Justice League – Defending U.S. Democracy – Make Some Good Trouble

Justice League - Defending U.S. Democracy

Democracy doesn’t defend itself — it takes courage, grit, and relentless action. The Good Trouble Makers Defending U.S. Democracy are the ones who step into the arena when it’s hardest, who challenge injustice, protect the vote, and speak truth when silence would be easier. They hold power accountable, amplify voices that are ignored, and make sure that freedom isn’t just a word, but a living, breathing reality. This category celebrates the fearless individuals keeping the promise of democracy alive — reminding us all that standing up matters, every single day.

Good Trouble Makers
Defending U.S. Democracy

Bernie Sanders — United States Senator from Vermont

Co-leads the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” longtime advocate for protecting democratic institutions and fighting economic oligarchy. Co-leads public campaigns highlighting systemic threats to democracy.
Little Known Fun Fact: In 2016, he participated in a 14-hour filibuster on the Senate floor — one of the longest in modern history.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) — U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th District

Co-leads the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” mobilizing citizens to challenge concentrated power and inequitable policies.
Little Known Fun Fact: She started her political career as a bartender and organizer before winning one of the most high-profile upset victories in U.S. House history.

Cory Booker — United States Senator from New Jersey

The first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Held a record-breaking 25-hour filibuster defending voting rights, invoking John Lewis’ famous words.
Little Known Fun Fact: Before Congress, he lived in a pickup truck for a year while working to bring affordable housing to Newark.

Nicole Collier — U.S.. Representative for Texas' 95th District

Texas Representative; stood firm against unconstitutional directives and threats from federal authorities, defending civil liberties in her district.
Little Known Fun Fact: She is an attorney who once helped overturn unjust arrests of protesters in Texas.

Alex Padilla — United States Senator from California

Advocates for voting rights, election security, and protections against voter suppression. Attacked at an ICE Press Briefing, thrown to the ground and handcuffed for merely speaking out to have some constituent concerns addressed.
Little Known Fun Fact: He was the first Latino U.S. Senator from California and actively modernized the state’s voter registration system.

Melissa Hortman — Minnesota House Speaker Emerita

Led efforts to safeguard state democracy, protect legislative integrity, and defend fair elections. On June 14, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman was assassinated in a shooting at her home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, United States.
Little Known Fun Fact: She co-chaired the Minnesota Women’s Political Caucus early in her career, helping elect dozens of women to office.

Mark Hortman — Minnesota Community Leader

Worked behind the scenes supporting legislative transparency and civic engagement initiatives. On June 14, 2025, Mark and his wife Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman were assassinated in a shooting at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, United States.
Little Known Fun Fact: He is a skilled mediator who has helped resolve complex policy disputes quietly for years.

John Hoffman — United States Senator from Minnesota

Champion of voting rights, civic education, and rule-of-law initiatives in the state legislature. On June 14, 2025, Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot and seriously injured at their Champlin, Minnesota home by the same man that murdered Melissa and Mark Hortman.
Little Known Fun Fact: He once ran a civics summer camp for high school students, teaching hands-on legislative processes.

Ross Baraka — Mayor of Newark

Implements local policies safeguarding civic engagement, transparency, and equitable governance. Baraka filed a lawsuit against federal officials over his May 9, 2025 arrest outside an ICE detention center, alleging malicious prosecution and false arrest.
Little Known Fun Fact: He has a background in urban planning and used that expertise to create accessible community forums for residents.

Pramila Jayapal — U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th District

Founded the Resistance Lab, a hub for grassroots organizing to protect democratic institutions.
Little Known Fun Fact: Before Congress, she co-founded a nonprofit providing legal aid to immigrants and refugees.

Ayanna Pressley — U.S. Representative for Massachusetts' 7th District

Vocal advocate for civil rights, social justice, and protecting voting access nationwide.
Little Known Fun Fact: She is the first Black woman elected to Boston’s City Council and led multiple campaigns for equity reforms.

Stacey Abrams — Former Georgia House Minority Leader

National leader in fighting voter suppression and expanding access to ballots.
Little Known Fun Fact: Founded Fair Fight Action, registering millions of voters in the 2018 and 2020 elections.

Kat Abughazaleh (Abu) — 2026 Candidate for U.S. Representative for Illinois' 9th District

American Journalist, Activist and Organizer. Leads campaigns defending civil liberties and monitoring government overreach.
Little Known Fun Fact: She coordinated one of the first large-scale digital “citizens’ audits” of local election procedures.

Zohran Mamdani — Democratic Socialist candidate for New York City Mayor

Advocates for progressive policies including free city buses, rent freezes in rent-stabilized housing, and the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units.
Little Known Fun Fact: Before his political career, Mamdani worked as a community organizer, focusing on tenant rights and affordable housing initiatives.

Good Trouble Makers
Defending U.S. Democracy
Nomination Form

Now, we want your help to grow the Justice League – Defending U.S. Democracy.
Who inspires you? Whose voice needs to be remembered?

When Injustice Becomes Law, Making Good Trouble Becomes Duty.