Introduction

More Republicans are channeling former President Trump’s aggressive tactics to get ahead in the polls. Some previously moderate candidates facing competitive primaries are now releasing angry ads based on taglines like “fighting the woke mob,” and “standing up to the radical left.”

• Plus, Minneapolis Police accused of violating civil rights.
• And, restricting water use to combat drought in Southern California.

Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene and Torey Van Oot.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go deeper:

• GOP channels Trump anger in primary battles
• Probe into racist policing in Minneapolis sparks new push for change
• Southern California restricts outdoor watering in emergency declaration