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Articles by

Mel Leonor Barclay

Politics Reporter

Mel Leonor Barclay is a political reporter. She has a decade of experience covering government and elections, from tiny South Florida localities to Congress. Most recently, Mel was a Virginia politics reporter at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and previously covered federal policy at POLITICO. Mel is an immigrant of the Dominican Republic and native Spanish speaker.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

Contact [email protected]

Latest from Mel Leonor

Nikki Haley goes on the attack in first Republican debate

The only woman on the stage took on Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump — who wasn’t even on the stage.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 23, 2023
Nikki Haley is poised to stand out on the GOP debate stage. Will it boost her lagging campaign?

She’s the lone woman in the 2024 primary field and will face seven of her male opponents, minus former President Donald Trump.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 23, 2023
The 19th Explains: What are 'late-term abortions' — and why are politicians talking about them?

Republicans don’t want to talk about restrictions in the first or second trimester, instead trying to turn the conversation to very rare third trimester abortions.

Mel Leonor Barclay, Shefali Luthra · August 21, 2023
‘We should all be represented’: Rhode Island could send the first Afro-Latina to Congress

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos is one of three Latinas and 12 Democrats in an upcoming special election.

Mel Leonor Barclay · August 14, 2023
The future of abortion in Florida could hinge on Hispanic voters

Backers of a referendum don’t have an easy path to getting abortion access on the ballot and then into the state constitution. Engaging Hispanic voters competently is key.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 31, 2023
Pence says he wants to ban abortion and support families but hasn't specified how

Republican presidential hopefuls mostly aren’t backing paid family leave or increased child care subsidies even as they say they want to support families in the face of abortion restrictions.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 24, 2023
Nikki Haley’s attacks on Kamala Harris keep coming

The former South Carolina governor has made the vice president a key political target — above Biden, and certainly above her contenders in the GOP primary field led by former President Donald Trump.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 18, 2023
House Republicans are baking abortion restrictions into spending bills — and avoiding public votes

Democratic leaders say they will act as a “firewall” on reproductive rights even during looming negotiations to fund the government.

Mel Leonor Barclay · July 6, 2023
The woman who would be the Cherokee voice in Congress

For generations, the federal government has shaped the lives of Cherokee people. Kim Teehee wants to use the long-promised place in Congress to repair the harm.

Mel Leonor Barclay · June 26, 2023
Democrats in Congress run full-court press on reproductive rights ahead of Dobbs anniversary

In both chambers, Democrats are trying to force votes and discussions on abortion and contraception. The measures are not expected to go anywhere — but spotlight Republican opposition.

Mel Leonor Barclay · June 22, 2023