Senate—by crossover is guaranteed a hearing in the opposite chamber. Because the MGA meets for only 90 days each year and bills must be passed by both chambers before they can be signed by the governor, bills that have not passed in one chamber by crossover have a narrower path to becoming law by Sine Die, the day that session ends, which falls on April 13th this year.

While the path for a bill to become a law is narrower after crossover, the path does not close until Sine Die. Bills not clearing their chamber of origin by the 69th day are assigned to the Rules Committee in the second chamber. WDC and other advocacy groups still hope to see more bills heard on the floor of both chambers and become law. 

We continue to advocate—both on bills that have passed one chamber as well as a couple still stuck in committee. Please keep your eye out for advocacy alerts and other updates from our Advocacy Committee.

Read about two bills of special interest to WDC HERE.


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WDC New & Events


  • An Evening with Simon Rosenberg 
    April 9, 2026, 7-8:30 p.m.
     
    Join WDC for an informative and energizing conversation with Simon Rosenberg, a long-time Democratic strategist and creator of the popular Substack and podcast, Hopium Chronicles, celebrating its 3rd anniversary this month. 

    Buy your ticket soon as this event will sell out quickly. Please note that WDC is unable to provide exchanges, refunds, or ticket sales at the door.

    RSVP at     tinyurl.com/rosenberg-2026
  • Montgomery COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES Forum


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Montgomery County & Maryland News & Events


  •  The Democracy Summer project seeks to bring about political change in America by training and deploying the next generation of Democratic organizers and leaders to win elections at every level.

    Founded by     Congressman Jamie Raskin, backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and buoyed by thousands of supportive alumni across the country, Democracy Summer engages high school and college-aged young people in state-of-the-art tactics in voter registration, canvassing, and digital political organizing. Through on-line seminars with leading historians, law professors, political organizers and union and elected leaders, it provides an intensive education in the historical struggle for democratic freedom and essential lessons for effective political leadership today. For more information or to apply, CLICK HERE.
  • Montgomery County Public Hearings Fiscal Year 2027 Budget


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Be an Educated Voter

Primary Election Dates Information

The 2026 Primary Election Is Just around the Corner

Your civic toolkit — research candidates, understand ballots, and show up prepared

Check off each step before election day

Check your registration
Verify you're registered and your address is current. Deadlines vary by state—many are 2–4 weeks before election day.

Find your polling place
Polling locations change. Look up your assigned polling place; don't assume it's the same as before.

Know what's on your ballot
Ballots often include more than just candidates—ballot measures, judges, and local races matter too.

Research each candidate & measure
Use nonpartisan sources to understand positions, not just party labels.

Check ID requirements
Some states require photo ID; requirements differ widely. Know yours before you go. 

More complete information about voting and voting rights and specifically the 2026 Primary Election can be found at League of Women Voters (LWV)  LWV is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Prospective voters can download or order a Voter's Guide in English or Spanish by clicking HERE.


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Community Resources

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Fight Back & Stay Informed


Indivisible’s Weekly WHAT’S THE PLAN? A Weekly Discussion with Indivisible’s Co-Founders

Join the Weekly Zoom Chat with Indivisible Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, who will help you wade through the week’s news, answer your questions, and provide timely calls to action. Webinars are held every Thursday, 3–4:00 pm EST.  Register HERE.


"Trusted Sources"

Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG) has created “Trusted Sources,” a fact-based news source because they believe legacy media has failed the pro-democracy movement. DNWSG believes staying informed is an act of resistance. CLICK HERE for the current list of “Trusted Sources."


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Community Activism

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It's Cherry Blossom Time in the DMV!


Kenwood in Bethesda, Brookside Gardens, Glenview Mansion are popular spots to see the heralds of Spring. See "6 places to be charmed by cherry blossoms in Montgomery County," by Josephine Jack in the March 26, 2026, issue of Bethesda Today, for recommendations. 

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WDC Membership

By joining WDC, you are building community and political muscle with other Democratic members, clubs, and allies to elect Democrats and support progressive Democratic policy goals. WDC is excited to work with each of you, as we advocate for our WDC priorities, and present our Speakers Programs, Community Education Panels, social events, and service projects. And you'll be privy to our very own "WDC Members Only" Facebook page. Join us by clicking HERE!

If you're already a member and haven't already renewed, you can do so online HERE. You may also mail your $35.00 annual dues ($25 for members 35-years-old or younger) payable to "WDC" to: WDC, PO Box 34047, Bethesda, MD 20827.

 

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Make a Difference—Volunteer with WDC!

WDC needs you! Can you help us in one of these positions? Not sure what a position entails? Come try it out—no obligation!

Membership Co-Chair
Events Committee Member
Finance Committee Member
Advocacy Committee Members

To learn more, please contact Cynthia Rubenstein and make sure to use the subject line: "Volunteering with WDC."


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