NATALIE FERTIG

Natalie is a policy and politics reporter at POLITICO in Washington, D.C. She reports primarily on cannabis, Western politics, veterans and Native Americans.

 
 

Recent Work

MONTANA’S TRIBAL VOTERS COULD DETERMINE THE MAKEUP OF THE SENATE

Following a major turnout dip in 2022, Native American voters are now a key target in the Montana Senate race, where their votes could make or break Jon Tester’s chances of heading back to the Hill.

the lawmaker giving democrats an identity crisis

With an eclectic voting record, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington state has riled the left flank of her party. She thinks that’s a good thing.

’SEIZE ALL CANNABIS’: INSIDE THE SURPRISING FEDERAL CRACKDOWN ON NEW MEXICO WEED FARMERS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been seizing cannabis in the southern part of the state, sparking tensions with Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

 

Elections

 

Key GOP donor backs Dem after House Republican ousted over impeachment

Former Romney financier David Nierenberg says he is siding with moderation over far-right rhetoric in Washington State.

She fixes cars. can she fix congress’ elitism problem?

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez thinks Democrats have a big problem with the middle class. Because they’re not part of it.

Montana senate election complicates cannabis legislation

Democrats are accusing Republicans of playing politics with a package of veterans bills spearheaded by Montana Sen. Jon Tester.

 

Magazine

 

Dodgy science, poor access and high prices: the parallel medical world of marijuana in america

It’s been nearly three decades since California pioneered the therapeutic use of cannabis, but patients still face a confusing patchwork of rules.

'Talk about cluster—’: Why legal weed didn’t kill oregon’s black market

Legalization was supposed to take care of the black market. It hasn’t worked out that way.

Real people that we care about are being exploited

Lured with false promises of high pay and decent labor conditions, immigrants are held against their will by outlaw farmers who withhold their wages.