Staff

Holly Idelson

Policy Strategist

Holly Idelson advocates for democracy reforms to promote the rule of law, uphold separation of powers and advance voting rights and election administration. Her work focuses on reform proposals before Congress and the Executive Branch. Before joining Protect Democracy, Holly worked as a senior counsel for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and in the House as Chief Counsel for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). On the Hill, she worked extensively on oversight and democracy reforms, immigration and refugee policy, and homeland security. Holly also has experience as a print journalist covering Capitol Hill and politics at the state and national level, and she served as a clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan.

Work Themes

Featured in the Press

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What happens if a US presidential candidate dies? (opens a new window)

  • May 5, 2024
  • The Guardian

Holly Idelson, a policy advocate with the non-partisan group Protect Democracy, said education and public awareness will be critical to defuse the potential for a “crisis atmosphere” in the circumstance of a presidential candidate’s death or withdrawal.

“Yes, there are unprecedented scenarios that could arise, and yes, there may be genuine questions about how to apply the law, but in many cases there is law to apply,” she said. “We should focus our efforts on promoting regular order rather than undue alarm.”