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[[link removed]] Dear John,
As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to thank you for your extraordinary support throughout 2025 and the ongoing commitment so many of you have made to AFJ.
This past year brought an outpouring of strength from our community — new partners stepping forward, long‑time supporters re‑engaging with renewed energy, and all of you standing firmly with AFJ. We are deeply grateful.
And this outpouring couldn’t come at a more urgent time. Your support and energy helped AFJ double down on our nonprofit defense work. And while we’ve said this frequently, this work has never been more important. I recently authored a piece for Democracy Docket [[link removed]] that speaks to the moment we are in. There is a growing (and frightening) wave of political attacks directed at nonprofit organizations across the country — groups that provide essential services, hold government accountable, and give voice to communities that might otherwise go unheard. I highlight how often unfounded accusations are used to justify investigations, create reputational harm, and intimidate organizations and the donors who support them. And of course, I touch on the ways in which AFJ, through Bolder Advocacy and the Nonprofit Legal Defense Network, is working to help nonprofits protect themselves and to continue boldly speaking out and serving their communities.
Your partnership makes this work possible . Because of you, AFJ is able to stand with organizations on the front lines, defend civil society, and ensure that the voices of communities across the country are not silenced.
Thank you for all you have done — and continue to do — to strengthen this movement. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
In community,
Rachel Rossi
President of Alliance for Justice
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FEDERAL COURTS
Trump's Judicial Nominees
* Six nominees were marked up and reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and are ready for Senate floor votes: Alexander Van Hook [[link removed]] (W.D. La.), David Fowlkes [[link removed]] (W.D. Ark.), Nicholas Ganjei [[link removed]] (S.D. Tex.), Aaron Peterson [[link removed]] (Alaska), Justin Olson [[link removed]] (S.D. Ind.), Brian Lea [[link removed]] (W.D. Tenn.), and Megan Benton [[link removed]] (W.D. Mo.).


* Trump also recently announced four new nominees on Truth Social: Anna St. John [[link removed]] (E.D. La.), John Shepherd [[link removed]] (W.D. Ark.), Chris Wolfe [[link removed]] (W.D. Tex.), and Andrew Davis [[link removed]] (W.D. Tex.).
These nominees lack demographic diversity, and many are aligned with right-wing efforts that undermine civil rights, press freedom, access to justice, and corporate accountability. Notably, Anna St. John leads the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute and Center for Class Action Fairness — an organization tied to the Competitive Enterprise Institute and funded by Koch family foundations, Exxon-Mobil, Monsanto, the American Bankers Association, and others — and has a record of opposing legislation to end forced arbitration and weakening consumer protections.
View all of the unfit and unqualified nominees → [[link removed]]
STATE COURTS [[link removed]]
Defending Democracy
It may be a new year, but the attacks used against state supreme courts that deliver decisions protecting civil and human rights still remain the same. Earlier this month, in a 4-1 decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down [[link removed]] two near total abortion bans in the state. The four justices in the majority were all appointed by a Republican governor. However, following the decision, conservative state lawmakers quickly rebuked [[link removed]] the decision and opened a private legislative session to consider different judicial reform proposals, including one that would shrink the court’s size from five to three justices.
This knee-jerk reaction from conservative legislators highlights a dangerous trend of attacking and delegitimizing the courts following decisions they don’t agree with. A similar instance [[link removed]] happened last year in a neighboring state in Montana following the court’s decisions protecting abortion access and environmental protections. These attacks call into question what conservatives believe rule of law should be.
Help protect our state courts → [[link removed]]
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[[link removed]] BOLDER ADVOCACY
Protecting Nonprofits on the Front Lines
It’s 2026, which means the midterm election year is here! For tips on how to ensure your 501(c)(3)’s election year activities remain above board, check out our latest blog [[link removed]] on “Nonprofits, Elections, and the Art of Remaining Nonpartisan.”
Then, hop on over to the Rules of the Game podcast [[link removed]] for 10 New Year’s Resolutions your nonprofit should commit to this year.
Stand with nonprofits → [bolderadvocacy.org]
MEMBERSHIP & OUTREACH [[link removed]]
A Stronger Movement — Because of You
Alliance for Justice invites you to join us [[link removed]] on Thursday, February 5 at 2pm ET for Holding Court: The Endangered Lawyer , a virtual conversation moderated by AFJ President Rachel Rossi and featuring Brett Dixon, Todd A. Cox, and Seth Frotman, with additional panelists to be announced.
In recognition of the 2026 International Day of the Endangered Lawyer [[link removed]] , which has designated the United States as the focus country, the panel will examine the growing threats to the rule of law — from attacks on judges and attorneys to executive actions targeting law firms and legal nonprofits.
Join the movement → [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] SUSTAINER SPOTLIGHT
Thank you to every donor who supported AFJ in 2025 — especially the 259 first-time donors who joined our community and the growing number of AFJ Sustainers , which more than doubled from 2024. In a year when the news often felt heavy, standing in community with you brought us strength.
Our Sustainers make a powerful impact through their consistent, monthly support. One new Sustainer shared why they chose to give:
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Whether you’re new to AFJ or have stood with us for years, thank you .
Your support fueled us through a challenging year and strengthens the fights ahead.
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If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .
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