It has been a hell of a start to the year.
In Minneapolis and across the country we’re seeing the cruel and violent tactics being wielded by the Trump / Republican regime. We’re seeing murder, people being disappeared, imperialism, threats and military action increasing, assault on our voting rights, White Christian Nationalist extremism "normalised", and horrifically disrespectful and damaging appointments such as Leo Brent Bozell III as Ambassador-designate to South Africa.
You've seen the news so we won't rehash it all but please keep sharing videos, posts and articles with friends and family to raise awareness. With all 435 seats in the House and 33 in the Senate up for election this year we need to increase the pressure...even on Republicans! And while you may not have paid much attention to primaries in the past, it's more critical than ever to ensure we have the best candidates on the ballot come November! So get ready to vote in the primaries - some start in March with ballots out this month!
Voting is not enough, but it's essential. We can't vote them out if we don't vote. Request your 2026 ballots now at www.votefromabroad.org and you'll receive any you qualify for, 45 days in advance.
A NOTE FROM OUR CHAIR
The Power of One. Each One. And our Collective Power.
Today marks the beginning of my 32nd year in South Africa. My life and my move to South Africa have been greatly influenced by American Anti-Apartheid activists, particularly a friend's parents who taught us about social justice, the struggle for racial justice in particular, from the earliest years of our lives. I came here to be part of South Africa’s nascent democracy and continued struggle for racial justice. If you read one thing this weekend, read this NY Times article about Renfrew Christie a white South African Anti-Apartheid activist who passed away in December. It’s incredibly interesting, and an important call to action, particularly to those of us who are white Americans. His story and the history of the Anti-Apartheid Movement are important reminders to Americans living in SA now, but also as we face the current reality of the United States - both as a warning of the inhumanity and authoritarianism we face, and the choices we're called to make….but also a reminder of the power of one and the even greater collective power of many.
Clearly we’re not calling on you to blow up power plants, but to use your power in one form or another. Never did I think that 30 years later I'd need to fight for my own country's democracy from existential threat, but here we are. It will take courage, commitment and collective action but I know that together we can change the country's direction, preserve our democracy and build the country we aspire it to be. We simply have to.
Liz O'Leary
Democrats Abroad has a long-standing policy of not engaging in foreign policy. This is primarily to protect Americans living around the world and to prevent interference with diplomatic relations. Of course these are not normal times and the Trump/Miller/Republican regime have no regard for US or International Law and are frothing at the mouth with imperialist fever dreams and military might (you heard 47's interview with the NY Times and Miller's CNN interview right?) If you haven't, please take a few minutes to watch.
So, as you can imagine, the "no foreign policy" policy is a hot topic around the world. Our DASA Executive Committee also sent an email to the International Chair requesting that the policy be reviewed and opened up for discussion with the hope that some avenues for engagement and communication be identified. We'll keep you updated. In the meantime - please use your personal platforms to raise awareness and speak out.
VOTING IN 2026!
🗳️WE CONTINUE TO WIN ELECTIONS!
Democrats won or overperformed in 227 of 255 key elections in 2025 — nearly 90 percent!
Democrat Eileen Higgins becomes the first female mayor of Miami, and the first Democrat to hold that position since the 90s. Democrat Gary Clemons won a special election in Kentucky State Senate District 37, with a 42 point overperformance compared to top of the ticket in 2024 — a landslide win for Democrats. Democrat Eric Gisler flipped northeast Georgia state House seat, pulling off a special election upset. Democrats Michael Jones and Charlie Schmidt won for Virginia State Senate and State House of Delegates respectively, retaining Democratic control in both chambers.
SPECIAL FEDERAL ELECTIONS STILL UNDER WAY:
✅Special Election in Congressional District Texas 18 (Houston) is going to a runoff on January 31 — between two Democrats, Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards
✅Special Election in Congressional District New Jersey 11 (Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties) to fill Mikie Sherrill’s seat now that she is Governor; Primary is February 5, General Election is April 16 – this will be a hotly contested Democratic primary with 11 Dems who have thrown their hat into the ring, and one Republican
✅Special Election in Congressional District Georgia 14 (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, Whitfield, and portions of Cobb Counties) to fill GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat will be held March 10. A Special Runoff Election, if needed, will be held on April 7
INTERNATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE - January 15, 2026 marked the launch of DA’s global voter drive for this critical election year!
Are you ready to vote? Request your 2026 ballots now! All 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats, 36 Governors, and countless local elections are on the ballot this year. Some midterm and primary elections start in March and special elections can occur at any time throughout the year. www.votefromabroad.org and check it off your list ✅
Need help or have questions? Go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org or email [email protected]
✅ GLOBAL EVENT: THE BLUE BALLOT AFFAIR! Join the Global International Voter Registration Drive Global Event on Saturday, January 17, 2026 online via Zoom from 3pm SA Time https://www.democratsabroad.org/the_blue_ballot_affair
RESISTANCE
We'll continue to resist from South Africa!
Have creative ideas? Let us know at [email protected]
ICE is clearly not operating like an accountable law enforcement agency. It’s become the vicious, unrepentant, masked arm of an authoritarian regime. Congress must step in and stop its abuses.
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224 - 3121 or contact your Representatives and Senators online at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm to demand accountability now. More info and a sample script HERE
Encourage family and friends in the States to participate in this national Walk Out scheduled for 20 January led by Women's March - marking a year since inauguration - info and resources at https://www.freeameri.ca/ and through other groups and social media.
Additional groups have joined in and are also encouraging people to Walk In to their district Congressional offices to demand Trump's impeachment.
Support this mass action by sharing information online and contacting your officials in Congress!
EVENTS
Saturday 17 January from 3pm SA Time - Zoom
The Blue Ballot Affair
Join members around the world for an afternoon of inspirational speakers, comedians, fun, games, voter registration, and more. Check out the lineup of speakers incl David Pepper, Jay Kuo, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Eileen Higgins and our own DASA Co-founder Bishop Kelley
More Info & RSVP HERE
Wednesday 21 January 7pm SA Time - Zoom
Beyond the Ballot: Building Generational Change
Featuring Amanda Litman, founder of Run For Something.
More Info & RSVP HERE
January through March
Taxation Task Force 2026 Tax Webinar Series
This series is an incredibly popular Democrats Abroad programme. Know other US Citizens who might be interested? Forward this email or send them the link!
More Info & RSVP HERE
Tuesday 27 January - Living Across Borders
4pm South African Time on Zoom
Charles Horner from Sanlam Private Wealth will talk us through What US Citizens in SA Need to Know About SA Taxes
Please share this event with other US Citizens in SA or those considering living here. We encourage you to submit questions in advance via [email protected]
More Info & RSVP HERE
Let's honour Dr King's life of service with service of our own. It is we who need to build the Promised Land he envisioned.
PLEASE CONNECT TO STAY UPDATED & SHARE!
US Citizens in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
HELP US FIND US VOTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
You can help us find and mobilize US voters across South Africa this year by volunteering or making a financial contribution.
Let us know if you'd like to volunteer by emailing us at [email protected]. Click the button below to donate
Thank you -
Democrats Abroad South Africa