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2026 Midterm Elections

Congressional and gubernatorial campaign season, Trump's grip on Republican primaries, and Democrats' strategy to retake Congress

Trump claims election system 'so broken no one can defend it'

Illustration accompanying article: Trump claims election system 'so broken no one can defend it'
  • President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. election system is "so broken and so vulnerable that no one can possibly defend it" during a prime-time address from the White House East Room.
  • The New York Times reported that no evidence has emerged showing that vote counts have been manipulated or corrupted.
  • A PBS/NPR/Marist poll found Americans' confidence that their elections will be run fairly has dropped to its lowest point in years.
  • Amherst College professor Austin Sarat, in a Guardian opinion analysis, called the speech a "declaration of war on US elections" framed as an effort to protect them.
 2026-07-17 · 3 MIN READ

House Republicans unveil $95B reconciliation framework for defense, farm aid, voter ID

Illustration accompanying article: House Republicans unveil $95B reconciliation framework for defense, farm aid, voter ID
  • House Republicans released a $95 billion budget reconciliation framework that includes $60 billion for defense, $13 billion for intelligence, $12 billion for farm assistance, and $10 billion for state voter-ID laws under the SAVE America Act.
  • The package is designed to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing a Democratic filibuster, and party leaders are pushing to complete the process before the November midterm elections.
  • House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington scheduled a markup meeting for Thursday and said the package would "stop Democrat obstruction, support our troops and safeguard the integrity of our elections."
  • Rep. Warren Davidson, an Ohio Republican, posted on social media that he expects the measure to be "dead on arrival," signaling potential opposition from fiscal conservatives.
 2026-07-15 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: House Democratic leaders split on measure to cut $3.3B in Israel aid

The Anti-Communist Owns the Company

2026-07-07

Government equity stakes make Washington the largest shareholder in Intel, MP Materials, and a growing portfolio — while the podium denounces communism.

The 219-Seat 'Mandate' Took the Fourth Off

2026-07-05

Speaker Johnson sent the House home for fireworks because a Luna-led rebellion couldn't even pass a routine procedural vote — seven Republicans didn't bother to show.

Everybody Means Him?

2026-07-04

Pepper points at the exact receipt behind the public prosperity line.

Four Democrats vie for Manhattan House seat in test for party's direction

2026-06-20

Four Democrats — a Kennedy heir, a combative anti-Trump lawyer, a veteran state lawmaker, and an AI-focused state representative — are competing in the final days of a closely watched primary for New York's 12th Congressional District, a safely Democratic Manhattan seat that opened when Rep. Jerry Nadler announced his retirement. The contest has become a proxy for broader national debates within the party over age, experience, and how strongly to confront President Donald Trump.

Texas Senate Race Turns Into a Battle Over Who Is More of a Man

2026-06-19

Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton is stoking a debate over manhood with his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, as the general election campaign heats up. Paxton, the state's attorney general, has questioned Talarico's masculinity before crowds and in ads, a strategy his campaign believes will resonate with Hispanic voters who have moved toward Republicans in recent election cycles.

Trump frustration grows as Senate GOP leader Thune keeps saying no

2026-06-18

President Donald Trump's frustration with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) has escalated over a series of policy disputes, most recently over a stalled voter-ID bill, as Thune continues to deliver unwelcome news about what the chamber can actually pass.

Lahmeyer ends Oklahoma congressional bid after texting scandal

2026-06-17

Jackson Lahmeyer, a Christian nationalist pastor and founder of Pastors for Trump who had been endorsed by Donald Trump, suspended his campaign for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District on Wednesday after a report emerged that he had sent intimate text messages to a former campaign fundraiser. The withdrawal leaves his runoff opponent, Mark Tedford, as the presumptive Republican nominee.

Hilton tells BBC his California governor bid aims to 'save' the state

2026-06-12

Former senior UK Conservative aide Steve Hilton, who advanced this week to the November general election for California governor, told the BBC his campaign is a push to 'save' the state from what he describes as overbearing bureaucracy and economic decline. The Republican candidate proposed a tax-free threshold on the first $100,000 of income, sharp reductions in energy prices, and cuts to what he called government 'bloat and waste.'

Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary despite controversies

2026-06-10

Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, overcoming a series of controversies to set up a general election matchup with Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Platner had about 75% of the vote with approximately 10% counted, compared with 18.6% for two-term Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April.

Navy admiral fired by Hegseth advances in South Carolina Democratic House primary

2026-06-10

Nancy Lacore, a three-star rear admiral fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year, advanced to a Democratic primary runoff in South Carolina’s 1st congressional district. Lacore will face Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford on June 23 for the right to contest the seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who did not seek reelection after an unsuccessful bid for governor.

Democratic group launches $50M ad campaign to flip Congress

2026-06-09

American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic group that previously focused on presidential races, launched a $50 million advertising campaign Tuesday targeting more than a dozen House and Senate contests, many in Republican-held districts, as the party seeks to flip control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.

Republican Steve Hilton advances to general election for California governor

2026-06-09

Republican Steve Hilton has secured a spot in the November general election for California governor, setting up a matchup against Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary. Hilton, a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, will face a heavily Democratic electorate in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly two to one.

Ex-Paxton lawyer endorses Democrat Talarico, faults Trump focus

2026-06-09

Houston attorney Dan Cogdell, who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for nearly a decade and served on his impeachment defense team, has endorsed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over his former client, saying Paxton as a politician is too focused on appeasing President Donald Trump.

Voters head to polls in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina primaries

2026-06-09

Voters in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota cast ballots Tuesday in primary elections that will set up key general-election contests for U.S. Senate, governor, and House seats. The races come as control of the Senate hangs in the balance heading into November.

More Republicans break with Trump as midterm elections approach

2026-06-06

A growing number of congressional Republicans have in recent weeks voted against President Donald Trump's wishes on Iran war powers, Ukraine aid, and immigration enforcement spending, reflecting mounting unease within the party as the November midterm elections near and Trump has said he does not care about the outcome.

Becerra clinches general election spot in California governor race

2026-06-06

Democrat Xavier Becerra has secured a spot in California's November general election, the Associated Press projected Friday, completing a come-from-behind primary victory in the crowded race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Election officials are still counting ballots to determine whether Becerra will face fellow Democrat Tom Steyer or Republican Steve Hilton in the fall.

Democrats spar over AI money in fiery Manhattan debate

2026-06-05

Candidates for a competitive Manhattan congressional seat clashed during a debate Thursday night, with state Assembly Member Alex Bores — a leading proponent of AI regulation — becoming the primary target amid a surge of outside spending from technology companies.

Trump alleges without evidence Democrats are 'cheating' in California primaries

2026-06-04

Donald Trump alleged without evidence that Democrats are cheating in California's primary elections, claiming in a late-night social media post that the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles was investigating. The president's unfounded remarks are likely to further alarm election observers who have warned that prolonged counting invites misinformation.

Tech-backed candidates advance in California primary despite Mahan loss

2026-06-04

Silicon Valley's substantial investment in California's primary election yielded mixed results Tuesday, as tech-backed gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan conceded after securing roughly 4% of the vote, while industry-supported candidates for other offices advanced toward the November general election.

Two Dan Sullivans appear on Alaska Senate primary ballot

2026-06-03

Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan faces a field of 15 competitors in Alaska's primary election for his Senate seat — including another candidate named Dan Sullivan. The incumbent senator accused Democrats and his chief rival, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, of orchestrating the name duplication to confuse voters, while Peltola's campaign and the Alaska Democratic Party denied any involvement.

Turek wins Iowa Democratic Senate primary, will face Hinson in November

2026-06-03

Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst on Tuesday, defeating state Sen. Zach Wahls in a contentious primary that became a proxy battle over the party's direction. Turek will face Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who earned former President Donald Trump's endorsement, in the November general election in a race Democrats see as one of their best pickup opportunities in a state the GOP has dominated for a decade.

Republican's primary showing threatens California Democrats' redistricting goal

2026-06-03

Michael Stansfield, a 50-year-old tech support worker and former seminary student, took out a home equity loan to pay the $17,000 filing fee to run as a Republican in a Sacramento-area congressional district. On Wednesday, the day after California's primary, Stansfield was holding onto second place — enough to potentially lock Democrats out of the November general election in a race the party had made a centerpiece of its national redistricting strategy.

Steve Hilton expresses optimism as California primary remains undecided

2026-06-03

Republican Steve Hilton on Tuesday expressed optimism that he will advance to the general election in California's governor race, even as vote counting continued and the Associated Press had not called the winner of the primary. Hilton, who served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron and later as a Fox News host, is seeking to become the state's first Republican governor in more than 15 years.

Democrats nominate army doctor, Paralympian in primary wave

2026-06-03

Democrats across several states selected nominees on Tuesday in primaries that will shape the battle for control of Congress and governor’s mansions in November. The winners included a navy veteran in New Jersey, a Paralympic gold medalist in Iowa, an army veteran and plastic surgeon who served in Gaza, and a prolific California state senator.

Trump says Vance-Rubio ticket for 2028 would be 'unbeatable'

2026-06-03

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a 2028 Republican presidential ticket pairing Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be "unbeatable." Trump made the remark during an interview with the "Pod Force One" podcast, adding fresh fuel to ongoing speculation about the 2028 GOP primary race.

Louisiana, Kentucky GOP primaries test Trump's power to shape 2026 field

2026-06-02

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky lost primary challenges to Trump-backed opponents last month in contests that The Wall Street Journal described as defining tests of the president's influence over the next generation of Republican candidates.

Paxton, Platner converge on Washington as Senate control hangs in balance

2026-06-02

U.S. Senate candidates Ken Paxton, a Texas Republican, and Graham Platner, a Maine Democrat, made parallel pilgrimages to the nation's capital on Tuesday to rally party support, each facing skepticism from within their own coalitions about whether their campaigns could cost their parties winnable races in the November midterms. Control of the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term is at stake.

California slow vote counting could delay primary results for weeks

2026-06-02

California's notoriously slow vote-counting system could delay results from Tuesday's primary elections for days or weeks in the tightest races, as elections offices face a deluge of last-minute absentee ballots. Voting experts say the lag, which past cycles have left the country waiting to learn which party controls the House of Representatives, creates a political vulnerability that elected officials from both parties are bracing for.

Iowa, California, Montana hold primary elections Tuesday

2026-06-02

Voters in six states, including Iowa, California and Montana, went to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that will set the stage for November’s midterm contests. Democrats aim to flip Iowa’s governor’s office and a Senate seat while Republicans look to hold open seats in several competitive races.

Doctors mount midterm challenge to Trump health policies

2026-06-02

A wave of Democratic doctors, scientists and public health professionals are running for office in the 2026 midterm elections, citing the Trump administration's health policies — including deep cuts to public health funding and a surge in vaccine misinformation — as a direct threat to public health, according to interviews with more than a dozen candidates.

Illinois lawmakers send bill barring private equity control of law firms to Pritzker

2026-06-01

The Illinois state Senate passed House Bill 5487 on Saturday, sending legislation to Gov. JB Pritzker that would strengthen state prohibitions on nonlawyers managing law firms. The measure targets corporate structures that critics say allow private-equity investors to exercise de facto control over legal practices without technically owning them.

California voters head to polls in high-stakes governor primary

2026-06-01

California voters cast ballots Tuesday in a nonpartisan primary to select two finalists for the state’s governorship, a contest that will determine the leadership of the nation’s most populous state set to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Texas Senate general election pits Talarico against Paxton in November

2026-06-01

Texas voters will choose in November between Democratic state representative James Talarico, a progressive former seminarian with a $27 million campaign war chest, and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump-aligned incumbent who has faced corruption charges and impeachment proceedings.

California governor and Los Angeles mayor races remain wide open ahead of primary

2026-06-01

California voters head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that feature tightly contested open races for governor and Los Angeles mayor. The contests are defined by uncertainty, drawing outsider candidates and established political figures into a state-wide and municipal spotlight as campaigns enter their final days.

Democrat Rob Sand eyes Iowa governor’s race as party targets midterm gains

2026-06-01

State Auditor Rob Sand has formally campaigned to succeed retiring Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative in a state Democrats have struggled to win since 2011. As Iowa voters head to primary polls Tuesday, party strategists see shifting national dynamics and elevated fuel costs as potential openings to flip three U.S. House seats and a retiring Senate seat.

Markey wins Massachusetts Democratic endorsement over Moulton

2026-06-01

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey won the Massachusetts Democratic Party's endorsement Saturday, defeating U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton with nearly 73% of delegate support at the state convention in Worcester. Moulton, a moderate Democrat challenging the incumbent, secured nearly 27% of the vote — enough to clear the 15% threshold required to appear on the September primary ballot.

Columnist argues Cornyn loss mirrors GOP shift from party to personality cult

2026-05-31

Guardian columnist Sidney Blumenthal argued on Saturday that Sen. John Cornyn's recent primary defeat to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton marks a terminal shift in the Republican Party, which Blumenthal said has transformed from a policy-driven institution into a personality-focused movement.

Jackson State’s new president will receive leadership coaching after years of turnover

2026-05-30

Jackson State University President Denise Jones Gregory, who assumed the permanent role May 1 after a year as interim, will receive a year of outside leadership coaching — a move that comes as the historically Black university navigates persistent challenges including rapid leadership turnover, a student housing shortage and strained alumni relations. The coaching is part of a $97,500 contract between the state’s higher education board and the executive search firm AGB Search, according to a copy obtained by Mississippi Today.

Trump endorses in South Carolina, Iowa, Oklahoma governor races

2026-05-30

President Donald Trump endorsed three Republican gubernatorial candidates on Friday, backing South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra and former Oklahoma state senator Mike Mazzei as their states’ primary elections approach.

California governor candidates make closing pitches as primary nears end

2026-05-30

California gubernatorial candidates are rushing to deliver their closing arguments as the state's primary election approaches its Tuesday conclusion, with former U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra, billionaire campaigner Tom Steyer and businessman Steve Hilton making their final pitches to voters.

Tom Steyer sets national record with $195 million ad blitz in California

2026-05-27

Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer has spent or booked more than $195 million on television, cable and radio advertising in his campaign for California governor, the highest political ad spending of any candidate in the nation this year, according to data from the advertising tracking firm AdImpact.

Paxton defeats Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate runoff after Trump endorses challenger

2026-05-27

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's sustained effort to align himself with President Donald Trump could not prevent his defeat in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff on Tuesday. The four-term incumbent lost by a double-digit margin to state Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Associated Press reported, becoming the latest in a series of GOP officeholders to fall to a primary challenger after losing the president’s support.

Trump is getting the GOP he wants, but can he win the midterms?

2026-05-27

Donald Trump is using his influence to steer the Republican Party toward candidates he favors, most recently backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate runoff. At a Cabinet meeting, Trump told officials that the war with Iran, not the November midterms, is his only priority, while Republican strategists warn his focus could hurt the party’s chances in the fall. Democrats see the president’s economic rhetoric and the Iran conflict as ammunition for upcoming campaign ads.

Christian Menefee defeats Al Green in Texas Democratic runoff

2026-05-27

Christian Menefee, a 38‑year‑old Democrat, beat 78‑year‑old incumbent Al Green in a Texas primary runoff on May 27, 2026. The race in a Houston‑area district was shaped by a pro‑cryptocurrency super PAC that spent millions to unseat Green. Menefee praised Green’s legacy and condemned Republican‑led redistricting that delayed the election.

Trump touts Paxton win as GOP midterm warning signs mount

2026-05-27

President Donald Trump on Wednesday celebrated Texas Republican Ken Paxton’s Senate runoff victory over Sen. John Cornyn as a sign of momentum for his party’s November midterm prospects, even as Republican operatives warned that his tightening grip on the GOP could backfire with a broader electorate that has soured on his second term and the economy.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ousts Sen. John Cornyn in GOP runoff

2026-05-26

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff on Tuesday, capitalizing on President Donald Trump's endorsement to become the first Republican senator from Texas to lose the party's nomination for reelection.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner defends Red Sox ad after it’s pulled

2026-05-26

Democrat Graham Platner, the presumptive Senate nominee in Maine, aired a 15‑second advertisement during a Boston Red Sox broadcast that accused the team’s owners of a “private‑equity curse.” The spot was removed by New England Sports Network (NESN) before the game ended, and Platner said the pull coincided with the Red Sox surrendering a 4‑0 lead. The incident has sparked a fresh round of criticism of Platner’s judgment as he campaigns to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Cornyn tried to avoid Trump's wrath but lost Texas Senate primary to Paxton

2026-05-26

A runoff for an open Texas U.S. Senate seat ended Tuesday with incumbent Sen. John Cornyn losing to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to Associated Press reporting. The loss highlighted how, in the Republican Party’s primaries, candidates who stand out from President Donald Trump’s agenda can still face political punishment. Cornyn had tried for more than a year to demonstrate alignment with Trump, even as Paxton emerged as Trump’s preferred choice.

Cornyn and Paxton flood Texas airwaves, avoid public on final day of runoff

2026-05-25

Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton held no public campaign events Monday, the final day before the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Instead, the two candidates waged their contest through a $109 million television ad blitz that has defined the race for months, with President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Paxton looming over the airwaves.

Cornyn, Paxton face off in Texas GOP Senate runoff as Trump endorses challenger

2026-05-25

Texas voters will decide a Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate on Tuesday pitting four-term incumbent John Cornyn against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, with President Donald Trump endorsing Paxton in a contest that will gauge Trump's sway over the party and set the stage for a general election Democrats view as increasingly competitive.

Scripps Spelling Bee finals return to Washington with new host Mina Kimes

2026-05-25

The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee concludes Thursday night at Constitution Hall in Washington, marking the competition’s return to the nation’s capital and the debut of a new television host. The three-day event, which began Tuesday, will crown its 111th champion from a field of the country’s top young spellers, according to the Associated Press.

Cornyn and Paxton flood Texas airwaves before GOP Senate runoff

2026-05-25

Voters in Texas on Monday saw few public campaign events from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton as they headed into Tuesday’s GOP runoff, but both candidates’ messages kept spreading across television and radio. The Associated Press reported their advertising blitz has topped $109 million, with Cornyn’s side spending far more than Paxton’s as the race enters its final day.

Democrats feud over stock trades while sharpening attacks on Trump

2026-05-25

The Democrats’ push to frame congressional stock trading as a corruption issue is colliding with infighting inside the party, as candidates trade accusations about personal wealth ahead of midterm and runoff contests. In a Texas House runoff, Colin Allred and Julie Johnson clashed over Johnson’s Palantir-related trades and over Allred’s own financial disclosures as they try to persuade voters skeptical of politicians profiting in Washington. The feud reflects a broader Democratic debate over money in politics as the party seeks to sharpen its anti-corruption message against President Donald Trump.

Democrats slam Texas House candidate over remarks seen as antisemitic

2026-05-25

A Democratic primary runoff in South Central Texas is drawing condemnation after party leaders and local Jewish leaders criticized candidate Maureen Galindo for remarks they said were antisemitic. Galindo, a housing activist and sex therapist, faces Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy John Garcia in the runoff scheduled for tomorrow.

Christian nationalism’s growing influence on U.S. government

2026-05-25

In a new NPR series, religion correspondent Jason DeRose examines a recent shift in how Americans view the relationship between church and state, and what that means for U.S. politics. DeRose points to a Pew Research survey suggesting that religion’s influence on government is increasingly salient for many Americans—even as most people who say the influence is rising also say it makes them uncomfortable.

Texas GOP Senate runoff pits Cornyn vs. Paxton in Trump-backed showdown

2026-05-25

Voters in Texas will hold a Republican primary runoff on Tuesday to decide the party’s U.S. Senate nominee, after John Cornyn and Ken Paxton both advanced from the March 3 contest. The winner will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election, with the runoff also unfolding alongside primary runoffs in more than a dozen House districts and state races.

Young Republicans in Kentucky question Trump as party plans next steps

2026-05-24

Over a recent evening in northern Kentucky, more than a dozen young Republicans gathered at a bar and said their excitement for President Donald Trump has soured into frustration as the party wrestles with life after him. Speaking with The Associated Press, they pointed to Trump’s war with Iran, economic uncertainty and a generational rift with older conservatives. Several said they want younger voices in Washington as they reassess which Republicans they can support.

Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary as Trump-backed challenger defeats him

2026-05-23

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie lost his Republican House primary on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, after President Donald Trump endorsed and attacked his opponent. The defeat left a libertarian-leaning, frequently independent voting style without a path to the House in the next Congress.

Progressives win Philadelphia House primary as Chris Rabb heads to Washington

2026-05-23

Progressives claimed a major win Tuesday in a Philadelphia Democratic House primary, with Chris Rabb finishing 15 percentage points ahead of his nearest rival. With no Republican candidate on the ballot, Rabb, a self-described Democratic socialist, is expected to move to Congress, where his backers say their momentum is headed for more races. Rabb, 55, cast his victory as a push for government that answers to voters rather than donors.

Trump veered off-topic in New York while promoting SALT tax cuts

2026-05-23

President Donald Trump traveled to the Hudson Valley on Friday to promote the tax law he signed last year, appearing with Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ahead of a competitive House race. At Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, Trump began with material he said was about the economy but veered into voter identification, crime, transgender women in sports and a new name for Democrats before returning to taxes.

David Brock Smith wins GOP primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon

2026-05-23

David Brock Smith won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon on Friday and will face Democratic incumbent Jeff Merkley in November, following the state’s May 19 primary election. Merkley, first elected in 2008, is generally viewed as having a safe seat, with Oregon having not elected a Republican U.S. senator since 2002.

Most of Maine’s county commissioners are aging, with younger challengers

2026-05-23

In Maine, many county commissioners are in their 60s and 70s, and some are serving into their 80s, according to reporting on the state’s commissioner class. As Lincoln County’s William Blodgett, 89, prepares to retire, Democrats are offering younger candidates—though local jobs that are part-time and often low-paid can make campaigns harder for working-age residents. Supporters of age limits in other races, including the U.S. Senate contest, are also drawing new attention to whether age should matter in public service.

Young Republicans wrestle with disappointment in Trump in Kentucky

2026-05-23

In northern Kentucky, a group of young Republicans met at a bar called dEcORa to talk politics with the Associated Press, describing their support for Donald Trump as turning into frustration. Several said Trump’s war with Iran has broken campaign promises, and they criticized the Republican establishment for keeping the next generation on the sidelines.

Connecticut sees sharp rise in anonymous written bill testimony

2026-05-23

Connecticut lawmakers have received a surge of written testimony during the 2026 legislative session, with a growing share submitted anonymously. The increase—despite a state system that lets submitters include a name, title and organization—is raising questions for lawmakers about who is behind the messages and what impact they have on hearings.

Progressive Chris Rabb wins Philadelphia House Democratic primary in a landslide

2026-05-22

State Rep. Chris Rabb won the Democratic nomination for a Philadelphia-based U.S. House seat by 15 percentage points over his nearest rival in Tuesday’s primary, overcoming endorsements from the mayor, the city’s Democratic Party, and most of Pennsylvania’s U.S. House delegation. Rabb, a progressive who assailed his own party for listening more to donors than voters, credited a grassroots movement inspired by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. No Republican sought the GOP nomination, making Rabb the presumptive replacement for retiring Rep. Dwight Evans.

Trump veers off-topic in New York, touts Lawler SALT tax cuts

2026-05-22

President Donald Trump visited New York on Friday to support Rep. Mike Lawler’s re-election campaign, appearing at an event at Rockland Community College and touting the tax law he signed last year. The speech, meant to focus on the economy, quickly veered into topics including voter identification, crime in cities, transgender women in sports and the opposition party’s name, “Dumocrats,” before returning to taxes and take-home pay.

Massie loses GOP primary after Trump-backed challenger ousts incumbent

2026-05-22

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie lost his Republican House primary on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, after President Donald Trump backed and attacked his eventual replacement, Ed Gallrein. The defeat underscored Trump’s influence over primary outcomes in the party, coming after the president helped topple Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana over the weekend.

Full-Time Spelling Bee Coach Scott Remer Charges $180 per Hour as His Champs Win

2026-05-22

When the Scripps National Spelling Bee gets underway in Washington on Tuesday, a 32-year-old former speller in an aloha shirt will be watching closely from offstage. Scott Remer is the only full-time, professional spelling coach in the country, and his students — including the last two national champions — are once again among the favorites to reach the finals.

Maine county commissioners trend older as 87-year-old Democrat seeks Lincoln County seat

2026-05-22

Most of Maine’s county commissioners are in their 60s and 70s, according to an Associated Press review, a trend that is deepening as 89-year-old Lincoln County Commissioner William Blodgett prepares to step down at year’s end. Blodgett’s only major-party replacement candidate is Walter Voskian, an 87-year-old Democrat and former CIA officer who said his decades of national-security experience outweigh concerns about his age.

Young Kentucky Republicans voice frustration with Trump presidency after Massie defeat

2026-05-22

A group of young Republicans gathered at a bar in Covington, Kentucky, told the Associated Press they have grown disillusioned with President Donald Trump’s second term, pointing to the war with Iran, the defeat of anti-establishment Rep. Thomas Massie in this week’s primary, and a sense that the Republican establishment they thought Trump would dismantle is instead tightening its grip.

Trump’s week in Washington mixes ballot-box wins with legislative headaches

2026-05-22

President Trump’s week in Washington ended with legislative setbacks and a warning from NPR’s political team about the unintended consequences of his political dominance. NPR reported that Trump-backed challengers won GOP primaries this week, but that House and Senate Republicans also went into early recess to avoid votes on Iran war powers and a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.

Most of Maine’s county commissioners are aging as younger challengers emerge

2026-05-22

Maine’s county commissioners are largely in their 60s and 70s, with some serving into their 80s. In Lincoln County, 87-year-old Walter Voskian is poised to replace 89-year-old William Blodgett, while other counties are seeing younger candidates and appointees. The AP reports that the age gap in local government is now part of a broader debate over whether age should limit elected officials.

Georgia GOP sets Senate runoff with Dooley vs. Collins; Bottoms wins Dems

2026-05-22

Georgia Republicans will hold runoffs to choose nominees for governor and U.S. Senate after the state’s primary failed to produce outright winners, the Associated Press reported. Former college football coach Derek Dooley advanced to face Rep. Mike Collins in the GOP Senate runoff, after Rep. Buddy Carter was eliminated, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson advanced in the Republican governor primary.

California GOP primary pits Calvert and Kim in fight over Trump loyalty

2026-05-22

A contentious U.S. House Republican primary is underway in southeast California, where incumbents Ken Calvert and Young Kim are attacking each other over loyalty to President Donald Trump ahead of a June 2 vote. The race has been intensified by negative advertising on both sides in the newly redrawn district, which is also seen as pivotal to national House control.

David Brock Smith wins GOP primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon

2026-05-22

David Brock Smith won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon on Friday, the Associated Press reported, setting up a November general election against Democratic incumbent Jeff Merkley. The state senator emerged from a field of seven candidates to challenge Merkley, who has held the seat since 2008.

Duggan suspends Michigan governor run, citing “toxic” Trump-era politics

2026-05-22

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Thursday he is suspending his independent campaign for Michigan governor, citing an increasingly “toxic” political climate linked to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran and rising gas prices. Duggan, who would have tried to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, told The Associated Press it was “very hard to win” and that he sees no “likely path to win.” The Michigan primary is Aug. 4, with the general election Nov. 3.

Paxton spotlights Trump’s endorsement in Texas Senate runoff vs. Cornyn

2026-05-22

Republican Ken Paxton is pressing his bid in the final days of the U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, leaning on President Donald Trump’s endorsement, according to a campaign stop near Austin on Thursday. Paxton told a small rally he didn’t know whether people noticed Trump’s endorsement, drawing applause, as the race draws national attention and large advertising spending.

Tuberville, Doug Jones set Alabama governor rematch; Senate, House races headed to runoffs

2026-05-22

Alabama voters on Tuesday set up a rematch between Republican incumbent-hopeful Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones for governor, while GOP and Democratic nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat will be decided in June runoffs. Alabama also plans to void results in four congressional districts after redistricting litigation, triggering special primaries in August.

Tuesday primaries show Trump’s sway, Shapiro’s wins in key races

2026-05-22

Tuesday’s primaries across several states left party insiders focused on two themes: President Donald Trump’s continuing influence over Republican nominees and Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s strength in supporting congressional challengers. In Kentucky, Trump-backed newcomer Ed Gallrein defeated Rep. Thomas Massie in the Republican House primary, while in Georgia two candidates aligned with party figures on different sides of Trump’s 2020 claims both lost.

Trump veers off-topic at New York rally, touts tax cuts amid midterm push

2026-05-21

SUFFERN, N.Y. — President Donald Trump used a campaign-style rally in a competitive New York congressional district on Friday to test his midterm economic message, but he veered repeatedly off-script, touching on voter ID, crime, transgender athletes, and the Democratic Party before circling back to tax cuts.

Trump veers off economy message during New York visit for Rep. Mike Lawler

2026-05-21

President Donald Trump traveled to the Hudson Valley region of New York on Friday to promote the tax law he signed last year and to support Republican Rep. Mike Lawler ahead of November elections. The event at Rockland Community College was framed as an economics message, but Trump veered off-topic at the start, talking about voter identification, crime in cities, transgender women in sports and using “Dumocrats” for Democrats. Trump and Lawler emphasized the law’s state and local tax, or SALT, changes as they sought to counter slumping approval ratings on the economy.

How Karl Rove Uses Polls to Sell the Trump-Donor Class a Concession

2026-05-21

Karl Rove's op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, published Wednesday, May 20, 2026, deploys a familiar set of apparatus-management techniques beneath the guise of mid-term electoral triage. This column walks through the piece paragraph by paragraph as it appears, exposing how a former White House insider tells his own coalition to absorb the consequences of its own leadership while pretending the blame belongs to a single errant commander-in-chief.

Young Kentucky Republicans voice growing frustration with Trump presidency

2026-05-21

Over a dozen young Republicans gathered at a Covington, Kentucky, bar this month and described their disillusionment with Donald Trump's presidency, saying they still support his party but cannot wait for him to leave office. The group, ranging in age from their 20s to mid-30s, said they feel abandoned by a Republican establishment they once hoped Trump would dismantle and that his administration has instead sustained.

Texas Democrats seek to block antisemitic-views candidate in runoff

2026-05-21

Democrats are trying to prevent Maureen Galindo from winning the Democratic nomination in Texas’ 35th Congressional District runoff Tuesday, after accusing her of repeatedly expressing antisemitic views. Galindo is running against Johnny Garcia, and Democrats have said Republicans helped back her campaign.

Trump-Backed Gallrein Ousts Massie in Kentucky GOP Primary

2026-05-21

Ed Gallrein, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, defeated U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie in the Kentucky Republican primary. The race, which was the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, highlighted Trump's continued influence within the GOP.

Dooley advances to Georgia GOP Senate runoff; Bottoms wins Democratic nod

2026-05-21

Georgia Republicans will hold runoffs for U.S. Senate and governor after Tuesday’s primary left no winners, with former college football coach Derek Dooley facing Rep. Mike Collins for the Republican Senate nomination. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, setting up a June 16 runoff between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson for the GOP slot.

Former Detroit Mayor Duggan suspends Michigan governor run

2026-05-21

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Thursday he is suspending his campaign for Michigan governor, citing an increasingly “toxic” political climate tied to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran and rising gas prices. Duggan, a longtime Democrat running as an independent, said it has become “very hard to win,” with Democrats he expected to back him galvanizing against what is happening in Washington.

Trump faces dissent from a small but growing group of Hill Republicans

2026-05-21

WASHINGTON (AP) — A small but steadily growing group of Republican lawmakers known as the “YOLO caucus” is breaking more often with President Donald Trump, potentially complicating his congressional agenda as the GOP’s majority remains narrow. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, reversed himself on legislation involving the war in Iran and voted with Democrats to rein in U.S. military action, according to AP.

Tuberville and Doug Jones set Alabama governor rematch; GOP Senate runoff next

2026-05-21

Alabama voters have set up a rematch for governor between Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and former Sen. Doug Jones, while GOP and Democratic candidates in an open U.S. Senate race will face June runoff elections. The governor’s race will again pair the two former rivals, after both won their party primaries this week.

Tuesday primaries show Trump’s reach in GOP contests and Shapiro’s clout

2026-05-21

President Donald Trump’s endorsement helped dislodge Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky and shaped Republican contests across Georgia, Alabama and other states, according to takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries. On the Democratic side, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro backed four congressional candidates who won their nominations, while Alabama’s primaries saw parts of the ballot voided after court-related redistricting moves.

Alabama Senate race heads to runoff; Tuberville and Jones set for governor rematch

2026-05-20

Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson will face U.S. Rep. Barry Moore in a June 16 runoff for the Republican nomination for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat, while U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones are headed for a rematch in the governor’s race this fall, after Tuesday’s primary elections set the fields in the state’s most closely watched contests.

Trump’s false 2020 election claims dominate Georgia GOP primary runoffs

2026-05-20

President Donald Trump’s years-long false assertions that the 2020 presidential election was stolen have become a defining feature of Georgia’s Republican primary runoffs, with several candidates who have echoed those claims advancing to June contests for governor, U.S. Senate, and secretary of state. The first-round results on Tuesday showed that loyalty to Trump on the issue remains a potent force within the GOP, though some conservatives worry the focus could alienate general-election voters in November.

Vance takes the spotlight at White House briefing after Rubio’s turn

2026-05-20

Vice President JD Vance stepped into the White House briefing room on Tuesday and fielded reporter questions for 54 minutes as Republicans sharpen early preparations for the 2028 presidential race. The appearance followed a briefing two weeks earlier by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was seen as a potential rival—possibly even a running mate—in 2028. Vance and Rubio also filled in temporarily for press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas Senate runoff

2026-05-20

President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate seat held by John Cornyn, boosting Paxton’s effort to unseat an incumbent. Trump made the endorsement in a social media post during a Paxton campaign event in Allen, Texas, with early voting for the May 26 runoff running through Friday.

Texas Democrats seek to block antisemitism-accused candidate in runoff

2026-05-20

Democrats are trying to stop Maureen Galindo from winning the Democratic nomination in a Tuesday runoff against Johnny Garcia in Texas’ 35th Congressional District, where Galindo has repeatedly expressed antisemitic views. Democratic leaders accused Republicans of backing Galindo’s campaign, and Galindo’s team has disputed the characterizations of her proposals.

Shapiro-backed Democrats win PA House primaries, set November matchups

2026-05-20

Democrats backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro won primary elections in several Pennsylvania swing congressional districts Tuesday, setting up the candidates the party hopes to use to flip House seats in November, the Associated Press reported. Shapiro also won the Democratic nomination in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, where he faces Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity after both prevailed in their primaries.

Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky GOP primary

2026-05-20

US Rep. Thomas Massie lost the Kentucky Republican House primary on Tuesday to Ed Gallrein, a president-backed challenger, in a contest that reflected Donald Trump's clout with GOP voters. Massie, who has served in Congress since 2012, acknowledged in his concession remarks that he had pursued voters for both him and Trump.

Tuesday primaries show Trump’s pull and Democrats’ wins across key states

2026-05-20

U.S. voters on Tuesday chose nominees in Republican and Democratic primaries across several states, reshaping campaigns ahead of the fall general election. The Associated Press said Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s loss to a Trump-backed challenger underscored Trump’s power over his party. The AP also reported that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s endorsed Democrats all won their primaries.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy calls special session to advance gas line bill

2026-05-20

Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered Alaska lawmakers to convene in Juneau for a special session on Thursday to consider House Bill 381, a natural gas taxation measure tied to an LNG pipeline project. The order came one day after the deadline for the regular session, as House and Senate lawmakers paused negotiations over competing versions of the bill.

Alabama Senate race heads to runoff with Democrats set after Tuesday primaries

2026-05-20

Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson advanced Wednesday to a June 16 runoff against U.S. Rep. Barry Moore for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat, the Associated Press reported. On the Democratic side, business owner Dakarai Larriett and lawyer Everett Wess moved to a runoff after Tuesday’s primary, as Alabama’s governor’s race and congressional redistricting fights continue to shape the political map.

Trump faces dissent from small but growing group of Hill Republicans

2026-05-20

WASHINGTON (AP) — A small but steadily growing cohort of House and Senate Republicans is breaking with President Donald Trump, a shift that could complicate Trump’s congressional agenda as the party’s Capitol Hill majority remains tenuous ahead of the November midterms, Associated Press reported on May 20.

Tuberville and Jones set Alabama rematch; GOP Senate primary heads to runoffs

2026-05-20

Alabama voters on Tuesday advanced candidates for governor and an open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a rematch for the governorship between former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones and GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and runoff elections next month for the Senate nomination. The outcome for several House districts also faces possible disruption as Alabama prepares new primaries after a redistricting change, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act.

Oregon voters reject gas tax increase as pump prices soar

2026-05-20

Oregon voters on Tuesday rejected a gas tax increase and related fee changes passed last year by Democratic lawmakers. The outcome, decided through a referendum, was widely framed as a win for Republicans who put the measures to voters as prices at the pump rose amid the war with Iran. Republican state Sen. Bruce Starr said he was “not surprised at all that Oregonians have rejected a completely unpopular tax increase.”

Tuberville and Jones win primaries, set rematch for Alabama governor; Senate race to runoff

2026-05-19

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville won the Republican nomination for Alabama governor on Tuesday, according to results reported by the Associated Press, setting up a rematch with Democrat Doug Jones. Meanwhile, the race for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat will be decided in a June runoff after no candidate cleared the majority threshold in either party's primary.

Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Trump-backed challenger

2026-05-19

Rep. Thomas Massie, a seven-term Kentucky Republican known for his independent streak, lost his primary reelection bid Tuesday after President Donald Trump handpicked and backed challenger Ed Gallrein in what the Associated Press described as a vicious and costly campaign against the incumbent.

Massie loses GOP primary after Trump’s push for Ed Gallrein

2026-05-19

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie lost his Republican House primary Tuesday, after President Donald Trump backed and helped install Ed Gallrein as the challenger who defeated the incumbent, according to the Associated Press. Massie, a libertarian-leaning backbench Republican who often voted against party and presidential priorities, cast his loss as a fight over whether lawmakers should follow the president or the Constitution.

Vance, Rubio turn White House briefing rostrum into early 2028 campaign stage

2026-05-19

Vice President JD Vance spent 54 minutes at the White House briefing room lectern on May 19, five minutes longer than Secretary of State Marco Rubio's appearance two weeks earlier, as the two leading potential Republican presidential candidates used their temporary role as stand-in press secretaries to make early overtures to the 2028 electorate, the Associated Press reported.

Shapiro-backed Democrats win Pennsylvania House primaries, governor's race set

2026-05-19

Democrats in Pennsylvania backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro won their primaries Tuesday in three swing congressional districts, setting up November matchups that party leaders hope will flip four Republican-held seats and help capture a U.S. House majority. Shapiro will face Republican Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the general election after both coasted to their party nominations.

Oregon voters head to polls in primary elections for governor, Congress and gas tax measure

2026-05-19

Oregon voters went to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and House seats, and to decide a ballot measure that would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to fund transportation infrastructure projects. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, facing nearly two dozen challengers in her primary, has made President Donald Trump a central target of her reelection campaign.

Massie faces Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky GOP primary

2026-05-19

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who has been one of President Donald Trump's most vocal critics in Congress, faces a primary challenge Tuesday from Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL who entered the race at Trump's urging. The contest in the 4th Congressional District is the marquee race in Kentucky's primary elections.

Hegseth assails Massie in Kentucky primary, praises Trump-backed challenger

2026-05-19

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday traveled to Kentucky to campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie on the eve of the Kentucky primary, stepping away from the Iran war to wade into a congressional election testing President Donald Trump's political clout. Hegseth delivered remarks designed to undermine Massie, one of Trump's chief Republican critics in Congress, and to praise Massie's rival, former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

Georgia Republicans head to runoffs for Senate and governor after Tuesday primary

2026-05-19

Georgia Republicans failed to settle two marquee contests in Tuesday's primary, sending the state's Senate and governor races to June runoffs. Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley and U.S. Rep. Mike Collins advanced to the Republican runoff for the Senate nomination, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson will compete for the party's gubernatorial nod. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms secured the Democratic nomination for governor.

Massie's primary loss underscores Trump's grip on GOP

2026-05-19

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky lost his Republican primary Tuesday to Ed Gallrein, a challenger endorsed by President Donald Trump, in what the Associated Press described as the most expensive U.S. House primary in history.

Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky GOP primary, underscoring Trump’s influence

2026-05-19

Former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein defeated incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican House primary on May 19, 2026. The upset came after President Donald Trump hand‑picked and endorsed Gallrein, highlighting the president’s continued sway over GOP voters. Gallrein’s win also made the race the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, while other Trump‑backed candidates secured victories in the state’s Senate contests.

Former rivals Tuberville and Jones set for Alabama governor rematch

2026-05-19

Alabama’s Republican nominee for governor, Tommy Tuberville, and former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones won their Tuesday primaries, setting up a rematch for governor and runoffs next month for an open U.S. Senate seat, according to the Associated Press. The state is also poised to void results in four congressional districts after Supreme Court action weakened the Voting Rights Act, prompting special primaries in August.

Cassidy says he has no regrets after Trump impeachment vote cost seat

2026-05-19

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy returned to the U.S. Capitol after losing his Republican primary reelection bid and told reporters he has no regrets about his five-years-ago vote to convict President Donald Trump in a Senate impeachment trial. Cassidy said the vote upheld the Constitution and that he “feels very, very good” about how he served his country. He said his defeat in Louisiana followed Trump’s endorsement of a rival and years of questions about the impeachment vote.

Georgia Republicans set runoffs for Senate and governor after Tuesday primary

2026-05-19

Georgia Republicans are heading toward a runoff to choose their nominees for governor and the U.S. Senate after Tuesday’s primary failed to produce outright winners. The GOP Senate runoff will pit former college football coach Derek Dooley against Rep. Mike Collins, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson advanced in the governor race. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is set to face the eventual GOP Senate nominee in a battleground contest this November.

Hegseth targets Massie in Kentucky primary, calling Trump critic ‘desperate’

2026-05-19

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Kentucky on Monday to campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Massie’s Republican primary, attacking what he called Massie’s refusal to support President Donald Trump. Hegseth said he was speaking “as a private citizen,” while referencing Trump and pointing to Massie’s stance on the Iran war and other issues.

Oregon voters reject gas tax increase as pump prices soar

2026-05-19

Oregon voters on Tuesday rejected a gas tax increase and related fee changes that Democratic lawmakers passed last year, a result Republicans portrayed as a rebuke timed amid rising pump prices from the war with Iran. Democrats’ Gov. Tina Kotek and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley won their primary races, while state Sen. Christine Drazan won the GOP gubernatorial nomination to face Kotek in November.

Shapiro-backed Democrats win Pa. House primaries as GOP seats face challenge

2026-05-19

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and national Democrats celebrated Democratic primary wins Tuesday in four Pennsylvania congressional districts, setting up fall contests in which Democrats hope to flip Republican seats. The outcomes include contested Democratic primaries in three swing districts and an uncontested nomination in a fourth. Shapiro, facing Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in November after both won their primaries, said voters must “win in November” and return “accountability” to Washington.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary

2026-05-19

President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate, aiming to unseat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton and Cornyn advanced to a May 26 runoff after finishing as the top vote-getters in a March 3 primary in which no candidate won a majority. The endorsement reshaped expectations inside Texas and among Senate Republicans about the party’s resources for the general election.

Tuesday’s primaries: Massie’s loss, Shapiro wins, and gas-tax defeat

2026-05-19

President Donald Trump toppled Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican House primary Tuesday, a high-profile test of how GOP voters respond to Trump-backed challengers. On the Democratic side, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro won primaries for four candidates he endorsed, including in contested races. Other results included Georgia losses for Republican officials who had spoken out against Trump’s 2020 election claims and Alabama primaries in several congressional districts set to be voided after state leaders postponed the vote.

Vance and Rubio try for 2028 messaging from White House briefing rostrum

2026-05-19

Vice President JD Vance and former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio used the White House press briefing room on Tuesday as a high-visibility platform, while President Donald Trump has not yet named a successor and has publicly tested the two men as possible 2028 standard-bearers. Vance sat at the lectern for 54 minutes and addressed reporters after taking over temporarily for press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave. Rubio had filled in about two weeks earlier, also as a temporary replacement.

What to expect in Oregon’s primaries for governor, Congress and Measure 120

2026-05-19

Oregon voters are voting Tuesday in party primaries and a statewide ballot measure on transportation funding, with the results shaping November’s congressional and state races. In the governor’s race, Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek faces nine challengers in her party’s primary, while Republicans choose from a field of 14. Voters also decide whether to approve Measure 120, which would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to pay for road and bridge improvements.

Idaho voters head to polls Tuesday for primary elections

2026-05-19

Idaho voters will nominate candidates for federal, state and local offices in primary elections Tuesday, with Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch seeking a fourth term facing three primary challengers and Gov. Brad Little also on the GOP ballot. The contests will determine the nominees who will compete in November's general election, when Republicans will rely on Idaho to help maintain control of the U.S. Senate and House.

Democrats aim to flip four Pennsylvania House seats in Tuesday primary

2026-05-18

Democratic voters in Pennsylvania will choose their nominees Tuesday in four competitive congressional districts that the party views as critical to retaking the U.S. House of Representatives in November. All four Republican incumbents — Brian Fitzpatrick in the 1st District, Ryan Mackenzie in the 7th, Rob Bresnahan in the 8th, and Scott Perry in the 10th — are unopposed in their primaries and will face the winners of contested Democratic races.

Pennsylvania primary sets stage for Democrats to target four Republican House seats

2026-05-18

Washington (AP) — Democratic voters in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania primary will choose nominees in a race that could determine whether the party flips four Republican‑held U.S. House seats in the November 2026 midterms. The primaries also decide the tickets for lieutenant governor, the state Senate, the state House and a special election in the 196th House district.

Oregon voters reject gas tax increase amid soaring pump prices

2026-05-18

On May 19, 2026, Oregon voters rejected a 6‑cent‑per‑gallon gas‑tax increase and associated fees that Democratic lawmakers had passed the previous year, delivering a victory for Republicans who had mounted a referendum campaign amid soaring pump prices linked to the war in Iran. The measure, known as Measure 120, appeared on the ballot after Republican state Sen. Bruce Starr, who helped lead the campaign, said Oregonians were “not surprised” by the outcome. The rejection came as Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley easily won their primaries, while Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan secured the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky GOP primary

2026-05-18

US Rep. Thomas Massie lost Kentucky’s Republican House primary Tuesday to Ed Gallrein, a challenger Trump endorsed and backed, the Associated Press reported. The defeat adds to a series of Republican upsets in which voters backed Trump-aligned challengers against sitting incumbents. After the loss, Massie told supporters that “There is a yearning in this country for someone who will vote for principles over party,” AP reported.

Kentucky primaries: What to expect in GOP Massie challenge and Senate races

2026-05-18

Kentucky voters head to the polls Tuesday for state primaries that include a major contest in the 4th Congressional District and crowded races to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, with Democrats and Republicans also selecting candidates for the state legislature and U.S. House seats.

Idaho primaries Tuesday: key races, voting rules, and when polls close

2026-05-18

Idaho voters will head to the polls Tuesday for state primaries that determine Republican and Democratic nominees for federal and statewide offices, setting the stage for the November general election, the Associated Press reports. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time, with different cutoff times across Idaho’s time zones. The AP’s decision notes also break down who can vote in each party’s primary, the size of Idaho’s registered voter base, and what to expect from early ballot releases and vote-counting.

Alabama primaries set rematch for governor, runoffs for U.S. Senate seat

2026-05-18

Alabama voters head to runoffs next month for an open U.S. Senate seat after Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones won their governor primaries, setting up a rematch. The runoff for the Senate nomination will be held June 16, while redistricting litigation could force new House primaries in August under revised maps.

Georgia GOP sets up runoff for Senate nomination and governor after primary

2026-05-18

Georgia Republicans will head into June 16 runoffs after Tuesday’s primary left no outright winners for the Republican nominations for governor and U.S. Senate in the battleground state, with campaigns now turning to extra fundraising and organizing. The GOP Senate runoff pairs former college football coach Derek Dooley and Rep. Mike Collins, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson advance for governor. Democratic Rep. Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic nomination for governor.

Hegseth targets Massie in Kentucky as he praises Gallrein

2026-05-18

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Kentucky to campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Massie’s GOP primary, framing the contest as a test of President Donald Trump’s influence. Hegseth said he was speaking as “a private citizen” while repeatedly invoking Trump, as Massie criticized the move as politically driven.

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy says he has no regrets about Trump impeachment

2026-05-18

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, back in Washington after losing his Republican primary for reelection, said Monday he has no regrets about his “momentous” vote to convict President Donald Trump in his first impeachment trial. Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol, Cassidy said the vote upheld the Constitution, even as it cost him his seat.

Shapiro-backed Democrats win Pennsylvania House primaries in swing districts

2026-05-18

Shapiro-backed Democrats won Tuesday primaries in three Pennsylvania congressional swing districts, putting new Democratic nominees in place to challenge Republican incumbents in November, the Associated Press reported. Gov. Josh Shapiro also won his party’s nomination for governor without opposition and plans to face Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the fall.

Tuesday primaries show Trump’s sway and Democrats’ momentum

2026-05-18

President Donald Trump won another Republican primary on Tuesday, unseating Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky and reinforcing a pattern in which Trump-backed candidates take control of GOP nominations. On the Democratic side, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro won primary races for multiple endorsed candidates, while Alabama primaries were partially voided after the state postponed voting in several districts.

What to expect in Oregon’s primaries, from ballot rules to key races

2026-05-18

Oregon voters vote Tuesday in Democratic and Republican primaries for state and federal offices and a statewide ballot measure, while Democrats and Republicans choose nominees in separate contests. The Associated Press notes that Oregon elections are conducted predominantly by mail, with ballots due by 8 p.m. local time and counted over multiple days. The primaries also unfold with national politics in the background as Gov. Tina Kotek campaigns against President Donald Trump and voters weigh Measure 120’s proposal to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees for transportation improvements.

USA Today owner announces plan to acquire Detroit News, ending 36-year partnership

2026-05-18

USA Today Co., owner of the Detroit Free Press, announced on January 26, 2026, that it plans to acquire The Detroit News, consolidating two major Detroit newspapers under a single owner. The deal ends an almost 40-year joint operating agreement between the papers and is being funded through cash and financing from Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. The acquisition was expected to close by the end of January 2026.

Trump retribution ends Cassidy's Senate career five years after impeachment vote

2026-05-17

Sen. Bill Cassidy placed third in Louisiana's Republican Senate primary on Saturday, ending his reelection bid five years after he voted to convict President Donald Trump in the Jan. 6 impeachment trial — a vote Republican primary voters never forgave, despite Cassidy's years-long effort to align himself with Trump's agenda. Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow finished first and will face former Trump administration official John Fleming in a June 27 runoff for the Republican nomination.

Cassidy loses Louisiana GOP primary after Trump impeachment rift

2026-05-17

The political fallout from Bill Cassidy’s impeachment vote against President Donald Trump came into focus as Cassidy failed to advance in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary. Charles Wandfluh, who supported U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, said Cassidy’s approach left him trying to stay close to Trump after voting to convict him. Trump backed Letlow, praising her victory and declaring Cassidy’s political career over in a post on social media.

Georgia Republicans scramble to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff in November

2026-05-17

Georgia Republicans are competing in a Tuesday primary to choose a nominee to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November, as the party worries its chances are tighter than in past Senate races. Rep. Mike Collins, Rep. Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley, backed by outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp, are each aiming to position themselves for a general election against Ossoff.

Georgia voters pick GOP governor and Senate nominees in Tuesday primaries

2026-05-17

Voting ends in Georgia Tuesday in competitive Republican primaries for governor and a U.S. Senate seat that could shape the balance of the chamber in the Nov. 2026 elections, with runoff odds if no candidate wins a majority, the Associated Press reports. Polls close at 7 p.m. ET, and Republicans are seeking nominations to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp and to challenge first-term Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Idaho primaries: Risch, Little face GOP fields as Democrats pick challengers

2026-05-17

Idaho voters will hold primary elections Tuesday that will determine party nominees for U.S. Senate, House and several statewide offices, a step in setting up the 2026 general election, the Associated Press Decision Notes reported. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time (10 p.m. ET for much of the state, 11 p.m. ET in Pacific time counties), and the AP said it will declare winners only when a trailing candidate can no longer catch up.

Kentucky primaries Tuesday: Massie faces challenge in KY-4 and Senate race

2026-05-17

Kentucky voters head to the polls Tuesday for party primaries that will determine nominees for U.S. Senate, five U.S. House seats and the state General Assembly, plus a mayoral race in Louisville. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent Trump critic, faces Ed Gallrein in the Republican primary in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.

Oregon voters weigh Democratic and Republican primaries, Measure 120

2026-05-17

Oregon’s Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and a large field of challengers face voters Tuesday in a primary that also includes a statewide ballot measure, Measure 120. Voters will choose nominees for governor, the U.S. Senate and House seats, state Senate and state House races, and a nonpartisan state labor commissioner contest, as well as decide whether to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to fund transportation projects.

Pennsylvania primary elections set for Tuesday, with key House races in focus

2026-05-17

Pennsylvania Democrats and Republicans vote Tuesday in party primaries that will set nominees for competitive U.S. House seats and statewide offices, with polls closing at 8 p.m. ET. The Associated Press decision notes highlight that Democrats are seeking four Republican-held districts they view as critical for their effort to retake the House in November.

Ranch dressing dominates American tables after decades of rise

2026-05-17

Ranch dressing has reigned as America's best-selling salad dressing since the late 1990s, when it displaced Italian dressing from the top spot. What began as a creamy condiment for iceberg and romaine salads now competes with ketchup and other staples across American kitchens, adorning everything from hot wings and fried pickles to, in a more contentious application, pizza. The versatile dressing is now ubiquitous, equally likely to appear in grocery store aisles, cookbooks, and restaurant menus as in home kitchens across the country.

Democrats test red-state strategy: backing independents over own nominees

2026-05-16

Facing a party brand they acknowledge is toxic across much of red-state America, Democratic leaders are embracing a new strategy for the 2026 midterms: promoting independent candidates over their own party's nominees in several high-profile Senate and House races, party officials told The Associated Press.

Trump-backed Letlow and Fleming advance to Louisiana Senate runoff

2026-05-16

Julia Letlow and John Fleming advanced Saturday in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary, with Sen. Bill Cassidy failing to qualify for a runoff. Letlow will face Fleming in a runoff June 27 after both capitalized on President Donald Trump’s political influence as he presses party loyalty ahead of midterm elections, according to the Associated Press.

Kentucky GOP rivals keep distance from McConnell in Senate primary

2026-05-16

Kentucky Republicans vying to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell are calibrating their campaigns to keep him at arm’s length even as they acknowledge his continued influence. In Tuesday’s GOP primary, Rep. Andy Barr and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron are competing for the nomination, with both stressing they are not trying to relitigate the senator’s legacy. Political scientist Stephen Voss said the candidates are walking a “razor’s edge” between staying loyal to McConnell and responding to voter unhappiness with the senator’s era of party politics.

Alaska Legislature rejects Stephen Cox as attorney general nominee

2026-05-16

The Alaska Legislature rejected Stephen Cox as attorney general in a joint session on Thursday, voting 29-31. Opponents questioned Cox’s actions as acting attorney general, including turning over confidential voter data to the federal government and supporting out-of-state conservative lawsuits. Supporters cited his legal experience and said they were impressed by meetings with him.

Democrats test red-state strategy by backing independents in some races

2026-05-16

Democratic leaders are testing a red-state strategy in this year’s midterm contest season, in some cases encouraging voters to choose independents rather than Democratic nominees. In Nebraska, Democrats selected Cindy Burbank for the U.S. Senate race while also saying the effort aims to prevent an independent candidate, Dan Osborn, from drawing more support from the Democratic party line on the fall ballot.

Louisiana primaries set for Saturday, with Cassidy facing Trump-backed challenge

2026-05-16

Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday for a revamped primary election that includes a Republican contest for U.S. Senate featuring Sen. Bill Cassidy, state Treasurer John Fleming and U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow. The new schedule also includes primaries for state Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and a state school board, along with five statewide constitutional amendments.

Ex-Becerra aide Dana Williamson pleads guilty in campaign theft scheme

2026-05-15

Dana Williamson, a longtime Democratic power broker and former top adviser to Xavier Becerra, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, admitting her role in a plan to siphon money from Becerra’s dormant state campaign account. The admission, in a case that has shadowed Becerra’s bid for California governor, marks the second guilty plea in a scheme that prosecutors say diverted $225,000 for a former aide’s salary.

Immigration court becomes flashpoint in New York Democratic primary

2026-05-15

In New York's heavily Democratic congressional district, the June primary between incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman and former city Comptroller Brad Lander has turned the federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza into a campaign battleground. Both Democrats have made the Trump administration's deportation operations at the Lower Manhattan courthouse a central issue — but with sharply contrasting strategies.

Vance campaigns in Maine for LePage, says Democrats enable fraud

2026-05-15

Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Bangor, Maine, on Thursday for former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican vying to flip a competitive U.S. House seat, and accused Democrats of enabling widespread government fraud. The stop, the first Vance has billed as a fraud‑fighting event, sharpened a partisan message ahead of the state’s June 9 primary.

Turek, Wahls clash on electability in Iowa Senate Democratic debate

2026-05-15

Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls each argued in a Thursday debate that they represent the best chance to flip the open U.S. Senate seat this fall, highlighting a Democratic struggle over how to reclaim rural and working-class voters in a state that has trended Republican.

Hawaii governor signs law limiting corporate and dark money political spending

2026-05-15

Hawaii’s Democratic governor signed a bill on Thursday aimed at curbing corporate and hard-to-trace “dark money” influence in politics, a move officials say builds on efforts to respond to the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, and Hawaii officials say it will redefine corporations in a way that precludes them from spending on elections.

Vance promotes Trump anti-fraud work in Maine while attacking Democrats

2026-05-15

Vice President JD Vance visited Bangor, Maine, on May 14 and touted the Trump administration’s anti-fraud efforts while campaigning for former Gov. Paul LePage in the state’s competitive 2nd Congressional District primary. Vance, labeled “fraud czar” by President Donald Trump, also criticized Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and framed Democrats as enabling fraudsters. Mills and other Democratic-aligned groups said Vance’s messaging was aimed at distracting from costs and healthcare concerns.

Xavier Becerra bets on decades of experience in California governor race

2026-05-15

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democrat Xavier Becerra is leaning on more than 35 years in state and federal office as he seeks California governor in the June 2 primary, while critics in the final stretch question his competence and point to legal and record-based attacks. Becerra, formerly California attorney general and President Joe Biden’s health secretary, has recently benefited from endorsements and shifts in the Democratic field after Eric Swalwell exited.

Ex-aide in California Dems scheme pleads guilty; Becerra faces scrutiny

2026-05-15

Dana Williamson, a former top adviser for California Democratic political operations, pleaded guilty Thursday in Sacramento to charges including conspiracy tied to a scheme to steal campaign funds connected to Xavier Becerra’s tenure as a federal health secretary. The plea includes admissions to three counts, as her agreement lays out potential prison and fine exposure while her attorney argues federal guidelines point to a sentence far shorter. The case has added pressure to Becerra’s bid for California governor, which is set to finish June 2.

Democrats debate Iowa Senate primary candidates Turek and Wahls

2026-05-15

Two Democrats vying to be Iowa’s next U.S. senator debated Thursday on how to win the Republican-held seat, highlighting a dispute within their party over the best path to reclaim the chamber. State Rep. Josh Turek argued he can win by reaching independents and moderate Republicans who supported President Donald Trump, while State Sen. Zach Wahls criticized national Democratic leaders and called for winning back rural and working-class voters.

Voters weigh tax cuts against inflation in North Carolina Senate race

2026-05-14

North Carolina voters are weighing the effects of President Donald Trump's signature tax legislation against a continued climb in inflation as they prepare to cast ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. The economic tug-of-war is reshaping the political landscape in the battleground state, where retirees, service workers, and small-business owners report diverging impacts on their finances.

DNC Chair Ken Martin faces internal skepticism over leadership as midterms approach

2026-05-14

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is confronting a crisis of confidence among party officials less than six months before the 2026 midterms, even though Democrats have notched a string of election victories under his tenure. Major donors are holding back, liberal influencers are questioning his refusal to release an internal autopsy of the 2024 election, and some strategists have informally discussed recruiting a replacement, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Giuliani returns to his show after viral pneumonia hospitalization

2026-05-14

Rudy Giuliani returned to his conservative talk show Wednesday evening for the first time after being hospitalized with viral pneumonia earlier this month, the Associated Press reported. The 81-year-old former New York City mayor had been in critical condition and placed on a ventilator in early May at a hospital in Palm Beach, Florida.

Too-close-to-call Nebraska Democratic House primary puts 'blue dot' at stake

2026-05-14

The Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, the seat that gives the state its single “blue dot” electoral vote, was too close to call late Tuesday, with activist Denise Powell holding a narrow lead over state Sen. John Cavanaugh, the Associated Press reported. Powell led by about 2 percentage points with more than 51,000 votes counted, but Douglas County — home to more than 90% of the district — had a large number of ballots still to tally and expected to provide an update Wednesday afternoon. The winner will face Republican Brinkner Harding, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, in a November race for a seat Democrats see as a top pickup opportunity after five-term GOP Rep. Don Bacon’s retirement.

Hawaii governor signs law to curb corporate, dark-money political spending

2026-05-14

Hawaii Democratic Gov. Josh Green signed into law a bill aimed at reducing corporate and hard-to-track “dark money” influence in politics after the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, and redefines corporations in a way the state says prevents them from spending on elections.

Denise Powell wins Democratic primary in Nebraska’s blue-dot 2nd District

2026-05-14

Denise Powell won the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday, setting up a fall matchup against Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump. The Omaha-area district is a “blue dot” that has favored Democratic presidential candidates three out of five times since 2008, even as it elects a Republican representative for House. AP called the primary after Douglas County election officials reported the number of outstanding mail-in and provisional ballots left too few to change the outcome.

Massie bets Kentucky Republicans will stick with him despite Trump

2026-05-14

Rep. Thomas Massie is seeking reelection in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District as President Donald Trump backs a primary challenger and attacks Massie personally. In Covington, Ky., Massie supporters debated whether they can remain loyal to Trump while voting for Massie ahead of next Tuesday’s Republican primary.

“The Hills” villain makes a splash as candidate for LA mayor

2026-05-14

Spencer Pratt, known for playing a villain on the reality series “The Hills,” is drawing early attention in Los Angeles’ mayoral race as voters prepare to cast ballots in a June 2 election. Pratt is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and is betting that viral videos attacking Bass and other Democrats will carry him into a potential runoff.

Former NYC Mayor Giuliani returns to radio show after viral pneumonia

2026-05-14

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani returned to his conservative talk show Wednesday evening for the first time since being hospitalized earlier this month for viral pneumonia, the Associated Press reported. The 81-year-old opened “The Rudy Giuliani Show” with assurances that he was on the mend, though not yet fully recovered.

Nebraska Democratic House primary between Powell and Cavanaugh too close

2026-05-14

Omaha, Nebraska’s Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District House seat was too early to call late Tuesday, with Denise Powell leading state Sen. John Cavanaugh by about 2 percentage points as more than 51,000 votes were counted, according to the Associated Press. The winner will face Republican Brinkner Harding, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

DNC chair Ken Martin faces internal skepticism ahead of 2026 midterms

2026-05-14

Democrats keep winning at the ballot box, but Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin is facing a crisis of confidence among party officials ahead of the 2026 midterms. A coalition of party donors, allied strategists and influential voices has raised concerns over Martin’s leadership and his refusal to release an internal 2024 election “after-action report.” Martin has declined to comment, while allies cite a 50-state spending strategy and argue the party should stay focused on November.

Bahamians vote in snap election as PM Davis seeks second term

2026-05-13

Bahamians cast ballots Tuesday in a snap general election pitting Prime Minister Philip Davis and his Progressive Liberal Party against a resurgent opposition and a new third party, amid voter concerns over public healthcare, crime and the cost of living. The vote, called after Davis dissolved Parliament on April 8, will determine control of the island nation’s 41-seat legislature.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s 2nd District Democratic primary, setting up fall fight

2026-05-13

Denise Powell won the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday, defeating state Sen. John Cavanaugh in a close race. The Omaha-area district—often described as a “blue dot” because Democrats win it in some presidential years—now sets up Powell to face Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Massie bets Kentucky GOP voters will ignore Trump attacks in primary

2026-05-13

Republicans in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District are weighing Tuesday’s primary between Rep. Thomas Massie and Ed Gallrein, a challenger backed by President Donald Trump. Voters at a Lincoln Day Dinner in Covington said some are torn over how to balance support for Trump with loyalty to Massie, who has repeatedly broken with Trump’s agenda in Congress.

Bahamians head to polls in snap election after Parliament dissolved in April

2026-05-13

Bahamians voted Tuesday in a general election after Prime Minister Philip Davis dissolved Parliament on April 8 and called a snap vote. The incumbent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is seeking a second consecutive term, with the Free National Movement (FNM) and other candidates campaigning on issues including public health, crime, the cost of living and immigration.

Obama meets with Talarico in Texas ahead of May runoff

2026-05-13

Former President Barack Obama met with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico in Austin on Tuesday, according to the campaign’s supporters and Obama’s prior remarks. The visit aimed to boost Talarico’s bid in Texas, where Democrats face long odds in a race tied to who wins a May 26 Republican primary runoff.

Raffensperger running for Georgia governor after defying Trump in 2020

2026-05-12

In Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial primary next Tuesday, former state election chief Brad Raffensperger is trying to break from the political label he earned after defying Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The candidate, a conservative Christian businessman, is spending millions of his own money and says he wants voters to focus on jobs and government priorities rather than the fight that put him in Trump’s crosshairs.

Youngstown State launches Steubenville campus as Ohio consolidation debate intensifies

2026-05-10

Youngstown State University is opening its first regional campus this fall in Steubenville, Ohio, a city of 18,000 where roughly one in four residents live in poverty and higher education options vanished when Eastern Gateway Community College closed in 2024 amid a federal grant scandal. University President Bill Johnson, a former congressman for the region, described the new outpost as a lean operation that will save overhead by running services from Youngstown and offering 14 certificate and associate’s degree programs in welding, nursing, and business. The expansion comes as Ohio grapples with declining enrollment across its public universities, with Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy calling for consolidation of the state’s 14 institutions and Democrats pushing back.

Newark voters weigh in on Baraka's fourth-term bid in nonpartisan mayoral race

2026-05-10

Newark, New Jersey, voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose the city's mayor, with incumbent Ras Baraka seeking a fourth term against seven challengers. The nonpartisan race caps a turbulent year for Baraka, whose reelection bid follows his arrest at an immigration protest and a failed run for governor.

Youngstown State opens Steubenville campus this fall amid push to consolidate

2026-05-10

Youngstown State University is opening a new regional campus in Steubenville this fall on the former site of Eastern Gateway Community College, university President Bill Johnson said. Johnson described the outpost as a “lean operation” that will deliver services from Youngstown and rely on Steubenville-based academic programs.

What to expect in West Virginia’s primaries for Senate, House and courts

2026-05-10

Voting in West Virginia’s primary election opens Tuesday with polls closing at 7:30 p.m. ET, and with separate ballots for party-registered voters. The election includes contests for the U.S. Senate and House, state Senate and House races, and special and general elections for members of the state judiciary. Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey is not on the ballot but is backing candidates in key primaries as U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito seeks a third term.

Newark mayoral election pits Ras Baraka against seven challengers

2026-05-10

Newark, New Jersey, holds its mayoral election Tuesday with Ras Baraka seeking a fourth term as chief executive of the state’s largest city, facing seven challengers. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET, and if no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a June 9 runoff.

Trump proves power to purge GOP dissenters in Indiana primary, but midterm concerns remain

2026-05-08

In Indiana’s Tuesday primary, Donald Trump-backed challengers ousted nearly all Republican state senators who defied him on redistricting, a demonstration of the president’s enduring power to enforce party loyalty even as it drains millions from the GOP’s broader effort to hold Congress. The purge emboldened Trump’s push to unseat additional dissenters in Louisiana and Kentucky, but some party strategists fear the infighting is sapping attention and cash from the fight against Democrats in November.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins discloses longtime tremor amid reelection bid

2026-05-08

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine disclosed Wednesday that she has a benign essential tremor, a condition she has lived with for the entirety of her nearly three-decade Senate career, as she faces a competitive reelection fight in which age and health have become issues.

Major federal drug raid in Los Angeles spotlights public safety concerns

2026-05-08

Federal authorities and the LAPD carried out a major drug raid around MacArthur Park in downtown Los Angeles as the city’s mayoral primary campaign entered its final stretch. The operation led to 18 arrests and targeted fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, according to the U.S. attorney’s office and local officials. The raid also sharpened debate in the mayor’s race over public safety measures, including whether to end a needle exchange program at the park.

Indiana primary shows how Trump can punish Republicans who defy him

2026-05-08

Republicans in Indiana’s Tuesday primary tested how far President Donald Trump will go to punish party members who oppose his redistricting plans, with several of his endorsed challengers winning. The outcome underscored the leverage Trump and his allies have used in intraparty contests as the party heads toward November midterms.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins says she has a tremor, seeks reelection

2026-05-08

Republican Sen. Susan Collins disclosed Thursday that she has a benign essential tremor, saying it has been part of her decades-long Senate career and that it does not interfere with her work. Collins said she first confirmed the tremor to a Maine television station on Wednesday after online scrutiny of her health in recent videos.

Republicans worry Michigan takeover hopes are slipping amid Iran, gas

2026-05-08

Detroit Democrats won a special state Senate election by nearly 20 points, a result that Michigan Republicans said once looked within reach. The loss, coming as gas prices rise and the Iran war and tariffs weigh on the state’s auto and trade industries, is fueling doubt inside the GOP as it targets 2026 races for governor, the Legislature and the open U.S. Senate seat.

Kenyan politicians trade accusations of “goonism” as political violence rises

2026-05-08

Kenya’s political class is trading accusations of “goonism,” a term used by leaders to describe gangs that intimidate opponents, as Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen and other officials warn about political violence ahead of elections. Supporters and opposition figures also dispute whether the violence is driven by the state or by rivals, while religious leaders amplify concerns and weigh in with public rebukes and sermons.

Tech-backed Matt Mahan seeks California governor seat with AI, housing agenda

2026-05-07

Matt Mahan, San Jose’s mayor and a former tech executive, is trying to win the June 2 California governor’s primary as tech investors and allied groups pump money into his campaign while critics question his ties to the industry. In a Tuesday CNN debate, Mahan contrasted himself with rivals backed by Republicans and attacked “career politicians,” while labor leaders and progressives questioned whether he will regulate big technology.

California governor candidates spar on taxes, Trump and healthcare in debate

2026-05-07

The leading candidates for California governor clashed Tuesday in a CNN debate on taxes, President Donald Trump and state-funded healthcare for immigrants without legal status, as mail voting was already underway ahead of the June 2 primary. The race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom features Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan and Antonio Villaraigosa alongside Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.

Ohio primaries set up Brown-Husted Senate fight and Acton-Ramaswamy race

2026-05-06

Ohio’s primary on Tuesday set up two marquee statewide contests for November: a U.S. Senate race likely to help determine control of the chamber and a governor’s race Democrats view as their best chance of victory in two decades. Democrats nominated former Sen. Sherrod Brown to challenge Republican Sen. Jon Husted, while Vivek Ramaswamy won the Republican bid for governor to face Dr. Amy Acton, the unopposed Democratic nominee.

Wyoming GOP defies state law to endorse primary candidates; candidates split

2026-05-06

The Wyoming Republican Party voted at its convention in Douglas last weekend to defy state election law and adopt new bylaws that allow the party to endorse and spend money on candidates before the primary, drawing sharply divergent reactions from candidates for governor, U.S. House and other statewide offices.

Trump-backed candidates win most Indiana primaries; Democrats secure Michigan Senate seat

2026-05-06

President Donald Trump’s effort to purge Indiana state senators who opposed his redistricting plan mostly succeeded Tuesday, with five of his backed challengers winning primary races and sending a warning to Republicans ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile, Democrats continued a string of special election victories with a win in a bellwether Michigan district, and primaries in Ohio set up closely watched contests for governor and U.S. Senate.

Trump-backed candidates win majority of Republican primary races for Indiana Senate

2026-05-06

President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidates won at least five of seven contested Republican primary races for the Indiana State Senate on Tuesday, according to results reported by the Associated Press, delivering a striking political victory five months after lawmakers rebuffed his push to redraw the state’s congressional map.

California governor candidates clash in debate as mail voting gets underway

2026-05-06

Seven candidates for California governor met in a two-hour televised debate Tuesday, trading sharp attacks over gas prices, tax policy, and the role of President Donald Trump as mail voting is already underway for the June 2 primary. Democrats largely focused on Trump as the state’s greatest threat, while the two Republicans on stage argued Democrats’ policies have made California unaffordable.

Tech investor support boosts San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan in California race

2026-05-06

In California’s crowded Democratic race for governor, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has emerged as a favorite of tech investors, who have backed his campaign with major donations and television advertising. Mahan, a former tech executive, faces concerns from labor leaders and some Democratic voters about whether he will adequately regulate the industry and stand up to its influence ahead of the June 2 primary.

California governor candidates spar on taxes, Trump and healthcare

2026-05-06

California governor candidates clashed on taxes, President Donald Trump and healthcare in a CNN-broadcast debate Tuesday, with mail voting already underway for the state’s primary. The candidates also argued over state-funded healthcare for immigrants without legal status and whether California should move to a single-payer system.

Wyoming GOP candidates split on party plan to defy state law on endorsements

2026-05-06

Wyoming Republican statewide candidates are split on whether to seek or accept endorsements after the party voted to adopt bylaws that would allow it to back one Republican over another ahead of the primary. The move would challenge a Wyoming law that bars the party from endorsing or financially backing a candidate in opposed primary races.

Trump-backed wins in Indiana, but Democrats gain momentum in Ohio and Michigan

2026-05-06

Republicans secured most of the marquee primary outcomes Tuesday in Indiana, reinforcing President Donald Trump's grip on his party, while Democrats advanced in Ohio and won a Michigan special election that kept their state Senate majority. The results add to a growing pattern ahead of November's midterm elections: Trump still leads the GOP, but Democrats are finding momentum in special races and nomination fights.

Greene wins Michigan special election, keeping Democrats Senate majority

2026-05-06

Democrat Chedrick Greene won Michigan’s special election for the 35th state Senate district on Tuesday, defeating Republican Jason Tunney and securing his party’s control of the chamber through the remainder of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term. The race was closely watched as a potential indicator of voter sentiment ahead of November midterms.

Democrats mount Iowa push as Vance rallies GOP amid competitive races

2026-05-05

Democrats are mounting their most ambitious Iowa campaign in a decade, betting that dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s leadership and the rising costs of the Iran war will put the state back in play for the 2026 midterms. Vice President JD Vance will visit Des Moines on Tuesday to support Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, a sign of White House concern about competitive races in a state Trump won by double digits in 2024.

Vice President JD Vance rallies Iowa GOP voters, backs Rep. Zach Nunn ahead of 2028

2026-05-05

Vice President JD Vance made his first Iowa stop since taking office on May 5, 2026, speaking to hundreds of supporters at a Des Moines steel plant. He lauded the administration’s tax and tariff policies, praised Republican Rep. Zach Nunn as a steady‑hand for working‑class voters, and warned Iowans about higher gas and fertilizer prices tied to the Iran war. The visit was a test of Vance’s appeal to Iowa Republicans ahead of the state’s early caucus, which will shape the 2028 presidential nomination.

Rudy Giuliani breathing on his own after pneumonia hospitalization

2026-05-05

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is breathing on his own after being hospitalized with pneumonia and placed on a ventilator, his spokesperson said Monday. Giuliani, 81, remained in critical but stable condition at a Florida hospital near Palm Beach, and doctors are monitoring him as a precaution.

Democrats eye Iowa as battleground as Vance backs GOP candidates

2026-05-05

Democrats see a path to regain influence in Iowa as Vice President JD Vance visits Des Moines on Tuesday to support Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and as voters weigh leadership dissatisfaction and rising costs tied to the Iran war, according to interviews with Iowa Democratic leaders and candidates. The party plans to expand ground operations ahead of June contests, focusing on cost-of-living themes and targeting multiple statewide and federal seats.

Indiana voters head to polls Tuesday for state primaries and U.S. House races

2026-05-04

Indiana voters will vote Tuesday in state primaries that include Trump-backed challenges to several Republican state senators, alongside Democratic and Republican contests for U.S. House nominations under existing district lines, the Associated Press reports. Polls close at 6 p.m. local time statewide, with some Central-time-area precincts closing at 7 p.m. ET.

Vance woos Iowa GOP voters ahead of 2028 while backing Zach Nunn

2026-05-04

Vice President JD Vance made his first trip to Iowa since taking office on Monday, promoting the administration’s tax and tariff policies and casting Iowa’s GOP as aligned with working-class voters. Speaking at a steel manufacturing facility in Des Moines with Rep. Zach Nunn, Vance attacked Democrats on issues including immigration and fraud and praised Nunn ahead of November midterms.

What to expect in Ohio’s statewide primaries for governor, Senate and House

2026-05-04

Ohio voters will choose party nominees in statewide primaries Tuesday, with races in governor, U.S. Senate and key U.S. House districts setting up November contests that could shape control of Congress. The Associated Press outlined what to watch, including who is on each party ballot, when polls close, and how and when results are reported as votes are tallied.

What to expect in Michigan’s special election for state Senate District 35

2026-05-03

Voters in Michigan’s Senate District 35 will decide control of the state Senate on Tuesday in a special election to fill a seat left vacant after Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to Congress. The Associated Press’ decision notes outline key logistics, including when polls close and how the AP will call the race.

COVID-19 debate resurfaces in Ohio governor race between Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy

2026-05-03

Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, faces a central line of Republican criticism tied to the COVID-19 orders issued in 2020 while Gov. Mike DeWine was battling the pandemic. Acton, who was Ohio’s health director when coronavirus restrictions were put in place, is now seeking to become the first Democrat in two decades to win the state’s top office as she runs against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the general election.

What to expect in Ohio’s state primaries, governor and congressional races

2026-05-03

Ohio voters head to statewide primary polls on Tuesday to choose candidates for governor, the U.S. Senate and House, and other statewide offices, with many candidates already setting their sights on November. The Republican race for governor centers on Vivek Ramaswamy, facing Casey Putsch, while Democrats will pick Dr. Amy Acton as their nominee. The Associated Press said it will not declare winners until there is no scenario in which a trailing candidate can close the gap.

Trump endorses Andy Barr in Kentucky Senate race, nudges rival into ambassadorship

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump endorsed Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr for the U.S. Senate on Friday, May 1, 2026, and pushed Barr’s rival, businessman Nate Morris, to leave the race and accept an ambassadorship in his administration. The endorsement gives Barr a significant advantage in the Republican primary to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former Senate GOP leader. Morris announced shortly afterward that he was stepping aside and endorsed Barr, clearing the field of a potentially competitive challenger days before the May 19 primary. Trump and Morris each praised the other on social media, with Trump calling Morris a “strong MAGA Warrior.”

Maine governor's Senate bid collapses as Democratic voters reject establishment pick

2026-05-02

Maine Gov. Janet Mills abandoned her U.S. Senate campaign Thursday, unable to match the fundraising or enthusiasm of political newcomer Graham Platner, marking a high-profile defeat for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who had personally recruited her. Mills’s exit clears the way for Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer with no prior elected experience, to become the likely Democratic nominee against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and it highlights a growing revolt by Democratic voters against their party’s aging leadership.

Trump endorses Rep. Andy Barr in Kentucky Senate race

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Andy Barr in Kentucky’s Republican Senate primary on Friday, backing the congressman for the seat retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell is vacating. Barr is set to face former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the May 19 GOP contest, after Trump said he asked entrepreneur Nate Morris to step aside and join his administration.

Gaston Browne wins fourth term in snap election in Antigua and Barbuda

2026-05-02

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne won a fourth consecutive term after a snap election, the Associated Press reported, giving the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party an electoral landslide. Official results released early Friday showed the ABLP winning 15 of the country’s 17 parliamentary seats, leaving the main opposition with a single seat.

Janet Mills faces Graham Platner in Maine Democratic Senate primary

2026-04-30

Janet Mills is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine against Graham Platner in a June 9 primary, framing herself as the strongest choice to defeat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Mills, 78, is urging voters to look beyond their preference for “new faces,” while Platner, 41, has drawn larger crowds and more money since entering the race last summer.

Methodist megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton launches Kansas Senate bid

2026-04-29

The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S., launched a campaign Thursday for the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas, entering a race that Republicans have dominated. The Johnson County pastor will face incumbent Republican Roger Marshall, who aligned closely with President Donald Trump in his 2020 Senate run.

Iowa school district tightens conflict rules after audit flags ex-superintendent

2026-04-29

Des Moines Public Schools said it revised its conflict-of-interest policy after a state audit found its former superintendent, Ian Roberts, awarded district business to a consulting firm he worked for. The district made the policy changes after a request for a reaudit that followed an Associated Press investigation into the matter, according to the audit released Tuesday.

California governor candidates clash in chaotic TV debate over costs, housing

2026-04-29

California’s crowded 2026 governor race featured a chaotic televised debate on April 28, with eight candidates interrupting one another and grappling with questions on costs, housing and wildfire insurance. Candidates sparred over policy proposals including a pledge by Xavier Becerra to freeze home insurance rates, as mail ballots were set to go out within a week.

Mark Sanford quits South Carolina House bid, plans debt-focused nonprofit

2026-04-29

Mark Sanford, the Republican former South Carolina congressman and governor, has ended his latest bid for public office, saying he is quitting a congressional race to focus on the national debt and build a nonprofit centered in South Carolina. Sanford, 65, told The Associated Press that he shut down his campaign about a month after launching it.

Billionaire Tom Steyer takes on the rich in California governor race

2026-04-28

Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer is seeking the Democratic nomination for California governor by casting himself as a “billionaire who wants to tax other billionaires” as he competes for attention ahead of the June 2 primary, according to interviews and political figures cited by The Associated Press. Steyer’s campaign has drawn both progressive support and heavy opposition from business groups, with critics questioning whether his proposals are politically and economically feasible.

Ohio GOP primary for governor shows potential headwinds for Ramaswamy

2026-04-27

Ohio’s contested Republican primary for governor is approaching, with Vivek Ramaswamy leaning heavily on his national profile while some within his party raise concerns about his competitiveness with conservative voters ahead of the May 5 election. The potential headwinds include discontent over costs of living and other issues, as well as criticism of some of his proposals and backlash tied to Ramaswamy’s background.

GOP lawmakers renew push for Trump White House ballroom after dinner shooting

2026-04-27

Republicans in Congress on Monday renewed efforts to approve and fund President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom, arguing it would reduce security gaps highlighted by the shooting at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. The lawmakers introduced legislation to authorize $400 million for construction and security infrastructure underneath the ballroom, according to the Associated Press.

Latino leaders surge into local office as Trump-era rhetoric fuels urgency

2026-04-27

Latino leaders are taking more prominent roles in local government as voters respond to what political scientists describe as rising attacks and dehumanizing rhetoric aimed at Latino communities, including during President Donald Trump’s second term. In cities and states across the country, newly elected Latino officials—including Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s first Latino mayor—have framed their wins as a way to defend their communities and build representation from the ground up, the Associated Press reported April 27.

Donald Riegle, former Michigan congressman and senator, dies at 88

2026-04-27

Donald W. Riegle, who represented Michigan in the U.S. House and Senate for nearly three decades under seven presidents, died at 88, his family said Sunday. Riegle, a Republican who later became a Democrat, died Friday of cardiac arrest at his home in San Diego, according to a family statement.

Ohio GOP governor primary tests Ramaswamy as Acton waits for general election

2026-04-26

Ohio’s Republican governor primary on May 5 is fast approaching, but a rival in the GOP field is showing signs of traction that could complicate Vivek Ramaswamy’s path to the party’s nomination. The contest also raises questions for Republicans about whether low turnout could cost them in November against Democrat Amy Acton, Ohio’s former public health director.

Josh Shapiro tests political power in Pennsylvania’s 2026 midterms

2026-04-24

Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, is trying to shape his party’s slate in this year’s midterm primaries while seeking reelection this fall, according to interviews and campaign activity reported by The Associated Press. At the start of the campaign trail, Shapiro said he is focused on winning his governor’s race and helping Democrats win competitive federal primaries, including races targeting seats in the U.S. House.

Political violence prompts security upgrades for lawmakers

2026-04-24

Nearly a year after the assassination of Minnesota House leader Melissa Hortman, lawmakers across the U.S. are tightening security at state capitols and increasing safeguards for officials and their personal information, the Associated Press reported. In Minnesota, doors at the Capitol are now locked and visitors must pass through weapons detectors before entering debate areas.

AP-NORC poll shows Trump losing approval among Hispanics, young adults

2026-04-24

Many groups that helped reelect Donald Trump as president are increasingly dissatisfied with his performance, according to an AP-NORC poll released April 23. The survey of more than 2,500 U.S. adults finds declining approval among Hispanic adults, younger adults under 45 and men, even as most Republicans still approve of his job performance. The poll ran April 16-20 as Americans faced fluctuating oil prices and spent more at the gas pump.

Burt Jones’ record becomes a battleground in Georgia GOP governor primary

2026-04-23

ATLANTA (AP) — Burt Jones is leaning on his work in the Georgia Senate as he challenges Rick Jackson in a contentious Republican primary for governor, after President Donald Trump endorsed Jones last year. Jones has used his legislative leadership to pursue proposals targeting Jackson’s company and has run television ads attacking Jackson on that record, while Jackson argues Jones’ actions show corruption.

Josh Shapiro tests political power in Pennsylvania’s midterms

2026-04-23

Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, is using this year’s midterm campaign to rally support for Democrats at the top of the ticket and down the ballot, aiming to win control of the state legislature and help shape the party’s slate in competitive congressional primaries. Speaking to Democrats in Lock Haven, Shapiro said his focus is on beating his opponent for governor and on sending a message to Donald Trump. His effort includes backing endorsed candidates in Pennsylvania House and U.S. House primary contests that Democrats hope to flip.

Kalshi fines and suspends three congressional candidates for self-betting

2026-04-23

Kalshi said it fined and suspended three congressional candidates for betting on their own election outcomes on its prediction-market platform, according to disciplinary documents. Mark Moran, Ezekiel Enriquez and Matt Klein all received five-year suspensions, while Klein and Enriquez agreed to settlements and Moran did not.

Leading candidates for California governor clash in debate over homelessness, taxes

2026-04-23

A televised debate among six leading candidates for California governor showed sharp partisan divides on issues including homelessness and taxes, with Democrats also competing to stand apart in a crowded race. The contenders said Democrats will fight President Donald Trump in the heavily Democratic state, while Republicans blamed Democratic rule for the state’s problems.

Rep. David Scott, Georgia Democrat, dies at 80

2026-04-22

U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat and the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at age 80, the Associated Press reported April 22. Scott was seeking his 13th term despite facing challenges within his party and concerns that his declining health limited his campaign travel. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats praised Scott’s decades in Congress, including his work tied to farm policy and historically Black schools.

Kalshi fines and suspends 3 candidates for betting on own elections

2026-04-22

Kalshi has fined and suspended three congressional candidates for placing wagers on prediction markets related to their own elections, the company said Wednesday. The sanctions involved independent Senate candidate Mark Moran in Virginia, Republican primary contender Ezekiel Enriquez for a House seat in Texas, and Minnesota Democratic state Sen. Matt Klein, who was running for a House seat.

Calvin Duncan is sworn in as Orleans clerk as lawmakers move to abolish post

2026-04-22

Calvin Duncan, who beat incumbent Darren Lombard in the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk race last November, was sworn in Tuesday on the steps of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. He is expected to take office May 4, unless Louisiana lawmakers and Republican Gov. Jeff Landry eliminate the position. A state bill would consolidate the parish’s civil and criminal court clerks’ offices and make the civil clerk oversee the combined system.

California governor debate spotlights homelessness, social media and billionaire candidate

2026-04-22

Six leading candidates for California governor faced off in a televised debate on April 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. The discussion highlighted stark partisan divides over homelessness, youth social‑media bans, and the role of billionaire Tom Steyer’s wealth in the race. With California’s top‑two primary system threatening a possible two‑Republican runoff, Democrats scrambled to differentiate themselves amid a crowded field.

Burt Jones' record becomes battleground against Rick Jackson in Georgia GOP primary

2026-04-22

Burt Jones, the Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor of Georgia, is leaning on his legislative record as he faces rival Rick Jackson in a bruising Republican primary for governor. The campaign battle has included Jones-backed efforts tied to Jackson Healthcare and sharp attacks in ads over Jackson’s role in state health-care contracting. The May 19 contest also unfolds amid ongoing disputes in Georgia over election equipment and possible special legislative action.

Peru election chief resigns amid logistical issues in disputed vote

2026-04-22

Peru’s head of the national election agency resigned Tuesday, citing logistical problems during the April 12 presidential election in a bitterly disputed race. Piero Corvetto said the issues prompted his resignation as the country heads toward a June 7 runoff.

Six California governor candidates clash in debate over homelessness, taxes

2026-04-21

A televised debate among six leading candidates for California governor on Wednesday highlighted sharp divides over homelessness, wildfire insurance, taxes and other issues, with Democrats trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded, unsettled race. California’s June 2 primary will decide which two candidates advance to the general election after mail ballots are sent beginning in early May.

Human Rights Campaign targets battleground districts in 2026 midterms

2026-04-21

The Human Rights Campaign is investing $15 million in the 2026 midterm elections, directing the spending at Republicans in battleground House districts and supporting Democratic Senate candidates in several states, the group said. In an Associated Press interview, HRC president Kelley Robinson said the effort aims to shift messaging and regain footing after recent campaign and courtroom setbacks over LGBTQ+ rights.

After its dominant newspaper is saved, Pittsburgh’s media looks ahead

2026-04-20

Pittsburgh media has pivoted from a looming shutdown to a possible reshaping after new ownership moves saved the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and revived the Pittsburgh City Paper. Owners of the Post-Gazette announced a sale to a nonprofit foundation, while the City Paper returned under new ownership after learning on New Year’s Day it was closing.

George Ariyoshi, first Asian American governor, dies at 100

2026-04-20

Former Hawaii Gov. George R. Ariyoshi, the nation's first Asian American governor, died peacefully Sunday night at age 100, surrounded by family, Gov. Josh Green announced Monday. Ariyoshi's three-term tenure from 1973 to 1986 spanned a transformative period in Hawaiian history, as the state navigated rapid population growth and the emergence of tourism as an economic force.

Betty Yee suspends California governor campaign amid fundraising struggles

2026-04-20

Betty Yee, a former California state controller, suspended her campaign for governor on Monday, citing insufficient donor support. Yee, who sought to become the state's first female governor, withdrew from the race just over a week after fellow Democrat Eric Swalwell left the contest following sexual assault allegations he denies.

Tom Steyer outspends all rivals combined in California governor race

2026-04-19

Billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer is saturating California with campaign advertisements, spending at least $115 million on television, radio, and digital ads—nearly 30 times the spending of his nearest Democratic rival in the state's wide-open race for governor. The spending dwarfs what all other major Democratic candidates and independent committees supporting them have combined to spend.

Bribery scandal shadows Husted's Ohio Senate re-election bid

2026-04-19

Jon Husted, Ohio's Republican U.S. senator, is seeking re-election this fall in a campaign shadowed by a $60 million bribery scandal that has roiled state politics for more than five years. Husted was recently called to testify as a defense witness in the criminal trial of two former energy executives. A mistrial in March has set the stage for a retrial scheduled to begin Sept. 28, just weeks before the November elections.

Mejía wins New Jersey House special election, adding to Democratic gains

2026-04-17

Democrat Analilia Mejía won the special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District on Thursday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway by roughly 20 percentage points and keeping a seat Democrats need as Republicans maintain a thin House majority. The Associated Press called the race for Mejía, 48, minutes after polls closed on April 16.

Democrats scramble for attention and cash in Georgia governor's race

2026-04-17

ATLANTA (AP) — Democrats are competing for the party’s nomination in Georgia’s May 19 governor primary with far less attention and money than they did in 2022, raising concerns they could miss another opportunity to win the state’s governor’s office. National Democratic leaders have pledged funding and said Georgia is “in play,” while multiple candidates—including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms—try to build momentum toward a potential June 16 runoff.

George Foreman buried in Iowa, the place that brought him peace

2026-04-17

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman was buried in a cemetery in northwestern Iowa—a place he visited in 1988 and where he recalled experiencing a sense of peace. His family revealed the burial location this week during a news conference at Logan Park Cemetery in Sioux City.

Trump touts $400M ballroom plan amid criticism he's out of touch

2026-04-17

President Donald Trump presented renderings of a $400 million White House ballroom featuring hand-carved Corinthian columns on Air Force One, drawing Democratic comparisons to Marie Antoinette and concerns among some Republicans that his focus on grand architectural projects distracted from voter priorities ahead of November's midterm races.

Democrats boast fundraising in key Senate races as GOP advantage persists

2026-04-16

Democrats reported large fundraising hauls in several competitive Senate races in the first three months of 2026, an effort to signal voter enthusiasm in states that will decide control of the chamber. Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico said his campaign raised $27 million, while Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff said he raised $14 million and former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown reported $10.1 million. Republicans and outside groups also brought substantial money, and party finances still show a broader imbalance heading toward November elections.

Democrats scramble for attention and cash in Georgia governor's race

2026-04-16

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Democrats are seeking to reset their campaign message and fundraising ahead of the May 19 governor’s primary, but their field is attracting far less money and media attention than four years ago. The Democratic contest has multiple candidates, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and challengers such as Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves and Mike Thurmond, as Republicans spend heavily on advertising. The Democratic Governors Association says it will help ensure whoever wins the nomination has funding for the general election.

Trump bets tax cuts will resonate with Las Vegas voters amid high gas

2026-04-16

President Donald Trump is making a rare trip to Las Vegas for a midterm-election message focused on tax cuts he signed into law last year, including a proposal he says makes tips tax-free. In interviews and remarks in Nevada, he and supporters tied the benefits for tipped workers to broader affordability concerns, even as higher gas prices—linked to the Iran war—have undercut household budgets.

What to expect in New Jersey’s special House election to replace Sherrill

2026-04-15

New Jersey voters in the 11th Congressional District will elect a replacement for Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill in a special congressional election Thursday. The seat was last held by Sherrill, and Democrats are aiming to keep the district moving in their direction while Republicans try to narrow the party’s House majority gap. The Associated Press said it will not call a winner until it determines there is no scenario that would allow trailing candidates to close the gap.

Democrats boast fundraising hauls in key Senate races as court contests loom

2026-04-15

Democrats reported strong early fundraising totals for several competitive Senate races, using the money to build support and counter Republican attacks ahead of midterm contests. The Associated Press reports that in the first three months of 2026, Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said his campaign raised $27 million, while Democratic incumbents and challengers in Georgia, Ohio and other states reported totals including $14 million for Sen. Jon Ossoff and $10.1 million for former Sen. Sherrod Brown. But AP’s reporting also highlights a broader financial imbalance for Democrats at the national party level and in states the GOP won in 2024.

House Democrats launch task force to target Trump on corruption ahead of midterms

2026-04-15

House Democrats are launching a task force aimed at overhauling ethics rules, protecting access to the ballot, and highlighting Trump family business dealings as Democrats seek political momentum before the midterm elections, according to an Associated Press report. Rep. Joe Morelle will spearhead the effort, which will include progressive and moderate members and draws on messaging tactics used by Hungarian opposition forces after Viktor Orbán’s ouster, AP reported.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette finds nonprofit buyer, avoids shutdown on May 3

2026-04-15

Barely two weeks after announcing a plan to shut down, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said it has found a buyer that will keep the newspaper operating under a nonprofit journalism model. The newspaper had been scheduled to close on May 3, but Block Communications announced the sale to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, which publishes the digital Baltimore Banner.

Trump bets tax cuts for tips on message help in Las Vegas midterms

2026-04-15

President Donald Trump is campaigning in Las Vegas for the 2026 midterm elections, telling tipped workers that tax breaks he signed last year are leaving “more money in their pockets.” The pitch comes as many residents say higher gas prices have eroded that relief during the war involving Iran, which the White House links to the elevated fuel costs.

Young Hungarians use music to celebrate Orbán’s election defeat

2026-04-15

Hungarian youth who came of age under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule helped fuel the momentum leading up to Sunday’s vote, Associated Press reported. As hundreds of thousands celebrated the victory of pro-European candidate Péter Magyar, young people used concerts, tram rides and online sounds to amplify anti-Orbán chants.

Rep. Clay Fuller sworn in after winning Georgia seat once held by Greene

2026-04-15

Republican Rep. Clay Fuller of Georgia was sworn into the U.S. House on Tuesday after winning a special election to fill the seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene, according to the Associated Press. Fuller will serve out the remaining months of Greene’s term and keep Republicans’ slim majority in the House.

Democrats line up to run in proposed Virginia 7th District

2026-04-15

Democrats in Virginia are lining up to run in newly created congressional districts even before voters decide on a new congressional map, with the April 21 decision poised to determine boundaries for the 2026 midterms. Olivia Troye, a former aide to Mike Pence who has become a critic of President Donald Trump, announced that she will run in the newly created 7th Congressional District.

Nonprofit sector steps in to rescue Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from shutdown

2026-04-15

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Tuesday it prevented an imminent shutdown after a nonprofit journalism operation agreed to buy the struggling newspaper, highlighting a broader shift as advertising and circulation revenues decline. The Associated Press also reviewed other newspaper deals in which nonprofit news organizations moved to keep papers alive.

Who is running to replace Newsom in California governor race

2026-04-15

Voting for California governor begins in about a month, with mail-in voting scheduled to start in under a month, according to the Associated Press. The top-two primary system will put all candidates on one ballot and advance only the two highest vote-getters to November.

Massachusetts income tax cut ballot question divides business groups and lawmakers

2026-04-15

A ballot proposal that would reduce Massachusetts' state income tax rate from 5% to 4% has pitted business coalitions against union leaders and Democratic lawmakers, with both sides projecting sharply different consequences for the state's roughly $61 billion budget. The measure remains before the Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions and has not been certified for the November ballot. House Speaker Ron Mariano said raising other taxes is a possibility if voters approve the question, but recently indicated he is open to negotiating a compromise with the committee that organized it. The committee said it is open to that idea.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette finds nonprofit buyer to avoid May 3 shutdown

2026-04-14

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette owner Block Communications said Tuesday it has found a last-minute buyer that will keep the newspaper open, about two weeks before it was due to shut down. The buyer, the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, said it will continue print editions on two days each week and operate a website on other days.

New Jersey voters head to polls in 11th District special election

2026-04-14

Residents of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District will vote Thursday in a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill, with Democrat Analilia Mejia and Republican Joe Hathaway on the ballot. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET, and the Associated Press said it will not call the race until it determines there is no scenario in which trailing candidates can close the gap.

Postal workers union to promote mail voting in national TV ads

2026-04-14

The American Postal Workers Union plans to launch a national TV ad campaign promoting voting by mail, stepping into a debate that has been fueled by President Donald Trump’s attacks on mail ballots. The 30-second spot, sponsored by the 200,000-member union, begins airing this week in Ohio and then expands to other states. The campaign comes as Trump signed an executive order aimed at creating a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and restricting postal workers from sending absentee ballots to those not on each state’s approved list.

Swalwell exit leaves California governor’s race in disarray

2026-04-14

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly suspended his campaign for California governor and said he planned to resign from Congress, throwing rival Democrats and Republicans into a scramble over who can consolidate his supporters. His withdrawal followed sexual-assault allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN.

Paul Dans ends GOP primary challenge to Lindsey Graham in South Carolina

2026-04-14

Paul Dans, a chief architect of Project 2025, ended his Republican primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, withdrawing on the last day to remove his name from the June 9 ballot. The decision sets up a GOP contest that tests support for President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement in a state where Graham has long been a fixture.

California Governor Race Shifts After Swalwell's Exit

2026-04-13

Prominent candidates for California governor gathered in Sacramento Tuesday, addressing the changed landscape after U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign amid sexual assault allegations. The candidates, five Democrats and one Republican, focused on affordability and business friendliness, with only a few directly commenting on Swalwell's departure.

Florida governor candidate Kevin Cichowski arrested on domestic altercation charges

2026-04-13

A man running for Florida governor has been arrested after charges connected to a domestic altercation involving two older people in a Palm Coast home, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said. Kevin Cichowski, 46, faces multiple counts of aggravated battery as well as charges including tampering with a witness and robbery, according to the sheriff’s office.

A look at Péter Magyar: former Orbán insider who toppled him

2026-04-13

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar spent years moving comfortably inside the political system built by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, before breaking with that world and emerging as his successor. After Orbán’s 16-year grip ended in Hungary’s election Sunday, Magyar told supporters late Sunday in Budapest that “we liberated Hungary” and “took back our country.”

Ovechkin tells Capitals fans, “I’ll think about it” on possible return

2026-04-13

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin said after the team’s 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins that he will “think about it” after fans chanted for one more season. The longtime forward, who is 40 and turns 41 in September, has 32 goals and 63 points this season as the Capitals remain in the playoff hunt.

Polls close in Benin as voters choose successor to President Talon

2026-04-13

Polls closed in Benin on Sunday as voters selected a successor to President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after a decade in power. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, backed by the ruling coalition, faces Paul Hounkpè, the sole opposition candidate, with results expected within 48 hours, according to election officials.

Church where MLK gave final speech in Memphis to get $1.2M renovation

2026-04-12

Church of God in Christ leaders in Memphis said the Mason Temple, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech, will receive a $1.2 million federal grant for renovations. The leaders said the money will modernize technology, including the church’s sound system, and will also include inspections and structural improvements.

Florida governor candidate Kevin Cichowski arrested on battery charges

2026-04-12

A man running for Florida governor, Kevin Cichowski, was arrested and charged after deputies in Palm Coast responded to reports of a domestic altercation involving two older people, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said the charges include aggravated battery, tampering with a witness and robbery.

Republican fears grow as Democrats win special elections ahead of 2026 midterms

2026-04-12

Republicans are reassessing their standing after Democratic wins in elections in Wisconsin and Georgia this week, with GOP officials and strategists saying the results point to a tougher road ahead for November midterms. In Wisconsin, Democrats expanded their majority in a statewide Supreme Court contest and won a race for mayor’s office in Waukesha, a conservative suburb outside Milwaukee. In Georgia, Republican candidate Clay Fuller won a congressional special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, but by a much smaller margin than Republicans enjoyed in the past.

Orbán and Magyar make final push for votes ahead of Hungary election

2026-04-12

Hungary’s election rivals Viktor Orbán and Péter Magyar held final campaign rallies on Saturday, setting up a Sunday vote after a turbulent race. Orbán, leader of the Fidesz party, sought to mobilize supporters by warning of “an age of danger” and focusing on external threats, while Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, pitched the election as a break with the “real change of regime.”

Louisiana moves to eliminate exonerated Calvin Duncan’s clerk job before May swearing-in

2026-04-11

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana’s GOP-controlled Legislature are racing to eliminate the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court job won by exonerated man Calvin Duncan, before his scheduled May 4 swearing-in. Duncan, who was imprisoned nearly 30 years before being cleared, said lawmakers’ move is retaliating against him for insisting on his innocence.

Republican fears grow as Democrats win special elections ahead of midterms

2026-04-11

Republicans acknowledged Democratic wins in special elections in Wisconsin and Georgia on Tuesday, with some warning that the results could foreshadow tighter midterm races. Democrats pointed to the victories as evidence of momentum going into November, when control of Congress and state governments is at stake.

Democrats fight back as outside spending scrambles their primaries

2026-04-11

Democrats are struggling as outside groups flooded the party’s first round of midterm primaries with campaign cash, AP reported April 10. Democratic officials and lawmakers said the surge has left some candidates marginalized and has inflamed intraparty disputes over how Democrats should respond.

Republican fears grow as Democrats notch special election wins

2026-04-10

Republicans assessed Tuesday’s special-election results in Georgia and Wisconsin with a mix of concern and insistence that the contests offer limited guidance for November midterms. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin, said, “We got our butts kicked,” after Democratic wins that expanded its advantage on the state Supreme Court and won the mayor’s office in Waukesha. In Georgia, the Republican party praised a victory that was narrower than the margin Marjorie Taylor Greene previously won, with some Democrats calling it a warning sign ahead of more competitive races.

Louisiana Republicans race to scrap exonerated Calvin Duncan’s clerk job

2026-04-10

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Republicans in the state Legislature are moving to eliminate the elected job of Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court held by exonerated man Calvin Duncan, whose swearing-in was scheduled for May 4. Duncan won the clerk’s office last November after pledging to reform the justice system. Duncan told The Associated Press he believes officials are retaliating against him, while Republicans say the changes are aimed at streamlining the courts.

Dingell watches El-Sayed rally, seeing frustration and hope among young voters

2026-04-10

Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell visited Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign event in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to gauge how young voters are showing up ahead of the midterm elections. In a packed University of Michigan lecture hall, many attendees described political frustration with both major parties but said they still want candidates who can generate new energy. Several pointed to a generational mood shaped by Donald Trump’s time in office and by a desire to stop “scraping by” and get “tangible change.”

Brazil’s Supreme Court delays ruling on who leads Rio de Janeiro

2026-04-10

Brazil’s Supreme Court on Thursday postponed a decision on how Rio de Janeiro state chooses a new governor, extending a three-week political standstill after Cláudio Castro resigned March 23. The case hinges on whether Castro’s successor until January is selected in an early election or by lawmakers in Rio’s state legislature, a question Justice Flávio Dino asked the court to revisit.

Campaigns spend more on security as threats of political violence grow

2026-04-10

Campaigns for congressional and presidential races have increased their spending on candidate security sharply over the past decade as threats against public officials have escalated, according to a report released Thursday. The report estimates that federal political committees spent more than $40 million on expenses labeled as security during the 2023-24 election cycle.

Republican fears grow as Democrats notch special election wins

2026-04-09

Republicans in Wisconsin and Georgia sought to interpret election results this week as Democrats widened their gains ahead of the November midterms, with some party figures conceding the party’s setbacks. In Wisconsin, Democrats scored a 20-percentage-point blowout in a Supreme Court race and won a Waukesha mayoral contest. In Georgia, a Republican candidate to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress won, but by a smaller margin than past GOP strength in the district.

Democratic-backed Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, expanding majority

2026-04-08

Democratic-backed Chris Taylor won Wisconsin Supreme Court election Tuesday, defeating Republican-backed Maria Lazar and widening the liberal majority on the state’s top court. Taylor, a judge on the state appeals court, focused her campaign on abortion rights as the race unfolded in a battleground state ahead of November elections.

Democrats court Black activists at Al Sharpton event, warn of 2026 vote crackdown

2026-04-08

New York-based Democrats running for the 2028 presidential nomination used Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention to warn Black voters that the Trump administration is undermining voting rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the administration would send ICE and CBP officers to “scare people away from the polls,” and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the effort “voter suppression.” Other prospective contenders including Gov. Josh Shapiro and Rep. Ro Khanna framed the contest as a moral test and urged attention to Black history and civil-rights priorities.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin gauges Trump voters in Iowa as Democrats eye midterms

2026-04-08

Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat and U.S. senator, met Tuesday with Trump voters in Iowa ahead of this fall’s midterm elections and also plans a health-care town hall with state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. During the focus-group lunch, Slotkin said she is “interested in being a part of the next generation” that can “rehab the Democratic brand,” while pressing voters on what would lead them to consider a Democrat.

Michigan Senate primary tests limits of Democrats’ big tent

2026-04-08

By the time streaming personality Hasan Piker appeared with Abdul El-Sayed at two Michigan campaign events on Tuesday, the Democrat had already sparked internal party debate over how far the party should go to court young voters. The visits—at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan—came as El-Sayed seeks the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, in a primary also featuring U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Republican Clay Fuller wins Georgia seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene

2026-04-08

Republican Clay Fuller won Tuesday Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, taking Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former House seat and turning back Democrat Shawn Harris. The race in the deep-red district, where Republicans gained ground nationally in recent special elections, also unfolded amid concern among some Republicans about President Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric toward Iran.

Swalwell says he would restrict ICE via California governor powers

2026-04-07

Rep. Eric Swalwell on Tuesday promised that, if elected California governor, he would aggressively push back on federal immigration officers, including making them ineligible for state jobs and seeking to remove their driver’s licenses if they would not “unmask” while on duty. The town hall in Sacramento came with less than a month until California’s June 2 primary, in a crowded race shaped by the state’s top-two election system.

Savannah Guthrie returns to NBC’s “Today” after her mother’s disappearance

2026-04-07

Savannah Guthrie returned to the anchor desk on NBC’s “Today” show on Monday for the first time in more than two months since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home. Guthrie said as the program opened, “Here we go, ready or not,” and thanked viewers for starting the week with the show.

Democratic-backed Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race

2026-04-07

Chris Taylor, a Democratic-backed candidate and Wisconsin Appeals Court judge, won election to the state Supreme Court on Tuesday, defeating Republican-backed Maria Lazar. The win expands the court’s liberal majority as Wisconsin braces for future fights over congressional redistricting, union rights and abortion policy, with a November election and other high-stakes contests looming.

What to expect in Wisconsin’s spring election for Supreme Court, Waukesha mayor

2026-04-07

Wisconsin voters will vote Tuesday in a spring election that includes a contest for a new justice on the state Supreme Court and Waukesha’s first open-seat mayoral race in 20 years. The races will be decided in addition to other nonpartisan offices, outside the November elections. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time, and the AP will declare results only when there is no scenario that could allow a trailing candidate to close the gap.

Once-sleepy utility elections intensify as electricity bills rise

2026-04-07

Rising household electricity prices and debates over the role of data centers are reshaping low-profile races for utility regulators, with Arizona’s Salt River Project election and Alabama’s push to reshape the state Public Service Commission drawing national attention. The contests reflect broader questions about how to meet power demand for artificial intelligence and other uses without driving up bills for households.

Georgia voters choose runoff replacement for Marjorie Taylor Greene

2026-04-07

Voters in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District will hold a special runoff Tuesday to choose a replacement for Marjorie Taylor Greene, after she resigned in early 2026 following a public rift with President Donald Trump. The contest follows a March 10 special election in which none of the 17 candidates won a majority, setting up a matchup between Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller.

President Trump endorses Republican Steve Hilton in California governor race

2026-04-07

President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor, a move his supporters said could consolidate conservative backing in a wide-open, crowded primary. Trump made the endorsement Sunday on his Truth Social account, about a month before mail ballots go out ahead of the June 2 top-two primary.

Wisconsin spring election pits Supreme Court contenders and Waukesha mayor race

2026-04-06

Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in a race that could keep or shift the court’s liberal majority, and they will also elect Waukesha’s next mayor. The contest includes state Appeals Court judges Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar vying to replace retiring Justice Rebecca Bradley, and a Waukesha mayoral open-seat race after Mayor Shawn Reilly announced he will not seek a fourth term.

Trivia games and happy hours help power Platner's Senate campaign

2026-04-06

KITTERY, Maine (AP) — Graham Platner, a first-time Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is using events like trivia nights and brewery happy hours to keep his campaign visible ahead of the June 9 Democratic primary against Gov. Janet Mills. Organizers say the informal gatherings help supporters meet neighbors face-to-face while the campaign also tries to counter questions about Platner’s past statements and tattoos.

Democratic-backed Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race

2026-04-06

Democratic-backed Chris Taylor won election to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, expanding the liberal majority on the court as the battleground state faces future legal fights over issues including congressional redistricting and union rights. Taylor defeated Republican-backed Maria Lazar after focusing her campaign heavily on abortion rights, while Lazar warned she would bring a right-wing agenda to the bench.

Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy heir, enters crowded New York City race

2026-04-06

New York voters will choose in a June Democratic primary for a Manhattan congressional seat that Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler is retiring from, and Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of John F. Kennedy, is trying to turn Kennedy name recognition and a hit TV drama about the family into votes. The 33-year-old, a social media star, faces an experienced field that includes former Nadler aide Micah Lasher and state Assemblymember Alex Bores.

Trivia games and happy hours help power Platner’s Senate campaign

2026-04-05

Graham Platner is using trivia nights, “happy hours” and other social events to build visibility for his bid to win the June 9 Democratic Senate primary in Maine, a contest that will determine who challenges Sen. Susan Collins. The Associated Press reported on how campaign gatherings in towns such as Kittery have turned questions about Platner’s past into a promotional format for supporters.

Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy heir, enters crowded New York City race

2026-04-05

NEW YORK (AP) — Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is seeking a Democratic nomination in a crowded June primary for a Manhattan U.S. House seat. The race has drawn attention to his Kennedy lineage and the buzz around “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” a TV series about his family. Schlossberg says voters are drawn to his experience and policies, not just his name.

Wisconsin voters weigh Supreme Court seat and Waukesha mayor’s race

2026-04-05

Wisconsin voters will choose a new state Supreme Court justice and cast ballots in Waukesha’s first open-seat mayoral race in 20 years on Tuesday. State Appeals Court judges Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar are running to replace retiring Justice Rebecca Bradley, while Waukesha Common Council President Alicia Halvensleben and state Rep. Scott Allen seek to succeed Mayor Shawn Reilly.

Midterm elections loom as GOP grapples with Trump's wartime presidency

2026-04-04

In a prime-time address from the White House, President Donald Trump said the United States was on track to complete “all of America’s military objectives” against Iran “shortly,” while also forecasting a new push “over the next two to three weeks.” As the midterms approach, Republicans are bracing for political blowback over the Iran war and its economic fallout, including higher gasoline prices and a closed Strait of Hormuz.

Trivia nights and happy hours shape Platner’s push in Maine Senate primary

2026-04-04

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is leaning on trivia games and community gatherings to build support ahead of the June 9 Democratic primary against Gov. Janet Mills. The campaign is also using the events to frame Platner’s past controversies as part of a redemption story, supporters say, as Mills and Susan Collins’s campaign teams argue the approach is too risky for an electorate that prefers the known.

Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy heir, enters crowded New York City race

2026-04-04

Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is trying to turn his Kennedy lineage and a renewed wave of attention from a hit TV series into momentum in a crowded Democratic primary for a Manhattan House seat. The race, centered on whether voters will see family name and pop-culture hype as a substitute for political experience, is set against the retirement of longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler.

WKRP in Cincinnati, once TV’s fictional radio station, may become real

2026-04-04

A North Carolina nonprofit that owns the WKRP call letters says it is auctioning the famous broadcast identifiers, with Cincinnati among the prospects. D.P. McIntire, who runs the nonprofit, told The Associated Press that he can’t yet say when or who will use the call sign but promised the move is “done.”

Georgia lawmakers end session without voting-machine plan for 2026

2026-04-04

Georgia lawmakers ended their annual session early Friday without settling a conflict over voting machines ahead of a July 1 deadline, leaving the state’s election process in November unclear. The dispute centers on Dominion Voting machines that print QR-coded ballots and on a 2024 law that bans using barcodes to count votes.

Outrage over AI data centers could aid Georgia Democrats in 2026

2026-04-04

Georgia lawmakers spent months considering ways to curb the impact of data centers on electricity rates and local taxes but largely left the status quo in place as the 2026 session ended Thursday, according to the Associated Press. With elections approaching, activists and Democrats say the resulting anger could influence races for the Georgia Public Service Commission and the governor’s office, and help Democrats gain ground in the state House.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released from hospital after lung fluid procedure

2026-04-03

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was released from a hospital in Montgomery on Thursday after undergoing a procedure to remove fluid pressing against her lung, according to her office. The 81-year-old governor is recovering at the Governor’s Mansion and expects to return to the Capitol office next week.

Rural Black voters could tip North Carolina races for Democrats

2026-04-02

North Carolina Democrats are zeroing in on rural Black voters in the state’s battleground politics, after Democrats have struggled to mobilize that bloc outside major urban areas. As former Gov. Roy Cooper seeks a U.S. Senate seat in 2026, party leaders and local advocates say turnout in the east—far beyond the Research Triangle—could help determine the outcome.

Democrats clash internally over strategy to win back the Senate

2026-04-01

Democrats’ effort to reclaim the U.S. Senate is colliding with disputes inside their own party, as senators split over whether to back establishment candidates or insurgents in several battleground races. In Maine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has backed Gov. Janet Mills, while some Democrats have endorsed insurgent candidate Graham Platner. Similar tensions are playing out in primaries in Michigan and Minnesota as progressives push for non-establishment choices.

What to expect in Arkansas’ primary runoff elections for secretary of state

2026-04-01

Arkansas Republicans Bryan Norris and Kim Hammer will compete in a primary runoff on Tuesday for the GOP nomination for secretary of state, after neither candidate won a majority in the March 3 primary. The winner will face Democrat Kelly Grappe, who ran unopposed for her party’s nomination.

Utah Democrats shift left after redistricting makes House seat winnable

2026-03-31

Utah Democrats seeking a June 23 open primary for a new House district are leaning farther left after redistricting made the seat more competitive. Former Rep. Ben McAdams is campaigning on abortion rights and support for raising the federal minimum wage, while state Sen. Nate Blouin is positioning himself as a more progressive alternative for young voters. The outcome of the primary in the district anchored by Salt Lake City is likely to shape the party’s efforts to regain control of the U.S. House.

Democrat Shawn Harris tries to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia

2026-03-31

As early voting begins in Georgia’s 14th District, Democrat Shawn Harris is trying to win a runoff against Republican Clay Fuller for the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene. The retired Army general and farmer is banking on voter interest that has emerged after Democrats performed better than expected in other special elections.

Mark Sanford files to run again in South Carolina’s 1st District GOP primary

2026-03-31

Mark Sanford filed candidacy paperwork to run in South Carolina’s June 9 Republican primary for the U.S. House seat he has held twice before, the Associated Press reported Monday. Sanford, 65, is a former congressman and governor who served previously in the district and has also made earlier bids for higher office.

Vermont teen Dean Roy seeks first general election governor ballot under 18

2026-03-29

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old from Stowe, Vermont, has qualified as a gubernatorial candidate for the November general election ballot, becoming the first teen to do so under age 18. Roy, who says his campaign aims to spur more young people to join, secured a spot by creating a new political party, the Freedom and Unity party.

2025 Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards winners announced

2026-03-29

The 2025 Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards were announced March 28 at an Awards Luncheon and Annual Membership Meeting in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The contest drew 598 entries from 37 news organizations across Virginia and West Virginia, covering news and sports stories from 2025.

CPAC activists rally behind Ken Paxton for Texas Senate over John Cornyn

2026-03-29

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton drew major cheers at CPAC near Dallas, where activists said he should be Republicans’ choice for the U.S. Senate race over Sen. John Cornyn. At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Paxton met privately with supporters, delivered the keynote address at the Ronald Reagan dinner, and supporters booed when Cornyn was mentioned during portions of the event.

GOP Rep. Sam Graves announces retirement, setting up record House turnover

2026-03-28

Republican Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Friday that he will not seek reelection, joining a widening wave of retirements ahead of November’s midterm elections. Graves, 62, cited making room for the next generation as he filed plans as the candidate filing deadline in Missouri approached.

Michigan grant system leaves rural schools at disadvantage, leaders say

2026-03-28

Rural Michigan school leaders say the state’s reliance on competitive grants puts small districts at a disadvantage, because they lack staff time to complete applications and required data. In districts such as Posen Consolidated Schools, Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools and Rudyard Area Schools, leaders described writing grants around recess duty, substitute teaching and other jobs.

Trump vows bigger GOP majorities for November amid warning signs

2026-03-26

President Donald Trump told Republicans that the GOP will win “bigger majorities” in the House and Senate after the November midterm elections, even as warning signs worry some within his party. The remarks came at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s annual fundraising dinner in Washington, where House Speaker Mike Johnson presented Trump with an “America First” award.

Democrat Emily Gregory wins Florida special election in Mar-a-Lago district

2026-03-26

Democrat Emily Gregory won a Florida special election Tuesday, flipping a state legislative seat in a district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to results reported by The Associated Press. Gregory led by 2.4 percentage points, or 797 votes, with almost all ballots counted.

Democrat Emily Gregory wins Florida special election, Trump-backed opponent loses

2026-03-26

Emily Gregory, a Democrat backed by voters in Palm Beach County, won a Florida special election and will represent District 87 in the state House. Gregory told The Associated Press she would welcome President Donald Trump to contact her in her new role, saying she is focused on local issues including insurance costs, groceries and gas.

Phil Berger concedes North Carolina legislative primary to Sam Page

2026-03-25

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger conceded his Republican primary to Sheriff Sam Page on Tuesday, following a hand recount that showed no change in Page’s narrow lead. Berger, the state’s top conservative architect for more than a decade, will now be replaced on the ticket for the Nov. general election in the 26th Senate District.

Democrat Emily Gregory wins Florida special election tied to Mar-a-Lago

2026-03-25

Democrat Emily Gregory won a Florida special election Tuesday, flipping a state legislative seat in a district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Republicans had previously held the seat until Mike Caruso resigned to become Palm Beach County clerk, setting up the vacancy.

Trump promises bigger GOP majorities as warning signs flash for party

2026-03-25

President Donald Trump predicted Wednesday that Republicans would win larger congressional majorities after November’s midterm elections, even as some party figures voiced concerns about the war in Iran and affordability pressures. Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s annual fundraising dinner in Washington, Trump faced fresh political headwinds after a Democrat won a Florida special election that includes his Mar-a-Lago estate. The remarks came amid a partial federal government shutdown that has disrupted airport operations for weeks.

USC cancels California governor debate after candidates cite bias concerns

2026-03-25

USC canceled a gubernatorial debate planned for Tuesday after candidates of color who said they were excluded accused the university of discrimination. The planned debate would have included Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco and Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell and Matt Mahan, but excluded Antonio Villara-gosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee and Tony Thurmond.

Wisconsin man convicted for requesting officials’ ballots without consent

2026-03-25

A jury in Racine County, Wisconsin, convicted Harry Wait of election fraud and identity theft for requesting absentee ballots from Republican state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Democratic Mayor Cory Mason without their consent. Jurors found Wait guilty of two misdemeanor election fraud charges and a felony identity theft charge after a two-day trial. A sentencing date has not been set, and his attorney did not respond to an inquiry about whether he plans to appeal.

USC cancels California governor debate after candidates of color allege bias

2026-03-24

USC canceled a gubernatorial debate planned for Tuesday in California after candidates of color said the university’s selection criteria discriminated against them, according to The Associated Press. The debate was to include several mostly white candidates who met the standards, but excluded Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee and Tony Thurmond, the AP reported. USC later reversed course Monday night, saying debate co-hosts could not agree on a solution, AP said.

Phil Berger concedes North Carolina legislative primary to Sam Page

2026-03-24

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger conceded the Republican primary for his seat Tuesday, losing to Sam Page in the 26th Senate District. Berger, a conservative architect who has led the chamber since 2011, said in a release that “the voters have spoken,” and Page will face Democrat Steve Luking in November.

Jalen Williams set to return Monday for Thunder vs. 76ers

2026-03-24

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams is set to return to the lineup Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers after missing the previous 16 games with a right hamstring strain, the team said. Williams injured his hamstring Jan. 17 against the Miami Heat, sat out significant time, and then re-aggravated it after returning for a pair of games in February.

Meloni’s judicial reform rejected as Italian voters back “No”

2026-03-24

Italian voters on Monday rejected a judicial reform backed by conservative Premier Giorgia Meloni, delivering a setback to the right-wing government about one year before national elections. Final results released by Italy’s Interior Ministry showed the “No” campaign won with almost 54% of the vote against about 46% for “Yes.” Meloni said in an Instagram video that Italians had “decided” and she would respect the outcome, while acknowledging “regret for a missed opportunity to modernize Italy.”

Democrats pitch simpler tax cuts as voters press for affordability

2026-03-24

Voters’ concerns about affordability are pushing some Democrats to embrace tax-cut proposals, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s plan to end the federal income tax for individuals making $46,000 or less and Sen. Cory Booker’s idea to exempt income taxes on the first $75,000 of earnings. The shift echoes tactics long used by Republicans under President Donald Trump, even as analysts warn that the proposals could complicate Democrats’ efforts to fund programs such as Medicaid.

Kalshi and Polymarket ban insider trading by politicians and athletes

2026-03-24

The two biggest U.S. prediction-market platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket, said Monday they have added new bans and surveillance tools aimed at insider trading after two senators introduced legislation that could sharply curtail the industry. Kalshi will bar political candidates from trading on their own campaigns, while Polymarket rewrote its rules to prohibit trading by people who may have confidential information or who could influence event outcomes.

Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire becomes new mayor of Paris

2026-03-23

Socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire won the Paris mayoral race Sunday, succeeding Anne Hidalgo as results from the second round of France’s municipal elections showed gains for both the traditional left and right. Far-right-aligned forces won Nice, while left-wing mayors held Marseille and other watched cities remained with mainstream incumbents.

California GOP sheriff seizes ballots as he campaigns for governor

2026-03-23

Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff running for California governor, seized more than half a million ballots from county election officials as his office investigated a ballot count discrepancy, the Associated Press reported. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the move was unprecedented and aimed to sow distrust in elections. Bianco said the investigation would include a physical count and operate under a special master appointed by a judge.

Slovenia liberals and populists neck and neck as vote count nears 99%

2026-03-23

Slovenia’s governing liberals and opposition right-wing populists were neck and neck after nearly complete preliminary results from a tightly contested parliamentary election, with no bloc winning a majority in the 90-seat legislature. The Freedom Movement led by Prime Minister Robert Golob had 28.5% of the vote, compared with 28.1% for the Slovenian Democratic Party led by ex-premier Janez Jansa, according to the State Election Commission. The near-tie sets up uncertainty over coalition talks and a possible role for smaller parties as kingmakers, the AP reported.

Campaign support money grows along with profile of state attorneys general

2026-03-22

In state attorney general races that could help determine U.S. policy in years to come, both parties are seeing record fundraising as legal battles against the federal government shape the political landscape for 2026. The Associated Press reports that Republican-aligned groups raised $29 million for the 2026 midterms and Democratic groups reported $28 million, twice as much as usual at this stage. Across states including Arizona and Texas, candidates are framing the AG job as a political lever as well as a legal one.

Republican Tom Kean Jr. faces headwinds as he seeks re-election in NJ

2026-03-22

Tom Kean Jr., a Republican congressman from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, is trying to retain his House seat in this year’s midterm elections as Democrats target competitive races tied to President Donald Trump’s agenda and unpopularity. Kean’s district has shifted slightly more Republican since being redrawn nearly five years ago, but his reelection pitch hinges on tax cuts and local issues while Democrats challenge him on tariffs, a rail tunnel project and a proposed immigration detention facility.

Cadre of US clergy vie for political office as Democrats

2026-03-21

In Iowa, three Democrats running for the U.S. House include pastors who say their faith shapes their campaigns and their messaging to religious voters. The Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott, a Lutheran pastor and state senator, has pushed for Medicaid protections while encouraging congregants to welcome strangers, while other clergy candidates tie their political bids to how voters interpret religion in public life.

Brazil finance minister Fernando Haddad resigns to run for São Paulo governor

2026-03-21

Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad resigned to run for governor of São Paulo state, according to a decision published in Brazil’s official gazette Friday, the Associated Press reported. Haddad said Thursday that he would seek the job and that he runs “to win,” while current Gov. Tarcísio de Freitas, an ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has said he plans to seek reelection.

Mullin DHS nomination advances to full Senate after narrow panel vote

2026-03-20

Markwayne Mullin moved closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary after a Senate committee narrowly advanced his nomination in a 8-7 vote Thursday. The decision sent the Cabinet pick to the full Senate, which could consider confirmation as soon as next week.

Mullin’s son’s injury story shapes Trump bond as DHS pick readies Cabinet

2026-03-20

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, traced his close bond with the president to a severe brain injury his son suffered in a 2020 high school wrestling match. Mullin told the Senate during a confirmation hearing that Trump later asked his then-15-year-old son to sit on his lap and talk about rehabilitation, and that Trump continued checking in. Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, is set to replace Kristi Noem, who was fired earlier this month.

Second top Republican in Wisconsin Legislature retires, boosting Democrats

2026-03-20

Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu announced he will not seek reelection this fall, following Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ retirement announcement last month. The retirements, coming after new legislative maps Democrats say favor them, add to Democratic optimism about flipping the state Senate.

West Virginia campaign finance law will redact donor employer data

2026-03-20

West Virginia lawmakers on Friday passed a campaign finance bill that will, starting next year, remove donor employer information from public contribution reports. The measure will also redact donors’ residential street addresses, while keeping a street number and street address in the Secretary of State’s records. Supporters said the changes are meant to reduce online harassment and doxxing, while Democrats argued they will make it harder for voters to see who is funding campaigns and whether donors may benefit from government contracts.

Pritzker condemns AIPAC after pro-Israel group spent heavily in Illinois

2026-03-19

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker condemned special-interest money flowing into the state ahead of the Democratic primary, singling out the pro-Israel group AIPAC after it spent heavily in contested races. Pritzker, a former AIPAC donor who left more than a decade ago, told The Associated Press that the group he once supported has “lost its way” and is now backing candidates aligned with former President Donald Trump.

Ex-reality TV star Jessie Holmes wins Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race

2026-03-19

Jessie Holmes, a former reality TV star, won a repeat title in the Iditarod on Tuesday night in Nome, Alaska, after nine days, 7 hours and 32 minutes on the roughly 1,000-mile route. Holmes, who guided his team of 12 dogs across the finish line in the old Gold Rush town, said he was thinking about runners who follow up an initial win with a second.

Rand Paul confronts DHS nominee Mullin in bitter Senate hearing exchange

2026-03-19

Sen. Rand Paul clashed with Sen. Markwayne Mullin during a Senate Homeland Security confirmation hearing on March 18, with both men trading barbs over past personal and political disputes. Paul said he would vote against President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, while Mullin used direct, combative language and faced questioning over a “super secret” trip he described making to a foreign country.

How $125 million was spent in key Illinois primary races

2026-03-19

Illinois Democrats picked new nominees for five open House and Senate seats in the state’s March primary after a cascade of retirements reshaped the ballot, an Associated Press analysis found. Outside groups poured roughly $70 million into the races and candidates spent about $54 million, totaling about $125 million, AP reported. The spending—much of it independent—tilted especially in the Democratic Senate primary and several open House contests.

Crypto and AI firms spend big in Illinois primaries and lose often

2026-03-19

The artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries spent millions of dollars through super PACs in Illinois Democratic primaries this week, seeking influence over how the technologies are regulated. According to campaign finance filings reviewed by The Associated Press, the groups poured money into multiple races but lost more often than they won, an early setback for tech firms trying to reshape midterm elections and establish political power.

Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic Senate primary; faces Don Tracy

2026-03-18

Juliana Stratton, Illinois’ lieutenant governor, won Tuesday’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, edging two sitting House members to secure the nomination and a November general-election matchup against Republican Don Tracy, the former state party chair. The Illinois race became a test of the Democratic coalition as Gov. J.B. Pritzker backed Stratton and super PAC money poured into a crowded field.

Ex-reality TV star Jessie Holmes repeats as Iditarod champion in Nome

2026-03-18

Jessie Holmes, a former cast member on Nat Geo’s “Life Below Zero,” won the Iditarod sled dog race for a second straight year, finishing Tuesday night in Nome, Alaska. Holmes completed the roughly 1,000-mile route in nine days, 7 hours and 32 minutes, holding off a field that included older lead-dog strategy and wide-ranging funding support for the sport.

Democratic U.S. Senate race heats up as Mills targets Platner’s posts

2026-03-18

Mills campaign released a Tuesday video criticizing rival Graham Platner’s deleted online comments, which discussed sex and rape in the military. The attack comes as the Maine Democratic primary intensifies ahead of the race to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Child care costs set to feature in midterm election ads

2026-03-18

Democrats will place new emphasis on child and elder care in some midterm advertising, as an advocacy group plans to spend $50 million on campaigns in multiple states, tying caregiving costs to broader affordability worries. The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy said the push aims to make caregiver issues more central to voting decisions as families face rising child care expenses and growing waiting lists for federal child care subsidies.

Cornyn and Paxton remain in Texas GOP Senate runoff, Trump noncommittal

2026-03-18

The Republican Senate runoff in Texas will proceed after neither Sen. John Cornyn nor Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton met a Tuesday deadline to withdraw from the ballot. President Donald Trump has said he plans to endorse one of the two candidates this week, but he has not yet backed either entrant.

France’s far right gains in first-round municipal elections ahead of runoff

2026-03-16

France’s far-right National Rally made gains in the first round of municipal elections in parts of southeastern France, while control of major cities including Paris remained undecided ahead of a runoff next Sunday. Voters cast ballots in about 35,000 villages, towns and cities, with turnout just over 57% and with final mayor selections largely settled in the first round where only one or two candidates competed.

Wealthy Georgian could wrest GOP governor nomination from Trump's pick

2026-03-15

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s Republican governor race is upended by a late entry from health care executive Rick Jackson, who says he will make himself a direct mirror of President Donald Trump. Jackson’s spending blitz, his use of Trump-linked messaging, and ensuing lawsuits have left incumbent lieutenant governor Burt Jones leaning heavily on Trump’s endorsement heading into the May 19 election.

Wealthy Georgian could challenge Trump-backed Burt Jones for Georgia GOP nod

2026-03-15

Burt Jones, the current Georgia lieutenant governor and a Republican governor nominee backed by President Donald Trump, is facing a serious challenge from health care entrepreneur Rick Jackson ahead of the May 19 Republican primary election. The Associated Press reported that Jackson entered the race in February and began flooding Georgia with political ads funded by more than $30 million of his own money.

California election officials probe San Francisco signature collectors

2026-03-15

California election officials said they are investigating whether signature collectors in San Francisco illegally offered money to people to sign ballot petitions using false names. The probe follows a video posted on X that shows a sign offering “$5” for signatures and a worker instructing what name and address to use. The California secretary of state’s office said it was “aware of, and investigating, the matter.”

What to expect in the Illinois state primary as Durbin retires

2026-03-15

Illinois will hold primaries Tuesday that set up nomination contests across a full slate of state and federal races, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s open seat. The Associated Press voting guidance highlights key dates, poll-closing time and rules for winner declarations as Democrats and Republicans pick nominees for governor, Senate and U.S. House races.

Illinois primary Tuesday features Durbin seat race, crowded House bids

2026-03-15

Illinois voters vote Tuesday in a state primary that includes the race to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and contests for governor, the U.S. House and the state Legislature. The primaries come as candidates seek comebacks, longtime incumbents retire, and the 2028 presidential campaign looms. Polls close at 7 p.m. local time, or 8 p.m. ET.

California officials investigate video of paid ballot‑signature collectors in San Francisco

2026-03-15

California election officials opened an investigation on March 13 after a video posted on X showed signature collectors in San Francisco offering $5 to anyone who would sign ballot petitions using false names. The footage, which captured a folding‑table setup with a sign that read “Sign petition for $5,” prompted the secretary of state’s office to confirm it was “aware of, and investigating, the matter.” The probe focuses on whether the collectors violated state law that bans payment for ballot‑measure signatures.

California Probes Illegal Payments in San Francisco Ballot Petitions

2026-03-15

California election officials are investigating video evidence showing petition gatherers offering money for signatures in San Francisco. The video appears to show collectors paying people to sign petitions with false names, a practice illegal under state law.

Caribbean legacy newspapers fold as owners cite social media shift

2026-03-14

Legacy newspapers in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have closed, with Stabroek News printing its final edition Sunday and halting its online publication and Newsday stopping in January, pressuring an already strained media ecosystem as readers turn to social media for news in real time.

Political parties tested as French voters elect municipal leaders

2026-03-14

French voters went to the polls Sunday in municipal elections to choose mayors and their teams, an early stress test for parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The far-right National Rally is drawing scrutiny for signs it continues to gain ground, with a second-round runoff in undecided races next Sunday. In key cities such as Paris and Marseille, projections pointed to potentially tight second-round contests.

Orbán and Magyar draw rival crowds ahead of Hungary’s April election

2026-03-14

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his main challenger, Peter Magyar, held rival rallies in Budapest on Sunday, each seeking to show strength with the election just weeks away. Orban addressed supporters after a march through the capital, while Magyar drew a crowd to Heroes’ Square and accused Orban of divisive propaganda and policies. The two men are expected to face off in Hungary’s April election on April 12.

Hockey player Colin Dorgan scores in double overtime after family tragedy

2026-03-13

Colin Dorgan, a senior hockey player for Blackstone Valley Co-op in Rhode Island, scored the game-winning goal in double overtime on March 11, 2026, to advance his team to the state championship game. The win came nearly a month after he lost three family members in a youth hockey rink shooting in Pawtucket. Dorgan wore a patch on his jersey honoring his mother, brother and grandfather as he returned to the ice.

Illinois Democratic Senate primary pits candidates, highlights Pritzker’s clout

2026-03-13

Illinois Democrats are holding a competitive primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, setting up an open U.S. Senate seat and turning the race into a test of Gov. JB Pritzker’s political influence. The contest between candidates Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly has also put Pritzker’s role—backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton—at the center of intraparty criticism as voters weigh how money and power shape outcomes.

Illinois Senate Primary Tests Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Influence and Money

2026-03-13

A rare open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois has turned the 2026 Democratic primary into a litmus test for Governor J.B. Pritzker’s political sway ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run. Pritzker is pouring millions into Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s campaign, pitting her against two longtime House members—Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Robin Kelly—while drawing sharp criticism from Black Democratic leaders and voters uneasy about the billionaire’s role. The battle, featuring more than a dozen candidates, will likely decide which Democrat captures the seat permanently, as Illinois has not elected a Republican senator since 2016.

Rep. Jim Clyburn Announces Run for 18th House Term at Age 85

2026-03-13

**Columbia, S.C. (AP)** — Long‑time South Carolina Democrat **Jim Clyburn** said Thursday he will seek an 18th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 85‑year‑old lawmaker, the dean of the state’s Democratic delegation, told party officials he is “healthy enough” to mount “a very vigorous campaign.” Clyburn’s decision comes as the Democratic Party eyes a possible return to the House majority in November.

Illinois Senate Primary Tests Gov. Pritzker's Clout

2026-03-13

Illinois Democrats vote Tuesday in a high-stakes Senate primary where Gov. JB Pritzker's multimillion-dollar backing of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is dividing voters and testing his influence ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid. The contest to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin has become a referendum on Pritzker's political power and wealth.

Trump presses SAVE America Act for midterms as House GOP highlights costs

2026-03-12

President Donald Trump told House Republicans he believes a voting bill combining tighter voter identification with bans on mail ballots and restrictions on transgender rights would “guarantee the midterms.” House Republican leaders, however, have emphasized tax cuts and energy independence as they close out their annual ideas conference this week, suggesting a disconnect between the White House’s message and congressional priorities.

Trump slams fellow Republican Massie during Kentucky rally

2026-03-12

President Donald Trump on Wednesday campaigned in Rep. Thomas Massie’s Kentucky district and attacked the lawmaker as a “nutjob,” while also touting efforts to lower prescription drug prices in Ohio. The stops came as war in Iran has scrambled financial markets and rattled Trump’s economic message.

Democratic-led states seek to block federal agents from polling places

2026-03-12

Democratic-led states are taking steps to bar armed federal immigration officers from polling places ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, citing concerns about voter intimidation. New Mexico this week became the first state to limit armed federal personnel at polling sites, with other states considering similar measures.

Trump administration misrepresents Carter’s view on mail-in voting

2026-03-12

The Trump administration has falsely claimed former President Jimmy Carter opposed mail-in and absentee voting, Associated Press reported in a fact check. The dispute hinges on how White House officials and President Donald Trump characterized a 2005 report while pushing federal legislation that would impose stricter voter proof-of-citizenship and photo ID requirements ahead of midterm elections.

Rep. Bennie Thompson defeats Evan Turnage in Mississippi Democratic primary

2026-03-11

Rep. Bennie Thompson won the Democratic nomination for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, beating challenger Evan Turnage in a contest that drew attention to the age gap and priorities inside the party. Thompson, a longtime civil rights leader who chairs the House Jan. 6 Committee, said he was looking to return to Washington as Democrats work to retake the House in November.

Virginia lawmakers vote to end tax breaks for data center industry

2026-03-11

Virginia senators have voted to end a projected $1.6 billion annual tax break for data centers, requiring the industry to resume paying a minimum 5.3% sales tax, AP reported. Officials said the proposal has already triggered infighting ahead of a budget deadline and may face opposition in the House.

Dorothy McAuliffe launches congressional bid in newly drawn Virginia district

2026-03-11

Virginia’s former first lady Dorothy McAuliffe said Wednesday she will run for Congress in a newly drawn district, putting her name in a crowded Democratic primary. McAuliffe said the district would be the sprawling 7th District, if a redistricting measure voters consider April 21 is approved.

Ohio State names Provost Ravi Bellamkonda as its new president

2026-03-11

Ohio State trustees on Thursday appointed Provost Ravi Bellamkonda as president after Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. abruptly resigned following revelations about his “inappropriate relationship” with a podcast host for military veterans, according to a statement by Carter and university officials. Trustees voted unanimously to name Bellamkonda as the next president, bypassing a nationwide search, and Bellamkonda told reporters he would work to hold the university to a high standard.

Ex-rapper Balendra Shah’s party wins big in Nepal parliamentary election

2026-03-11

Nepal’s electoral commission published results showing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, won the country’s first parliamentary election since last year’s youth-led revolt. The party secured 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, giving it nearly a two-thirds share and setting up a multi-day process to form a new government.

Fuller, Harris advance to Georgia runoff to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene

2026-03-10

Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller advanced Tuesday to an April 7 runoff in the race to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, after no candidate secured a majority in a 14-person special election field. The contest fills the seat vacated by Greene, who resigned in January following a falling out with President Donald Trump.

Dorothy McAuliffe launches congressional campaign in Virginia

2026-03-10

Dorothy McAuliffe, Virginia’s former first lady and a former U.S. State Department official, said Wednesday that she will run for Congress in a newly drawn district. If a constitutional amendment to create a new congressional map is approved in April, McAuliffe would campaign for the 7th District, which stretches from Arlington to western Augusta County.

Virginia senators vote to end $1.6B annual tax break for data centers

2026-03-10

Virginia senators have voted to end a projected $1.6 billion annual tax break for the data-center industry, requiring companies to resume paying a minimum 5.3% sales tax. The proposal is now headed for the House as the state faces a looming budget deadline, and supporters argue it could fund priorities while opponents warn it would chill new construction.

Former reality show star seeks again to win the Iditarod race

2026-03-10

Jessie Holmes, a carpenter and former cast member of National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero,” started the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Willow on Sunday, aiming to defend the title he won last year. After training in “deep snow” and “40 below and colder,” Holmes said he was in the lead a day after the start, with the winner expected to reach Nome around March 17.

Rep. Bennie Thompson defeats Evan Turnage in Mississippi Democratic primary

2026-03-10

Bennie Thompson, the longtime U.S. representative from Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, won the Democratic nomination Tuesday, defeating a younger challenger, Evan Turnage. Thompson, who chairs the House Jan. 6 Committee and has held the seat for more than three decades, is positioned to seek an 18th term in the November general election.

Kevin Kiley leaves GOP and will serve as an independent

2026-03-10

Rep. Kevin Kiley, a California Republican, said Monday he is dropping his party affiliation and will serve as an independent. Kiley, who is facing a tough reelection fight after district boundaries were redrawn, said the change will take place immediately.

Colombia’s Petro wins congressional election but lacks majority to advance reforms

2026-03-10

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro’s party won the most seats in the Senate in Sunday’s congressional election, but it fell short of a governing majority needed to advance the administration’s top reforms. Petro’s Historical Pact secured nearly a quarter of Senate seats, while staunch opposition gains came from the conservative Democratic Center, led by former President Álvaro Uribe.

America's fight with high costs plays out in Nevada's housing market

2026-03-10

Democrats are trying to build midterm momentum around housing affordability as prices and mortgage payments strain renters and would-be buyers in Nevada, a key swing state for closely contested U.S. House races. A Las Vegas food runner, Brian Torres Suazo, said he expects to keep sharing an apartment as high housing costs keep homeownership out of reach. Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have faced growing pressure to address affordability and have pushed policies aimed at housing demand and mortgage access.

Trump's pick faces Democrat Roy Cooper in pivotal North Carolina Senate race

2026-03-09

Roy Cooper, a two-term Democrat governor, is trying to keep his political winning streak alive in North Carolina’s 2026 U.S. Senate race against Michael Whatley, a Republican backed by former President Donald Trump. Both won their party primaries this week, setting up a contest Democrats say could test GOP control in Washington and Republicans hope will flip the state’s Senate representation.

Ex-rapper-led upstart party surges toward Nepal election landslide win

2026-03-09

Rastriya Swatantra (National Independent Party), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, was set for a landslide win in Nepal’s first parliamentary election since youth-led protests ousted the old leadership, according to preliminary results released Sunday by the Election Commission. The party won 117 of 165 directly elected seats and also led in eight other constituencies, with officials still counting votes and final results expected later this week.

17 candidates contest Georgia's 14th District seat in Tuesday special election

2026-03-09

Voters in Georgia's 14th Congressional District will choose among 17 candidates Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned in January following a public rift with President Donald Trump. Twelve Republicans and three Democrats are competing for the northwest Georgia seat, which Trump carried with 68% of the vote in 2024. Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

Rep. Darrell Issa retires, adding pressure on House Republicans' narrow majority

2026-03-07

California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announced Friday he will retire from Congress rather than seek reelection in a redrawn Southern California district, reversing a public pledge made just three months earlier that he would not quit. The retirement adds uncertainty to the race for the 48th Congressional District and intensifies pressure on Republicans' already slim House majority.

Herrera secures uncontested GOP nod in TX-23 after Gonzales withdraws amid scandal

2026-03-07

Brendan Herrera, a self-described "Second Amendment Absolutist" who built a following of millions through YouTube gun videos, emerged Friday as the uncontested Republican nominee for Texas' 23rd congressional district after Rep. Tony Gonzales announced Thursday night he would not seek reelection. Gonzales, who had admitted to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide, dropped out after House Republican leadership urged him to end his campaign. He said he would serve out his current term, helping his party maintain its slim majority in the House.

Republicans mine Talarico's social media history after Texas Senate primary win

2026-03-06

James Talarico won the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Within hours, conservatives began uploading clips drawn from years of his social media posts, podcast interviews, and legislative floor speeches, targeting his commentary on race, gender, religion, and immigration ahead of a November general election in a state that has trended heavily Republican. Talarico, a former state legislator, built a national profile by posting heavily on social media and sitting for lengthy podcast interviews. That visibility gave opponents hours of material to mine.

Georgia governor and Senate fields set as May 19 primary looms

2026-03-06

Qualifying closed Friday for Georgia's governor and U.S. Senate races, setting both fields for May 19 primary elections in a closely contested swing state. Three Republicans have entered to challenge Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff, while eight Republicans and eight Democrats are competing to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.

Georgia GOP fears Texas-style runoff as Trump withholds Senate endorsement

2026-03-06

Georgia Republicans are growing anxious as three candidates compete for their party's Senate nomination with no sign that President Donald Trump will weigh in before the May 19 primary. The concern sharpened after Trump's refusal to endorse in the Texas Senate race produced a costly runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton — a scenario Georgia Republican strategists fear will repeat itself and drain resources ahead of a general election against well-funded Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Texas Primary Ballots Face Uncertainty After Court Intervention

2026-03-05

Ballots cast during extended polling hours in two Texas counties, Dallas and Williamson, face an uncertain future after intervention by the Texas Supreme Court. The court's decision puts a stay on a lower court's ruling to extend polling hours due to voter confusion.

Sen. Steve Daines drops 2026 Senate bid, sparking Trump‑backed handoff in Montana

2026-03-05

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Senate race minutes before the filing deadline on March 4, 2026. Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months and will now spend more time with his seven grandchildren in Montana. President Donald Trump quickly endorsed U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme as Daines’s handpicked successor, while an independent campaign was launched by former University of Montana president Seth Bodnar.

Arkansas GOP sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer faces murder case and November vote

2026-03-05

Aaron Spencer, an Arkansas man accused of killing a man prosecutors say abused his then-13-year-old daughter, won the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff in Tuesday’s primary, according to unofficial results. Spencer is out on bond and has pleaded not guilty as he awaits trial, which has been delayed after a judge was removed from the case.

Texas and North Carolina primaries usher in runoffs and high spending

2026-03-05

Several key races in Texas and North Carolina moved toward runoffs after Tuesday’s first primaries of 2026, including the U.S. Senate contests in Texas and multiple House matchups. The Texas Republican Senate nomination went to a runoff after neither Sen. John Cornyn nor state Attorney General Ken Paxton cleared the 50% threshold.

Democrat James Talarico wins Texas Senate primary; faces Cornyn or Paxton

2026-03-05

James Talarico, a 36-year-old Austin state lawmaker, won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett. In his victory remarks Wednesday night, Talarico positioned himself as a unifying alternative to Trump-era politics, including through Christian language and promises of a “politics of love.” He is now set to face either Republican Sen. John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who advanced to a GOP runoff.

California Democrats’ plea to drop governor bids fizzles, risking GOP surge

2026-03-05

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s top Democratic official, party chair Rusty Hicks, urged some Democratic candidates to exit the crowded race for governor, arguing that too many contenders could split the party’s votes in the June 2 top-two primary and make room for Republicans to win statewide in November. But most candidates did not step aside, leaving the contest’s field largely unchanged as Hicks faces criticism from within the party.

Illinois sees candidate frenzy in Democratic March congressional primary

2026-03-05

CHICAGO — Illinois’ Democratic congressional primaries are headed into the March 17 ballot with unusually crowded fields as incumbents retire, leaving open seats across the state. Political groups and debate organizers are struggling to manage the volume, and voters say they are finding it difficult to keep track of who is running and what each candidate stands for.

Trump nominates Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS after firing Kristi Noem

2026-03-05

President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday and announced plans to nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, as her replacement, Trump said March 5, 2026. Noem had faced mounting criticism over her leadership of the department. Trump posted on Truth Social that "Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security."

Cornyn releases attack video on Paxton as Trump withholds Texas runoff endorsement

2026-03-05

Sen. John Cornyn's campaign released a six-minute attack video Thursday targeting Attorney General Ken Paxton, opening a second round of campaigning in their Republican Senate runoff contest even as President Donald Trump has yet to announce whom he will back in the May 26 race. The video revisits Paxton's impeachment trial on corruption charges, which ended in an acquittal but exposed an extramarital affair, and a state securities fraud indictment that Paxton resolved through a plea deal without admitting guilt. Cornyn's team said it is spending tens of thousands of dollars to keep the ad in front of voters, a modest initial outlay in a race that had already exceeded $110 million in spending before Tuesday's primary.

Trump promises Texas Senate runoff endorsement as Cornyn-Paxton contest intensifies

2026-03-04

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would soon endorse one of the two Republicans competing in the Texas Senate runoff, warning that the contest between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton "cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer." Trump wrote on social media that he would demand the candidate he does not back to immediately exit the race. Paxton said he would not drop out regardless of the president's choice.

Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines drops Senate bid, opens path for Trump‑backed successor

2026-03-04

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana announced on March 4 that he is retiring from the Senate, withdrawing his bid for a third term just minutes before the filing deadline. Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months and looked forward to spending more time with his seven grandchildren and in Montana. President Donald Trump quickly endorsed Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, who entered the race seconds after Daines’s withdrawal, describing the move as Daines “passing the torch.”

Arkansas sheriff nomination goes to Aaron Spencer, accused in murder case

2026-03-04

Aaron Spencer, an Arkansas man accused of killing his daughter’s alleged abuser, won the Republican nomination for sheriff in Lonoke County, according to unofficial results posted by the state. Spencer, who is out on bond while awaiting trial, will face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the November election.

Democratic Party chair urges some governor candidates to drop out

2026-03-04

In California’s governor’s race, Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks warned that a top-two primary “election quirk” could produce two Republicans on the November ballot. In response, trailing Democrats including Tony Thurmond and Matt Mahan pushed back, saying candidates should not be told to quit.

Election-year property tax cuts face hurdles in Georgia and Florida

2026-03-04

More states are weighing property-tax cut plans during what’s an election year for governors and legislators, but efforts to reduce taxes can run into resistance over funding for local governments and public schools. An Associated Press analysis points to lawmakers in Georgia and Florida facing political and legal obstacles as they consider whether to scale back property taxes or shift revenues to other sources.

GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales heads to Texas primary runoff after affair allegations

2026-03-04

Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas will face a primary runoff after Tuesday’s vote forced him into a matchup with Brandon Herrera over allegations Gonzales had an affair with a former aide, according to the Associated Press. Gonzales has said he will not step down, and he has denied wrongdoing, while other House Republicans called on him to resign.

Texas and North Carolina primaries offer early clues for 2026 Senate race

2026-03-04

The 2026 midterm campaign kicked off Tuesday with high-profile state primaries in Texas and contests in Arkansas and North Carolina, where the outcome could shape control of the Senate in November. In Texas, state Rep. James Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn, while Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton advanced to a May runoff for the GOP nomination.

Why and how AP calls elections

2026-03-04

The Associated Press has a standardized method for compiling vote counts and declaring winners well before all ballots are certified. In a Feb. 3 explainer, AP describes how it collects results from counties, updates its vote tally throughout Election Night, and calls races when analysts determine the trailing candidate cannot catch up.

Ryan Zinke won’t seek reelection, leaving Montana House seat open in fall

2026-03-04

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Former Trump Cabinet official Ryan Zinke said Monday he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in Montana’s U.S. House seat, citing health concerns. The announcement opens the door for Democrats to compete in a state where Republicans have tightened their grip in recent years.

Talarico wins Texas Senate Democratic nomination; Cornyn, Paxton face off

2026-03-04

Dallas state Rep. James Talarico topped Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in Texas’ Democratic Senate primary, setting up a May runoff for the Republican nomination between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Democratic win renews hopes for a major upset in November in a state that has kept statewide control in Republican hands for more than 30 years.

War in Iran jolts final day of Texas Senate primary campaigning

2026-03-02

WACO, Texas — Candidates in Texas’ tightly competitive U.S. Senate primary were treading carefully in the final hours before Tuesday’s election as the United States and Israel carried out strikes against Iran. Some Republican candidates referenced the war only briefly, while Democrats spoke to it in different terms and some voters said they want clearer objectives and an exit strategy.

Tony Gonzales forced into Texas primary runoff after affair allegations

2026-03-02

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas will face a primary runoff after not reaching a majority in Tuesday’s GOP vote amid allegations he had an affair with a former aide. The runoff pits Gonzales against GOP challenger Brandon Herrera, according to The Associated Press.

Texas primaries Tuesday decide Senate, governor races and more

2026-03-02

Texas voters head to the polls Tuesday for a slate of Republican and Democratic primaries that will determine nominees for the November general election. The races include two U.S. Senate contests, with Republican Sen. John Cornyn seeking renomination against a crowded field and Democrats competing to challenge in November. In addition, voters choose nominees for governor and a full range of state offices, alongside House races in newly drawn congressional districts.

North Carolina primaries: Senate, House, and court races head to Tuesday vote

2026-03-02

North Carolina voters will narrow the field of candidates Tuesday in a competitive U.S. Senate race and multiple other party contests that will shape the fall general-election matchup. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Associated Press will not declare winners until it can rule out scenarios that would let a trailing candidate catch up.

Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley win North Carolina Senate nominations

2026-03-02

North Carolina Democrats and Republicans on Tuesday chose Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley as their nominees for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. The victories set up a high-stakes fall race that could help determine which party controls the Senate.

Maine Democrat Graham Platner gains key Senate endorsement from Ruben Gallego

2026-03-02

Democrats are split over how to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, with Gov. Janet Mills backing an establishment path while Senate candidate Graham Platner receives a high-profile boost. On Monday, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego endorsed Platner, saying the race needs candidates who can draw disaffected voters into politics. Platner has drawn new scrutiny tied to old social media posts and a tattoo he later covered.

Democratic moderates warn party not to lean too far left in 2026

2026-03-02

Democratic moderates are pushing Democratic candidates to “win the middle” in the 2026 midterms and shape the party’s 2028 message, warning that leaning too far left could cost Democrats the White House, according to Third Way’s conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

California Republicans clash with rural backers over gas tax study

2026-03-02

California Republicans have blasted a bill to study road-user charges as Democrats’ “dishonest ploy” to raise taxes, but rural officials and conservative interest groups who face road-repair pressures say the study is needed as fuel-tax revenue falls.

Supreme Court preserves GOP NYC district map for 2026 elections

2026-03-02

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday blocked a New York judge’s order that the state redraw the boundaries of the only GOP-held congressional district in New York City for the 2026 elections, over a ruling that the district diluted Black and Hispanic voters’ influence. The decision preserved the district represented by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, covering Staten Island and a small portion of Brooklyn.

Texas GOP Senate primary enters final pitches ahead of March 3 vote

2026-03-02

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Senate candidates in Texas made final pitches to voters Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s primary, the nation’s first major contest of the 2026 midterm elections. Incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is trying to hold on to avoid becoming the first Republican senator from Texas to lose a primary, facing challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Democrats bet Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido can flip Texas House seat

2026-03-01

In a closely watched South Texas congressional race, Democrats are turning to Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido, pitching the Tejano music star’s cultural ties as the best bet to win a district that Republicans say was drawn to protect U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz. Pulido spoke at a South Texas adult day care center as he campaigned for the Democratic nomination, where he faces Ada Cuellar, a doctor and law school graduate running to his left.

Biden returns to South Carolina for Democrats’ ‘thank you’ event

2026-03-01

Joe Biden returned to South Carolina on Friday for a “thank you” event hosted by state Democrats, where supporters credited his 2020 primary win with rescuing his presidential campaign. At the gathering in Columbia, Biden said it was “good to be back home,” and he took aim at Donald Trump, alleging Trump was “trying to steal the election.”

Voters face new US House maps in Texas midterm elections

2026-03-01

Texas voters head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots for Congress under newly drawn U.S. House maps, a shift that changes district lines for millions compared with the last election. The Associated Press spoke with residents across the state about what the redistricting has done to their representation, from Dallas neighborhoods to the Rio Grande Valley and Houston-area suburbs.

Kamala Harris endorses Jasmine Crockett in Texas Democratic Senate primary

2026-02-28

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Texas’s Democratic primary for Senate, a major establishment stamp as Crockett seeks the party nomination against state Rep. James Talarico. Harris recorded a robocall with her endorsement, according to a spokesperson for Crockett’s campaign.

What to watch as midterms begin with Tuesday primaries in Texas, North Carolina

2026-02-28

Midterm election season begins Tuesday with primaries in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas that will offer early signals about how voters view President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. Republicans are leaning on Trump’s endorsement power, while Democrats are testing whether their candidates should fight harder or pivot toward new faces. The primaries run into September before the November general election that determines control of Congress and statehouses.

Trump won’t name his Texas Senate primary pick yet, backs all three

2026-02-27

President Donald Trump says he has “pretty much” decided whom to endorse in Texas’ Senate Republican primary, but he declined to name a specific pick ahead of the March 3 contest. Speaking Friday in Corpus Christi, Trump praised each of the three Republicans seeking the nomination—Ken Paxton, John Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt—while highlighting issues including energy and economic policy.

Trump won’t name Texas Senate primary pick yet as rivals court him

2026-02-26

President Donald Trump visited Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday and said he was “pretty much” decided whom to endorse in the state’s March 3 Senate Republican primary, but he did not name his pick. Speaking in the coastal city, Trump praised each of the three contenders—Ken Paxton, John Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt—while Democrats seized on economic and affordability issues ahead of the primary.

Trump starts midterm message push after State of the Union trip to Texas

2026-02-26

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union on Tuesday, and the White House is now aiming to carry the speech’s themes—economic prosperity and a more secure America—into a midterm-year campaign. Trump plans to travel first to Texas, where he is expected to highlight the economy and energy policies ahead of March 3 congressional primaries.

AIPAC tests power in Illinois primary amid Democrats’ Israel debate

2026-02-26

AIPAC has reserved at least $1.9 million for ads through its affiliated super PAC in Illinois’s March 17 Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Danny Davis, as Democrats debate the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. The spending arrives alongside criticism of “dark money” routes through groups that critics say are linked to AIPAC but have not yet disclosed funding sources, and as Democrats weigh how to talk about Israel and Gaza inside their primaries.

DHS official tells states ICE will not be at polling places in November

2026-02-26

A Department of Homeland Security official told state election administrators that immigration agents will not be stationed at polling places during November’s midterm elections, according to statements relayed to the Associated Press. The pledge was delivered in a call organized for federal agencies’ coordination and aimed at addressing Democrats’ concerns about possible election interference.

Battleground Arizona GOP primary tests Trump-aligned future

2026-02-26

Arizona Republicans are heading toward a July primary that pits U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, backed by President Donald Trump and Turning Point USA, against U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, a budget hawk who argues seeking Trump’s endorsement isn’t necessary. The winner will face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in Arizona’s general election.

Texas Senate primary sees record spending by outside groups ahead of vote

2026-02-26

Ahead of Tuesday’s Texas primary elections for U.S. Senate, candidates and outside political groups have spent more than $110 million on advertising, setting a record for a Senate primary, an AdImpact ad-tracking analysis showed. The spending spree includes a final television ad from Democratic challenger James Talarico attacking the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement.

Wesley Hunt faces attacks from Cornyn, Paxton in Texas GOP Senate primary

2026-02-25

Wesley Hunt, a U.S. representative from Texas, is facing increased attacks from Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Hunt said the rising criticism is aimed at a threat he poses to their paths to the nomination.

Spanberger contrasts Trump’s “golden age” as Democrats sharpen affordability

2026-02-25

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union on Feb. 24, arguing that costs remain high for many Americans more than a year into his second term. Speaking from Colonial Williamsburg, she said Democrats are focusing on affordability and safety ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Trump’s record State of the Union leans on economy pitch ahead of midterms

2026-02-25

President Donald Trump delivered a record 108-minute State of the Union on Tuesday, telling lawmakers “we’re winning so much” and arguing the United States is surging at home while he is reshaping the world order abroad. The marathon address came as Trump’s political support has faced pressure heading into November’s midterm elections, and he used surprise guest moments—most notably the Olympic champion U.S. men’s hockey team—to punctuate his message.

Trump backs newcomer over former congresswoman in Texas primary

2026-02-24

Mayra Flores, a former Republican congresswoman from Texas' Rio Grande Valley, is fighting to reclaim a House seat in a March 3 primary, but she faces a well-funded Trump-backed rival who has emerged as the frontrunner. Eric Flores, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor, received President Donald Trump's endorsement in December—a move that shifted the race's dynamics and prompted a better-funded candidate to drop out and back him. Flores won a special election in 2022 to become the first Republican in more than 150 years to represent the Rio Grande Valley. Though she lost two subsequent races, her 2022 victory proved that Republicans could compete for working-class Hispanic voters in a region once considered safely Democratic.

Josh Shapiro says antisemitism is “a very real problem” in both parties

2026-02-23

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said antisemitism is “a very real problem” in both major U.S. parties, while urging leaders to call it out regardless of political affiliation. In an interview, Shapiro also discussed how he thinks about political violence and threats, tying his response to his Jewish faith.

As antisemitism rises, Josh Shapiro leans on Jewish faith

2026-02-23

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told attendees of BBYO, the Jewish youth group conference, that he leans on his Jewish faith as antisemitism and conflict over Israel continue. In an interview with The Associated Press, Shapiro said antisemitism is “a very real problem” across political parties and that his family faces new incidents on a regular basis.

What to watch for in Trump’s State of the Union address as midterms loom

2026-02-23

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday will function as a test of the message Republicans hope to deliver to voters ahead of November elections for control of the House and Senate, the Associated Press reported. The address comes as Americans express low approval of Trump’s economic and immigration leadership and after the Supreme Court struck down parts of his tariff authority, AP said.

Never Trump Republicans convene with sparse turnout, no sitting GOP support

2026-02-22

Never Trump Republicans gathered outside Washington on Saturday and Sunday for their sixth annual summit, but the half-empty convention hall in National Harbor, Maryland and the absence of any sitting Republican officials signaled the movement's dwindling influence within the GOP. Attendees at the Principles First conference warned that President Trump and his allies are dismantling American democracy. Not a single current Republican elected official participated in the two-day event.

What to watch for in Trump's State of the Union address

2026-02-22

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday is set to test the messaging Republicans plan to use to win skeptical voters ahead of November’s midterm elections for control of the House and Senate. The address comes as public support lags on the economy and immigration and after the Supreme Court last week struck down key parts of Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Scott Wiener wins California Democratic endorsement for Pelosi House bid

2026-02-22

California state Senator Scott Wiener secured the California Democratic Party's endorsement Sunday for his campaign to succeed Nancy Pelosi in the U.S. House. The endorsement provides significant momentum in a competitive primary for a San Francisco seat that has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. Wiener, who has spent 15 years in city and state politics, is known for advancing contentious legislation on housing and LGBTQ+ protections. His candidacy has been shadowed by controversy over his recent shift on describing Israel's military operations in Gaza as genocide.

White House dinner ends governors’ dispute over attendance in DC

2026-02-21

President Donald Trump’s White House dinner with governors on Saturday ended a contentious week that included disputes over invitations and a surprise cancellation of earlier access for some Democrats. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the president had “made this whole thing a farce,” as no Democrats were spotted at the black-tie event, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the National Governors Association meeting a success despite attempts to distract governors.

Colbert controversy boosts money and attention in Texas Senate primary

2026-02-21

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Thursday urged supporters to focus on experience in a heated March 3 U.S. Senate primary against state Rep. James Talarico, after a Stephen Colbert interview was pulled from CBS air. Colbert said CBS lawyers warned the show against broadcasting the interview amid concerns tied to Trump administration regulators, and the episode helped drive scrutiny and fundraising for Talarico.

Trump visits Georgia as Republicans seek midterm boost amid election claims

2026-02-20

President Donald Trump visited Georgia on Thursday, a state he has targeted with false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, as Republicans sought momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms. In opening comments at a local restaurant and later during remarks at a steel company, Trump raised debunked allegations of voter fraud, discussed requiring voter identification, and praised an FBI raid tied to Fulton County election offices.

NGA pulls out of White House meeting after Trump excludes two Democrats

2026-02-20

The National Governors Association said it is pulling out of an annual White House meeting after President Donald Trump declined to invite Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland. Trump still planned to meet with governors at the White House on Friday, but the meeting would not be facilitated by the NGA.

White House dinner ends turbulent week for governors despite no Democrats

2026-02-20

The White House governors dinner closed a turbulent week for state leaders in Washington, with President Donald Trump excluding Democrats from a Friday working event and later moving on after learning the Supreme Court struck down his tariff policy. No Democrats were spotted at the Saturday black-tie dinner, according to the Associated Press, even after Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland attended the earlier meeting.

Virginia Democrats pass map aiming to flip 4 House seats

2026-02-20

Virginia Democrats on Friday passed a new congressional redistricting map designed to help their party win four additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. A judge's order has blocked the planned voter referendum, and Democrats are appealing to move forward with a timeline that requires a favorable court ruling within two weeks.

Trump campaign visit to Georgia spotlights election-fraud claims amid economy pitch

2026-02-19

President Donald Trump visited Rome, Georgia, on Feb. 19, as Republicans sought momentum for the March 10 special election tied to a congressional district previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. At stops including a local restaurant and a steel company, Trump raised debunked voter-fraud claims, argued for voter identification before ballots are cast, and commented on an FBI raid involving election offices in Fulton County. He also promoted economic themes, including tariffs and assertions about inflation and affordability.

Governors group backs out of White House meeting after Trump excludes 2 Democrats

2026-02-19

The National Governors Association said it is pulling out of an annual meeting at the White House after President Donald Trump declined to invite two Democratic governors, Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland. Trump is still expected to meet with governors at the White House on Friday, but the meeting will not be facilitated by the bipartisan organization.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announces retirement at year’s end

2026-02-19

Robin Vos, the Republican Assembly speaker who has led Wisconsin GOP legislative efforts for more than a decade, said Thursday he will retire at the end of the year. The announcement came from the floor of the Assembly, with Vos pointing to a health scare in November and saying it was “the tap on the shoulder that I needed to make sure that my decision is right.”

Wes Moore says he doesn’t know why Trump targets him ahead of NA Governors meet

2026-02-19

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he does not know why President Donald Trump has stepped up criticism of him, adding, “I pray for him and I just feel bad for him.” Moore said the president’s remarks about a sewage spill tied to a Washington, D.C., pipe on federal land “literally has nothing to do with us.” He also said Moore’s meeting with Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries covered Maryland redistricting, and that his role in the party centers on checks and balances.

Democrats recruit influencers in Texas to reach Latino voters before March 3

2026-02-19

Democrats are rolling out a strategy in the Houston area to recruit popular social media influencers as intermediaries for messaging to Latino voters ahead of Texas’ statewide primary on March 3, according to an Associated Press report. The plan, developed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ political arm, is built around stipends for participating creators and aims to expand the approach to other competitive races. Carlos Eduardo Espina, a progressive influencer with more than 14 million followers on TikTok, attended a Tuesday night rally where he promoted the effort.

California proposal to tax billionaires pits Newsom against Sanders

2026-02-19

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned Wednesday in Los Angeles for a California ballot proposal to levy a one-time 5% tax on the assets of billionaires, aiming to backfill federal cuts to health services. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a leading voice of the state party, has condemned the idea and warned it could harm California’s finances and competitiveness.

Canadian Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux joins Carney Liberals

2026-02-19

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Alberta Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor to join the governing Liberals, the third such defection to the party in recent months. The move brings the Liberals closer to having a majority government and the ability to pass bills without support from the opposition.

Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential run inspired generations

2026-02-19

Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose 1988 presidential campaign energized generations of activists and political leaders, died Tuesday at 84, the Associated Press reported. The Rev. Jesse Jackson announced his second White House bid in 1988 in Pittsburgh, framing it as a chance for the country to realize its “highest ideals.” In tributes, current and former political figures recalled how Jackson’s message of equality and justice influenced their organizing and leadership.

Colbert says CBS pulled Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas

2026-02-18

Stephen Colbert said CBS pulled his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico from Monday’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as early voting began for the Texas primaries. Colbert said CBS attorneys feared broadcasting the interview could violate Federal Communications Commission guidance on giving political candidates equal time. CBS disputed Colbert’s account, saying its lawyers provided legal guidance about whether airing an interview could trigger the FCC’s equal-time rule.

Paxton steps up campaign against Cornyn in Texas Senate primary

2026-02-17

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stepped up his bid for the U.S. Senate on Monday, launching a new round of rallies ahead of early voting that begins Tuesday in the March 3 GOP primary against Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton, a three-term statewide officeholder, framed the race as a fight against a “D.C. establishment” and has begun airing ads tying himself to President Donald Trump.

Anderson Cooper exits “60 Minutes,” will keep hosting on CNN

2026-02-16

Anderson Cooper said Monday he is exiting CBS News’ “60 Minutes” but plans to remain at CNN, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Cooper, who has served as a correspondent for the Sunday broadcast for nearly two decades, was on the program Sunday night, introducing a brief segment by filmmaker Ken Burns.

In Michigan, 3 Democrats test vision of affordability in Senate primary

2026-02-16

Battleground Michigan is seeing three Democrats—U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and physician Abdul El-Sayed—try to define “affordability” ahead of the Aug. Senate primary. The candidates are testing different routes to voters as Democrats seek to win back the seat held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters in the November midterm election cycle.

Derek Dooley says he didn’t vote for years as he seeks Georgia Senate seat

2026-02-16

Derek Dooley, a former University of Georgia football coach, is entering the Republican Senate primary in Georgia while saying he did not vote for nearly two decades. In interviews with The Associated Press, Dooley said he did not vote when Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, did not vote in 2020, but resumed voting in 2022 and backed Trump in 2024.

Hungarian opposition leader Magyar vows to move country back toward West

2026-02-16

Magyar launched his election campaign in Budapest, saying he wants Hungary restored to a Western orientation ahead of an April 12 vote. The former Fidesz insider, now leading the center-right Tisza party, said he was speaking on “the threshold of victory with 56 days left to go.”

Trump’s fundraising war chest could reshape the 2026 midterms

2026-02-13

President Donald Trump has boasted he has more than $1.5 billion in political funds, and attention is now turning to how — and where — he may deploy the money ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. Political finance experts say the scale of the cash, collected through entities that do not always provide detailed disclosures, could translate into unusual influence over Republican campaigns.

Cassidy downplays Trump’s backing of Letlow in Louisiana Senate fight

2026-02-13

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said Friday that President Donald Trump’s backing of GOP Rep. Julia Letlow should not change how voters decide Cassidy’s reelection bid. Cassidy made the comments in Baton Rouge as he submitted paperwork for the state’s May primary, setting up a contest between two Republicans in a race Louisiana Democrats have shown little inclination to challenge.

GOP candidate for Arizona governor exits primary, narrowing field to two

2026-02-13

PHOENIX (AP) — Housing developer Karrin Taylor Robson suspended her campaign for Arizona governor, saying she does not want what she called a divisive Republican primary that drains resources and deepens intraparty attacks. Her exit narrows the GOP field for the 2026 general election to two U.S. House members: Andy Biggs and David Schweikert.

Analilia Mejia wins New Jersey House special primary, setting up April general

2026-02-13

Analilia Mejia, a longtime progressive organizer allied with Sen. Bernie Sanders, won a crowded Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 11th District special election for the U.S. House seat formerly held by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the Associated Press reported. The AP declared Mejia the winner Thursday, a week after the closely contested race ended Feb. 5, and she will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the April 16 special general election.

McMaster endorses Pamela Evette to succeed him as SC governor

2026-02-12

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s bid to succeed him, in a move that his supporters said could put the Republican primary on a path to a potential endorsement from President Donald Trump. Evette is competing for the nomination against Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, with the June 9 primary election scheduled ahead of a runoff two weeks later if needed.

Trump attacks NGA leader Kevin Stitt as governors’ White House invite dispute

2026-02-12

President Donald Trump attacked Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Republican who chairs the National Governors Association, as tensions rose between the White House and the bipartisan group ahead of next week’s annual meeting. Trump posted that Stitt had “incorrectly stated” his position on invitations to governors at a White House event, and called Stitt a “RINO.” The dispute centered on whether Democratic governors would be included in the full sequence of NGA events at the White House.

Rare GOP win possible in California governor race as Democrats split votes

2026-02-11

Los Angeles—California Democrats face a possible vote-splitting scenario in the June primary for governor that could let Republicans finish in the top two spots and advance to November, a Democratic consultant said. The uncertainty comes from California’s “top two” primary system, in which only the two highest vote-getters—regardless of party—advance to the general election.

Governors call off White House dinner after Trump excludes Democrats

2026-02-11

WASHINGTON (AP) — An annual gathering of U.S. governors is unraveling after President Donald Trump excluded Democratic governors from White House events, the National Governors Association said and Democratic governors announced a boycott. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, the NGA chair, wrote that the White House planned to invite only Republican governors to the association’s annual business meeting and associated White House event.

Malinowski concedes to Mejia in New Jersey House special primary

2026-02-11

Tom Malinowski conceded Tuesday to Analilia Mejia in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s U.S. House special election, according to the Associated Press. The primary is being held to replace Mikie Sherrill, who left the seat to become governor.

GOP in Georgia still rocked by alleged $140M Ponzi scheme

2026-02-10

Seven months after the collapse of an alleged $140 million Ponzi scheme involving First Liberty Building & Loan, investors in Georgia say they are impatient to recover their money. On Monday, some told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger that the losses have upended plans for retirement and religious missions, as state and federal officials pursue fraud-related actions.

Crowded Democrats in California governor race could open rare GOP path

2026-02-10

Democrats in California’s governor’s race face a rare ballot math problem under the state’s “top two” primary system, which allows only the top two finishers—regardless of party—to advance. An AP analysis says the party’s crowded field raises the possibility that two Republicans could reach the November general election, a scenario that would be a political shock for a state that has been reliably Democratic statewide for years.

Susan Collins announces bid for sixth term in pivotal Maine Senate race

2026-02-10

Republican Sen. Susan Collins announced her bid for reelection Tuesday in a Maine Senate race Democrats hope will help them win back control of the U.S. Senate. Collins, who has held the seat for five terms, faces a renewed Democratic challenge amid criticism tied to a recent immigration enforcement operation in Maine and her voting record on Homeland Security funding.

Takaichi seeks conservative overhaul after election delivers 2/3 majority

2026-02-10

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moved Monday to convert election gains into a new conservative push after her Liberal Democratic Party won a two-thirds supermajority in parliamentary elections the day before. The LDP alone captured 316 seats in Japan’s lower house, giving the governing coalition 352 seats and setting up votes next week on her return as prime minister.

Lombardo’s 2025 fundraising leaned on bundling to exceed limits

2026-02-10

Gov. Joe Lombardo’s 2025 gubernatorial campaign raised $4.3 million, and analysis reviewed by The Nevada Independent and reported by The Associated Press says a large share relied on “bundling” arrangements that can skirt Nevada’s individual contribution limits by using multiple names and entities. The comparisons with Democratic rival Aaron Ford and Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill highlight how campaign finance structure, rather than direct checks, shaped who influenced the races.

Trump faces rare GOP blowback over post depicting Obamas as primates

2026-02-08

President Donald Trump drew rare GOP blowback from Republican lawmakers over a video posted to social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates. Multiple senators and House members urged Trump to remove the post after it spread among conservatives and included racist imagery alongside disputed claims about the 2020 election.

Health costs top Democrats’ midterm message as ACA subsidies expire

2026-02-08

Democrats are emphasizing health care ahead of the November midterm elections, portraying higher premiums and coverage losses as central to President Donald Trump’s agenda and to congressional Republicans’ record. At a rally in Georgia attended by more than 1,000 people, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said Trump’s policies helped push insurance premiums higher for millions and left hundreds of thousands in his state without coverage. Republicans argue they are addressing affordability by cutting health spending and targeting what they call waste, fraud and abuse, and they say Democratic proposals would amount to more money for a broken system.

Takaichi’s party wins Japan lower-house supermajority in snap election

2026-02-08

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s governing party won a two-thirds supermajority in elections for Japan’s lower house, Japanese media reported after preliminary results. The election gives Takaichi room to pursue conservative policy changes on security, defense, and immigration despite the lack of a majority in the upper house, the more powerful chamber for some oversight.

Thailand’s Bhumjaithai leads election; coalition talks likely after vote

2026-02-08

Thailand’s conservative Bhumjaithai party led Sunday’s general election, with about 93% of polling stations reported in unofficial results from the state Election Commission, according to the commission’s running count. The party was projected to win about 194 seats in the 500-member House, short of the 251-seat majority needed for a one-party government.

Crockett and Talarico target voters with distinct digital strategies

2026-02-08

Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are facing off in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Texas on March 3, with both campaigns leaning heavily on viral social media moments to win attention and fundraising. The Associated Press reports Crockett’s most-watched TikTok clip—an outside-the-Capitol exchange that includes a vulgar two-word reply—has been viewed 20.7 million times, while Talarico’s top video, from a speech-style clip about politics, has drawn 15.5 million views.

Moderate Seguro beats populist Ventura in Portugal runoff presidential vote

2026-02-07

António José Seguro, the center-left Socialist candidate, won emphatically in Portugal’s presidential runoff Sunday, according to official results with 99% of votes counted. Seguro received 66.7% of the vote, defeating hard-right populist André Ventura, who won 33.3%, as Portugal seeks stability after political turmoil earlier this year.

Japan’s Takaichi leverages popularity to seek LDP win in snap vote

2026-02-07

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is campaigning to help her Liberal Democratic Party win a snap election on Sunday, betting on her popularity as she pushes a right-wing agenda for the economy, security and military capabilities. After taking office as Japan’s first female prime minister in October, Takaichi’s campaign pitch includes tougher immigration policies and moves to strengthen Japan’s defense in the face of tensions with China and an unpredictable Washington.

New Jersey Democrats’ special primary between Mejia and Malinowski too close

2026-02-06

A special Democratic House primary in New Jersey between Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia was too close to call Thursday, with vote counting still continuing after election day. With more than 61,000 votes counted, Mejia led by 486 votes—less than 1 percentage point—while counties reported mail ballots that had not been processed. The Democratic nominee will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway on April 16 after he ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

New Jersey 11th District special primary results

2026-02-06

A special primary election in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District concluded Feb. 5, with results released for the contest in the district. The Associated Press reported the outcome as part of its ongoing election coverage.

Jesse Jackson Jr. seeks comeback for old House seat in Illinois primary

2026-02-05

Jesse Jackson Jr., the son of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson, is campaigning for his former U.S. House seat in Illinois, pitching a message of redemption amid a history of political fraud and prison time. The March 17 Democratic primary is set in the Chicago-area district that voters largely expect to keep Democratic, with early voting beginning Thursday.

Westminster dog show spotlights couples who bond over competition and care

2026-02-05

Couples at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show are leaning on a shared love of dogs as the event moves through its breed-by-breed rounds and heads toward the best-in-show award Tuesday night. Among them are two-time Westminster-winning handler Bill McFadden and his wife, Taffe, who have built their partnership around competing, traveling and managing a home full of dogs. The show also features breed finalists chosen Monday, including an Afghan hound and a Lhasa apso, along with other competitors’ families and show-business connections.

Doberman pinscher Penny wins Westminster best in show at milestone 150

2026-02-05

Penny, a Doberman pinscher, won best in show Tuesday night at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, beating a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota. The victory marked a milestone for veteran handler Andy Linton, whose earlier best-in-show win came in 1989 with a Doberman named Indy.

Vermont confirms Michael Drescher to Supreme Court after tie-break vote

2026-02-05

Vermont lawmakers confirmed Michael Drescher to the state Supreme Court after Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers cast a rare tie-breaking vote, following a heated debate over Drescher’s record as a top federal prosecutor. Lawmakers also confirmed Christina Nolan earlier Tuesday with little debate, voting 23-7.

Georgia GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk won’t seek reelection this year

2026-02-05

Georgia Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection to the U.S. House this year, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. The 62-year-old serves Georgia’s 11th Congressional District, northwest of Atlanta.

New York Gov. Hochul names Adrienne Adams as running mate

2026-02-05

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that she will replace her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, as her reelection running mate, naming former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams instead. The move sets up a Democratic primary in which Delgado has been campaigning to unseat Hochul, according to the Associated Press.

Business owner Rick Jackson enters Georgia GOP governor’s race

2026-02-04

Rick Jackson, a Georgia health care business owner, announced as a Republican candidate for governor on Feb. 3, entering a crowded GOP field that includes state officials and a Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor. Jackson, 71, said he will spend $50 million of his own money and cast his run as a contrast to what he called “career politicians.”

New Jersey voters pick Democratic nominee in special 11th district primary

2026-02-03

Voters in northern New Jersey will choose nominees in a special congressional primary Thursday to replace Democrat Mikie Sherrill in the U.S. House now that she is governor, the Associated Press reported. The only Republican on the ballot will be Joe Hathaway, setting up the Democratic winner to face him in the special general election on April 16, AP said.

Alabama GOP dismisses challenge to Tuberville’s governor candidacy

2026-02-03

Alabama’s Republican Party dismissed a challenge questioning U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility to run for governor, the party candidate committee said. Ken McFeeters, who filed the challenge, said Monday he was considering litigation. The challenge centered on whether Tuberville met a seven-year residency requirement, with McFeeters asserting Tuberville lives in Florida.

Republicans outraise Democrats by nearly $100M ahead of midterms

2026-02-03

The Republican National Committee reported raising 172 million dollars in 2025, finishing the year with 95 million dollars in cash, while the Democratic National Committee reported 145 million dollars and ended with 14 million dollars in cash and 17 million in debt, according to year-end reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Republican turned Democrat Geoff Duncan runs for Georgia governor

2026-02-03

Geoff Duncan, a former Republican who has become a Democrat, is running for governor of Georgia in the party’s crowded 2026 primary. In an event in Marietta, he apologized for what he said were his past positions as a Republican and argued Democrats need a candidate who can expand beyond the party base.

Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Texas Senate seat in special election

2026-02-02

Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for an open Texas state Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger Leigh Wambsganss in a Fort Worth-area district that has long favored the GOP. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the loss, while simultaneously praising Wambsganss ahead of the vote, according to the Associated Press. The result adds to Democrats’ recent run of surprise wins in special elections after Trump returned to the White House.

New House map and back-to-back elections cause confusion in Texas district

2026-02-02

Rep. Christian Menefee of Texas, who won a special runoff last weekend to fill a long-vacant U.S. House seat, has about four weeks to win over Houston voters in a Democratic primary shaped by a new congressional map. The seat’s previous Democratic nominee, Amanda Edwards, is also running, as is Rep. Al Green after new district lines put his home in the revamped 18th District. Residents and Democrats say overlapping elections, redrawn boundaries and delays around the seat’s vacancy have left many voters exhausted and confused.

Fundraising hauls show RNC outpacing Democrats ahead of midterms

2026-02-02

The Republican National Committee has raised more than Democrats in 2025 and ended the year with vastly more cash, according to year-end Federal Election Commission filings. The RNC reported $172 million raised in 2025, including $95 million cash on hand at the end of the year, while the Democratic National Committee reported $145 million raised with $14 million cash and $17 million in debt. The totals point to a well-funded Republican campaign operation entering the 2026 midterms, with party committees in both chambers also reporting stronger cash positions for Republicans.

Costa Ricans choose between Chaves-backed successor and traditional rivals

2026-02-02

Costa Ricans vote Sunday in a presidential election that will determine whether they continue the conservative populist program of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves or give a new chance to parties seeking to shed an “establishment” image. The contest also decides a new 57-seat National Assembly.

Democrat Christian Menefee wins Houston House seat in special election

2026-02-01

Christian Menefee, a Democrat and Harris County attorney, won a Texas U.S. House special election runoff on Saturday, defeating former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. The victory will narrow Republicans’ slim majority in the House and will give Menefee the remainder of the term left vacant after the death of former Rep. Sylvester Turner.

Oneida woman Polly Cooper honored on 2026 Sacagawea $1 coin

2026-01-30

The U.S. Mint this week released its 2026 Sacagawea $1 coin design honoring Polly Cooper, a Oneida woman remembered for helping George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The coin’s reverse shows Cooper offering a basket of corn to Washington, and the release comes as the country marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Judge rejects Raffensperger bid to loosen spending limits in Georgia race

2026-01-30

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal judge has rejected for now Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s bid to gain more spending power in the state’s race for governor, upholding campaign finance rules that some Republicans argue give certain candidates an unfair advantage. Raffensperger asked a court to waive limits on the spending power of his political committee during the ongoing GOP contest.

Rodeo group may move HQ to Wyoming, but conservatives question incentives

2026-01-30

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has voted to seriously consider moving its headquarters from Colorado to Wyoming, according to AP. Conservative lawmakers in Wyoming are raising concerns about a proposed $15 million state incentive, which could hinge on decisions during the state’s Feb. 9 budget session.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Newsom critic, joins California governor race

2026-01-30

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced Thursday that he is joining the crowded race for California governor, positioning himself as a moderate Democrat with a record tackling homelessness and crime. Mahan, a frequent critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom, said his approach in Silicon Valley’s largest city has reduced the number of unsheltered homeless, cut fees to speed housing construction, and helped police solve more homicides.

Senators look to leave Washington for governor bids in 2026

2026-01-29

Four sitting U.S. senators—Amy Klobuchar, Michael Bennet, Marsha Blackburn and Tommy Tuberville—have announced campaigns for their home state’s governor seat in 2026, a shift from staying in Washington. The Associated Press analysis says 11 senators have announced they plan to retire next year, including nine in the final year of their terms.

Texas voters head to runoff for House seat and state Senate seat Saturday

2026-01-29

A special runoff election on Saturday will determine the next member of the U.S. House from Texas’ 18th Congressional District, where Houston-area voters have lacked representation for nearly a year. Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards advanced from a Nov. 4 special election, setting up the runoff as Texas prepares to redraw the district for November elections.

Democratic election officials plan crisis scenarios ahead of midterms

2026-01-29

In Minnesota and other states, Democratic election officials say they have started planning election-security “crisis scenarios” for the fall’s midterm elections amid aggressive federal immigration enforcement and a recent FBI search of a Georgia election office. At an annual meeting of state election officials, they described concerns that immigration agents could appear near polling places or that federal authorities could seek access to voting systems. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the planning is now meant to deter and mitigate scenarios that the Trump administration has “seeds” aimed at interfering with elections.

FBI search at Georgia election office spotlights Trump’s 2020 election claims

2026-01-28

FBI agents served a search warrant at the election headquarters of Fulton County, Georgia, seeking 2020 voting records, in a move that highlights Donald Trump’s long-running false claims that the 2020 election was marred by widespread fraud. The raid comes as Trump again occupies the White House and pressures the federal government to pursue those allegations, according to Associated Press reporting.

Trump campaigns on affordability in Iowa ahead of midterms

2026-01-27

President Donald Trump visited Iowa on Tuesday to campaign on his administration's economic record, touting tax cuts and stock market gains as part of a White House push to focus on affordability ahead of November's midterm elections. The trip to Clive, a suburb of Des Moines, marks the beginning of a strategy to have Trump travel outside Washington once weekly through the midterms, which will determine control of Congress.

Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin governor race, rival quits

2026-01-27

President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open race for governor, a move that prompted Tiffany’s top Republican rival, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, to drop out less than a day later. Trump made the endorsement in a Tuesday night social media post, and Schoemann said he was “congratulat[ing]” Tiffany and wished him “great success” in November.

Opponent challenges Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility for Alabama governor bid

2026-01-27

A Republican opponent has challenged U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility to run for Alabama governor, arguing the football coach-turned-politician does not meet the state’s seven-year residency requirement. The challenge was filed Tuesday with the Alabama Republican Party by Ken McFeeters, who says Tuberville appears to live in Florida rather than Alabama.

Trump impeachment foe Alex Vindman enters Florida Senate race

2026-01-26

Alex Vindman, a former Trump impeachment witness and an Army veteran, announced on Tuesday that he is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Florida. If he wins the party nomination, he would challenge Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the seat after Marco Rubio became secretary of state.

Veteran DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton ends reelection campaign

2026-01-26

Veteran District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton filed paperwork to end her reelection campaign for Congress, according to an election filing reported Friday. Norton, 88, has served as the District’s sole member in the House since 1991. Her filing was submitted to the Federal Election Commission and was first reported by NOTUS.

Minnesota’s House special elections set up battleground in District 64A

2026-01-25

Minnesota voters will choose winners in two special elections for Minnesota House seats on Tuesday, with control of the chamber at stake. The Associated Press decision notes that Republicans held a 67-65 advantage after Democrats won other offices in November, and that the contests follow recent protests tied to fatal shootings involving federal immigration enforcement. The AP said it would treat District 47A as effectively uncontested because Democrat Shelley Buck is the only candidate on the ballot.

California Post launches on the West Coast with tabloid-style outlet

2026-01-25

LOS ANGELES — California Post launched Monday as a new tabloid newspaper and news website from the New York Post newsroom to serve readers in California. The Los Angeles operation is set up to be “digital first,” while offering a daily print edition for $3.75, including splashy front-page headlines.

Texas Democrats align on taxes, diverge on Trump impeachment

2026-01-25

Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, competing in a heavily Republican state's Democratic Senate primary, debated their candidacy January 24 before hundreds of labor union members at the Texas AFL-CIO political convention. Both aligned on raising taxes on the wealthy and ending tariffs, but distinguished themselves on whether to pursue President Donald Trump's impeachment and how aggressively to cut immigration enforcement funding. The March 3 primary winner will face the victor of a Republican contest that includes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

Crockett and Talarico align on much in Texas Senate debate

2026-01-24

Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico differed more on style than substance in their first U.S. Senate debate on January 24 at the Texas AFL-CIO convention, though they distinguished themselves on the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and impeachment of President Donald Trump. Crockett, an outspoken second-term House member from Dallas, said she would support impeachment proceedings against Trump, starting with investigations into his use of tariffs. Talarico, a four-term state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, stopped short of endorsing impeachment, saying instead he would fairly weigh any evidence presented during a Senate trial. Both candidates aligned on major domestic policy, including calls for higher taxes on wealthy earners, support for Medicare for all, and ending Trump's tariffs. The two will compete in the March 3 Democratic primary, with the winner facing either Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Wesley Hunt or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a race expected to be challenging for Democrats in a heavily Republican state.

Wisconsin Legislature meets in darkness amid WisconsinEye shutdown

2026-01-22

WisconsinEye, the nonprofit network that broadcasts and archives Wisconsin legislative proceedings, went dark in mid-December after running short of funds, leaving lawmakers meeting without the usual public video access. The shutdown has drawn complaints from open-government advocates and is prompting lawmakers to negotiate a plan to revive the network.

Georgia lieutenant governor revives 2020 election dispute in GOP primary race

2026-01-22

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones attacked his Republican primary opponent Thursday, using disputed claims about a 2020 Fulton County election issue in connection with his refusal to comply with a federal voter-data request. State senators at an Ethics Committee meeting criticized Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for not providing detailed voter information that the U.S. Department of Justice has demanded, but Jones emphasized an incorrect claim that 315,000 ballots were wrongly certified.

Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya launches Senate bid in Minnesota

2026-01-21

Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota on Wednesday, seeking the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. In a video posted on social media, Tafoya said her campaign would “clean up the system” by fighting corruption and supporting federal law enforcement amid immigration-related turmoil in the state.

Democrat Angie Nixon announces bid for Ashley Moody’s Florida Senate seat

2026-01-21

Florida Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon announced Thursday that she will run in 2026 for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Ashley Moody, the Associated Press reported. Nixon, who represents a district in Jacksonville, said her candidacy is driven by what she called an affordability crisis facing Florida residents.

Georgia GOP’s Burt Jones presses Brad Raffensperger on 2020 ballot issue

2026-01-21

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, attacked his primary rival, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, again over the 2020 election during a Thursday Senate meeting in Georgia. The push included complaints about Raffensperger’s response to a U.S. Department of Justice request for detailed voter data and a renewed focus on Fulton County’s 2020 ballot documentation.

Trump endorses Julia Letlow in GOP fight against Sen. Bill Cassidy

2026-01-20

President Donald Trump is endorsing Rep. Julia Letlow in a Louisiana Republican Senate primary against Sen. Bill Cassidy, a move that puts the president at odds with parts of Senate Republican leadership. Letlow announced the bid Tuesday in Baton Rouge after receiving Trump’s endorsement, while Cassidy has faced Trump’s ire since voting to convict Trump during the president’s 2021 impeachment trial.

Sherrill sworn in as New Jersey governor, pledges utility rate freeze

2026-01-20

Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot, was inaugurated Tuesday as New Jersey's 57th governor, becoming only the second woman to lead the state. In her inaugural address delivered in Newark, Sherrill adopted a confrontational stance toward the Trump administration, invoking the Declaration of Independence while directly criticizing federal tariffs and immigration enforcement.

Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's first female governor

2026-01-17

Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia's 75th governor and the first woman to hold the office in the state's 250-year history as a commonwealth, succeeding Republican Glenn Youngkin after defeating his lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears. The ceremony took place amid a cold drizzle at the state Capitol in Richmond.

McKibben predicts rising electricity bills will define 2026 elections for GOP

2026-01-17

Climate activist Bill McKibben predicted this week that rising U.S. electricity prices will become the defining pocketbook issue of the 2026 midterm elections, drawing a direct comparison to the food inflation that cost Democrats in 2024. McKibben spoke in Ripton, Vermont, shortly after installing his fourth solar panel system on his home, as federal clean energy tax credits expired and the Trump administration continued to restrict offshore wind development. National average electricity costs rose from 15.94 cents per kilowatt-hour when President Donald Trump took office in January 2025 to 17.98 cents in October — a 12.8% increase in 10 months that exceeded the rate of increase over the prior two years combined, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Betsy McCaughey files for Connecticut GOP governor nomination

2026-01-16

Betsy McCaughey, a former New York lieutenant governor, filed paperwork to seek the Republican nomination for Connecticut governor, positioning her campaign to challenge Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont. McCaughey made the announcement after first declaring her run on Wednesday evening.

Can Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn survive in Trump’s GOP?

2026-01-16

The Republican Senate primary for John Cornyn’s seat in Texas on March 3 pits him against Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, both positioned as closer Trump allies. As Cornyn campaigns, he has emphasized federal reimbursement for Texas work on the U.S.-Mexico border wall and presented himself as a more effective lawmaker than a loud culture warrior, while critics and some voters question whether he has kept pace with the party’s shift. (Thomas Beaumont/Associated Press)

House control is at the center of midterms. These charts explain the fight

2026-01-16

House control is at the center of the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats and Republicans each targeting a relatively small number of seats in the 435-member House. The outcome will be decided by a narrow margin as incumbents weigh retirement decisions, party recruitment efforts and election-year voter trends. The AP charts highlight how history, 2025 off-year results, President Donald Trump’s role and approval, redistricting and key campaign issues could shape the contest.

Top ICE official resigns to seek GOP nomination in Ohio’s 9th District

2026-01-16

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A top U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official resigned this week to launch a Republican campaign for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, challenging longtime Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur this fall, the Associated Press reported. Madison Sheahan, a former ICE deputy director, said she resigned Thursday and pitched her record in immigration enforcement against what she said was Kaptur’s approach during her 43 years in Washington.

Betsy McCaughey enters Connecticut governor's race, seeking GOP nomination

2026-01-15

Betsy McCaughey, a Republican and former lieutenant governor of New York, filed paperwork Thursday to seek the GOP nomination for Connecticut governor, challenging Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who is running for a third term. McCaughey, 77, a conservative host on Newsmax and New York Post columnist who lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, announced her candidacy the previous evening, according to the Associated Press.

Can Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn survive in Trump’s party ahead of March primary?

2026-01-15

Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn is campaigning for renomination in a March 3 GOP primary in which he faces Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, two competitors who present themselves as closer to Donald Trump. Cornyn, 73, has leaned on a steadier, more institution-focused style, including publicly thanking Trump for federal funds to help Texans’ work on the border wall.

Republicans defend narrow House majority as history and approval ratings favor Democrats

2026-01-15

Republicans enter the 2026 midterm election year defending a 220-215 House majority, with President Donald Trump personally directing candidate recruiting and strategic planning in an effort to avoid a repeat of his first term, when Democrats won the chamber in 2018 and went on to impeach him twice. Democrats, buoyed by strong off-year election results in 2025 and targeting nearly 40 Republican-held districts, are more than ready for the fight, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

ICE deputy director Sheahan resigns to challenge Kaptur in Ohio's 9th

2026-01-15

Madison Sheahan, 28, resigned Thursday as deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to seek the Republican nomination for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, targeting Democratic incumbent Rep. Marcy Kaptur, 79, the longest-serving woman in Congress. Sheahan, who was appointed to the ICE post by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March and previously served as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, described herself in a campaign launch video as "a Trump conservative" and said she had stopped more illegal immigration in less than a year than Kaptur had in 43 years in Washington.

Kemp closes Georgia governorship with $1.17B rebate plan, bid to shape state's future

2026-01-15

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his final State of the State address Thursday in Atlanta, proposing to spend $1.17 billion from the state's budget surplus on income tax rebates and calling to accelerate a planned reduction in the state's flat income tax rate to 4.99%. Kemp, who refused President Donald Trump's demands to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election results and survived Trump's subsequent political retaliation, is working to extend his influence in Georgia politics well past his departure from office.

Wisconsin Democrats pursue statehouse trifecta for first time in 16 years

2026-01-15

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Democrats enter 2026 pursuing something they have not achieved in 16 years: simultaneous control of the governor's office and both chambers of the state legislature. Court-ordered redistricting, an open governor's race and a midterm election cycle historically favorable to the party out of power in Washington have put a so-called trifecta within reach, according to party officials and strategists.

22 candidates file for Georgia seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene

2026-01-14

Twenty-two candidates — including a former district attorney, a state senator and a trash-hauling entrepreneur — filed to contest Georgia's 14th Congressional District seat after Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress earlier this month. Qualifying closed Wednesday, drawing 17 Republicans, three Democrats, a Libertarian and an independent. The field will appear on a single all-party ballot on March 10, according to the Associated Press.

Schumer says Democrats are preparing for Trump to disrupt and dispute the midterms

2026-01-14

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Democrats have assembled teams of senators and lawyers to counter any effort by President Donald Trump to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections. In a 20-minute telephone interview with the Associated Press, Schumer said cost of living was the dominant concern for American families and outlined a five-issue economic platform the party plans to run on through November.

Democrats see narrow path to regain Senate majority in 2026

2026-01-14

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leaders said Tuesday they see a path to winning back the majority in November, but characterized it as narrow and with limited room for error. The Democrats’ latest optimism follows former Rep. Mary Peltola’s announcement that she will run for the Senate in Alaska, giving the party what Schumer called a wider opportunity to compete in a state Republicans have held.

Trump creates turmoil as he faces midterm verdict

2026-01-14

President Donald Trump has escalated a range of moves involving Venezuela, Greenland and immigration enforcement in the first weeks of 2026, as voters prepare to vote in the November midterm elections. In the U.S., his administration’s actions also include a criminal investigation tied to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony, a step that drew unusual criticism from some Republican voices.

Proposed billionaire tax in California sparks Silicon Valley uproar

2026-01-14

A proposed one-time 5% tax on California billionaires’ assets to fund health services has ignited political conflict in Silicon Valley, with tech leaders warning they may reduce their ties to the state. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to stop the measure from reaching the ballot before a November vote, arguing a wealth tax would hurt California’s economy and could backfire.

Mark Brnovich, former Arizona attorney general, has died at 59

2026-01-14

Mark Brnovich, Arizona’s former attorney general who led the state’s investigation into allegations of 2020 election fraud, has died. He died after having a heart attack Monday, according to a family representative, and was 59. Brnovich was in his second term as attorney general when Arizona became a focal point for efforts by President Donald Trump and his allies to find evidence supporting claims that the 2020 election was marred by fraud.

Wisconsin Democrats seek 2026 trifecta after Supreme Court redistricting

2026-01-14

Wisconsin Democrats are pursuing a statehouse trifecta in 2026—control of the Senate, Assembly and governor—something they have not held together in 16 years. The plan leans on new district boundaries ordered by Wisconsin’s liberal-controlled Supreme Court, an open governor’s race in November and what Democrats describe as a favorable midterm backdrop for their candidates.

DNC commits millions to bring voter registration under party control

2026-01-13

The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday it will spend millions of dollars to shift control of voter registration efforts from nonprofit advocacy groups to the party itself, starting in Arizona and Nevada with at least $2 million for training organizers ahead of this year's midterm elections.

Georgia special election field includes 22 candidates for Greene’s seat

2026-01-13

Former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned earlier this month, setting up a Georgia special election to choose her successor in Congress. Qualifying for the race closed Wednesday with 22 candidates—17 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian and one independent—set to appear on the same all-party ballot.

Schumer says Democrats are preparing for Trump to dispute midterms

2026-01-13

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats are preparing for President Donald Trump to “disrupt and dispute” the 2026 midterm elections, arguing Democrats expect voters to reject chaos created by immigration raids in major cities. He made the comments in an edited telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Democrats see a narrow path to win the Senate in November

2026-01-13

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democratic leaders said they see a path to winning the majority in November, but warned it is narrow and leaves little room for error. The party received fresh momentum this week after former Rep. Mary Peltola announced she will run for Senate in Alaska, one of several battlegrounds Democrats must win to net four seats. Republican leaders, meanwhile, pointed to the states that Donald Trump carried in 2024 and said Democrats face enormous hurdles.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Gilchrist drops governor bid, enters secretary of state race

2026-01-12

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and joining the race for secretary of state, reshaping two of the state's most competitive 2026 contests. Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, said in a video announcement he is not finished being a "public servant" but did not offer a specific reason for the switch.

10-year-old's Joe Dirt tribute wins Pennsylvania Farm Show mullet contest

2026-01-12

A 10-year-old dressed in tribute to movie character Joe Dirt took top honors Monday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show's annual mullet contest in Harrisburg, where about 150 competitors vied before a crowd of more than a thousand spectators. Drew Fleschut of Dallas, Pennsylvania — wearing a red-and-black shirt and carrying the character's signature mop — claimed the top prize, the rear bumper of a Corvette, at the event billed as the day's "mane" attraction.

Seth Clark of Macon enters Georgia lieutenant governor race as 2nd Democrat

2026-01-12

Seth Clark, a former Macon-Bibb County commissioner who led a campaign to establish a national park along the Ocmulgee River, announced Monday that he would seek Georgia's lieutenant governorship, becoming the second Democrat to enter the 2026 race for the office. Clark, who resigned from the Macon-Bibb County Commission before launching his campaign, said affordability and the cost of living would anchor his run.

Beshear urges Democrats to lead with costs and authenticity in 2026 governor races

2026-01-12

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday called on Democrats seeking governorships in 2026 to center their campaigns on solutions for the economic pressures facing working families and to speak more personally about the values and faith that motivate them. Beshear, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association heading into November's midterms, outlined the party's strategy in a sit-down interview with The Associated Press from Frankfort, Kentucky. Thirty-six governor's races are on the ballot this year as Democrats seek to build on their 2025 victories in Virginia and New Jersey.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins enters 2026 governor race against Trump-backed Donalds

2026-01-12

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Monday that he is running for governor in 2026, entering a Republican primary that pits him against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who carries an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Collins, a retired Green Beret who lost a leg during military service and continued to serve five more years on a prosthetic, posted the announcement on X.

Peltola enters Alaska Senate race, challenging GOP incumbent Sullivan

2026-01-12

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, announced Monday she will challenge Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska's 2026 midterm Senate race. Peltola, a Yup'ik Democrat, framed her candidacy around economic pressures facing Alaskans — particularly in rural communities where high transportation costs push the price of basic goods to extremes. "Life is difficult here, and we know that we have to take care of each other," Peltola said in a video announcement.

Democrats to spend millions on voter registration strategy for 2026 midterms

2026-01-12

The Democratic National Committee said it will spend millions of dollars to shift voter registration efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, starting in Arizona and Nevada. DNC Chair Ken Martin said the initiative aims to increase the party’s chances by building its own capacity rather than relying mainly on nonprofit advocacy groups and individual campaigns. The program will begin with at least $2 million for training organizers.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urges GOP Legislature to advance priorities

2026-01-12

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature to act on his priorities in his final year, even if it requires lawmakers staying in session longer than planned. Speaking to reporters Monday, Evers said there is still time for lawmakers to advance proposals including protecting funding for SNAP and tackling PFAS pollution.

Beshear urges Democrats to focus on everyday costs ahead of 2026

2026-01-11

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, head of the Democratic Governors Association, said Democrats seeking to win more gubernatorial seats in 2026 should focus their campaigns on helping Americans deal with the everyday pressure of housing, health care and other essentials. He made the remarks Monday in a sit-down interview with The Associated Press.

Democrat Mary Peltola challenges Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska Senate bid

2026-01-11

Mary Peltola, Alaska Native Democrat and former U.S. representative, said Monday she will challenge Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in the state’s Senate race this year. Peltola, who served in Congress after winning Alaska’s House seat in 2022, made the announcement in a video and framed her campaign around affordability and rural Alaska costs.

Democrat Seth Clark enters Georgia lieutenant governor race

2026-01-11

A second Democrat has entered Georgia’s lieutenant governor race, with Seth Clark of Macon announcing his candidacy. Clark, who recently resigned from the Macon-Bibb County Commission, said Monday he will run to succeed Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is seeking the governor’s seat.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Gilchrist drops governor bid, enters secretary of state race

2026-01-11

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead will seek the Democratic nomination for Michigan secretary of state. The announcement comes as Michigan prepares for a political matchup shaped by the role of the secretary of state as the state’s top election official.

Jan. 6 podium carrier Adam Johnson files for Manatee County Commission seat

2026-01-10

Adam Johnson, the Florida man whose photograph carrying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's podium through the U.S. Capitol became a viral image of the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, filed Tuesday to run as a Republican for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission. Johnson filed his candidacy on Jan. 6, 2026 — the fifth anniversary of the Capitol attack — and told a local television station the timing was "not a coincidence."

GOP fractures emerge in midterm year's first week over Venezuela, Greenland, health care

2026-01-09

Republican senators broke with President Donald Trump over Venezuela war powers, and 17 House members crossed party lines on a health care vote, in the first full working week of the 2026 midterm election year. The back-to-back breaks came just days after Trump rallied House Republicans at Washington's Kennedy Center, underscoring growing pockets of resistance as the party begins a difficult campaign to hold both chambers.

Austin Peay reinstates professor, pays $500K after firing over Charlie Kirk post

2026-01-08

Austin Peay State University has reinstated a tenured professor and agreed to pay him $500,000 after firing him for a social media post he shared following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Clarksville, Tennessee, school announced. Darren Michael, who teaches theater and dance, returned to his position effective Dec. 30 under a settlement that Tennessee's governor, attorney general, and comptroller authorized.

Giffords returns to House floor 15 years after Tucson assassination attempt

2026-01-08

Former Rep. Gabby Giffords walked onto the House floor Thursday, 15 years to the day after a gunman shot her in the head at a constituent meeting in Tucson, Arizona, drawing a standing ovation from Democratic colleagues as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pledged gun control legislation as a top priority if Democrats reclaim the House majority in November's midterm elections.

Josh Shapiro kicks off bid for second term as Pennsylvania governor

2026-01-08

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced he is running for a second term on Jan. 8, positioning himself as a steady Democratic leader in a pivotal battleground state. He held events in Pittsburgh and later Philadelphia, warning that his opponents’ promises would bring “darkness and division and extremism” and citing “chaos and toxicity” from Washington, D.C.

House Speaker Johnson invites President Trump to deliver State of the Union Feb. 24

2026-01-08

Speaker Mike Johnson has invited President Donald Trump to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on Feb. 24, with the invitation noting the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. Johnson’s letter, sent Wednesday, said he and Trump would “advance” work “ahead of us in 2026,” including “defending liberty” and “preserving this grand experiment in self-governance.” The address comes as voters head toward a midterm election that will affect whether Republicans keep control of Congress.

Georgia Senate Republicans push to eliminate state income tax by 2032

2026-01-07

Georgia Senate Republican leaders on Wednesday backed a proposal to eliminate the state's personal income tax by 2032, joining a wave of GOP-led states pursuing full income tax abolition despite unresolved questions about how to replace the lost revenue. The tax is projected to generate about $16.5 billion this year — 44% of Georgia's general revenue — and getting to zero would require phasing out that entire stream over six years.

Ramaswamy picks McColley, Acton picks Pepper in Ohio governor race

2026-01-07

Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate Wednesday, while Democratic former state health director Amy Acton chose former state party chair David Pepper, as both tickets in Ohio's open governor's race filled the experience gap that had defined them. The announcements came on the same day, with Ramaswamy staging an introduction event in Cleveland and Acton and Pepper making their first joint public appearance at an affordability roundtable in Columbus. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine cannot seek reelection because of term limits.

Philadelphia-area Trump store closing after six years, owner says business has slowed

2026-01-07

A Trump-themed merchandise shop in suburban Philadelphia that became a gathering place for supporters of President Donald Trump announced it will close at the end of January, six years after opening, the owner said Tuesday. Mike Domanico, who founded the Trump Store in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 2020, said he is shifting focus to another business and acknowledged that sales have declined since Trump's reelection.

Spanberger still digesting significance of being Virginia's first female governor

2026-01-07

RICHMOND, Va. — Less than two weeks before her Jan. 17 inauguration, Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger said Tuesday she is still coming to terms with what it means to become the first woman elected to lead the state in its nearly 250-year history. The Democrat and former congresswoman, who defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by 15 points in November, said the full weight of the milestone is only now becoming clear as she hears from constituents moved by the moment.

LaMalfa death triggers California special election as House GOP majority narrows

2026-01-07

The death of California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has created a House vacancy and handed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom control over when the seat will be filled, with state law giving him up to several months to call a special election. LaMalfa's death on Monday shrinks the Republican majority to 218 seats against Democrats' 213, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson with less room for defections as he works to advance President Donald Trump's agenda ahead of the 2026 midterms.

George Conway files to run for Manhattan-area House seat as Democrat

2026-01-07

George Conway, a former conservative lawyer turned Trump critic, filed paperwork to run as a Democrat in New York’s 12th Congressional District, according to an Associated Press report published Dec. 23. Conway has not made an official announcement, and his campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The Manhattan-based district is set to be left open by retiring Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California dies at 65, narrowing House GOP majority

2026-01-06

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican who cast reliable votes for President Donald Trump's agenda through seven House terms, died Tuesday at age 65 after suffering a medical emergency the previous evening, the Butte County sheriff's office said. He was taken to a local hospital where he died during a surgical procedure. Officials have not disclosed the cause of death.

Former Arizona lawmaker sentenced to probation for forged petition signatures

2026-01-06

PHOENIX — A former Republican Arizona state lawmaker who publicly questioned the integrity of the state's elections was sentenced Tuesday to probation and a five-year ban on seeking public office after pleading guilty to using nominating petitions with forged signatures to qualify for a 2024 primary election. Austin Smith, 30, who had represented a Phoenix-area state House district for one term, was also fined $5,500.

Trump addresses House GOP with meandering speech as majority shrinks to new low

2026-01-06

President Donald Trump delivered a nearly 90-minute address to House Republicans at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, spending more time relitigating past grievances than laying out an election-year strategy, even as the party's razor-thin House majority narrowed further with the death of a California lawmaker and the resignation of a Georgia member. The session, billed as a daylong policy forum to align the White House and House Republicans ahead of the November midterms, produced little in the way of concrete guidance on the urgent decisions the caucus faces in the coming weeks.

Shapiro reports $30M for Pennsylvania reelection bid, breaking his own state record

2026-01-06

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro began 2026 with $30 million in his reelection campaign account, a new state record for cash on hand heading into an election year, his campaign said Tuesday. The sum more than doubles the previous Pennsylvania record of $13.4 million — also set by Shapiro at the start of 2022, the year he won the governorship.

Georgia sets March 10 special election for Greene's former seat

2026-01-06

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp set March 10 as the date for a special election in the state's 14th Congressional District, one day after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress following five years in office. The all-party contest will fill a seat that the Cook Political Report rates as the most Republican-leaning district in Georgia.

George Conway enters NYC House race, testing anti-Trump profile in Democratic primary

2026-01-06

George Conway, 62, a prominent critic of President Donald Trump and co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, announced Tuesday that he is running for the U.S. House seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York City. Conway, a former Republican attorney who recently relocated from Bethesda, Maryland, back to Manhattan, entered a crowded Democratic primary in a solidly Democratic district covering Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East and Upper West sides.

Indiana Rep. Jim Baird hospitalized after car crash, expected to recover

2026-01-06

Indiana U.S. Rep. Jim Baird was hospitalized after his vehicle was struck in a car accident, his congressional office said Tuesday. The 80-year-old Republican, who represents the 4th Congressional District in west central Indiana, is expected to make a full recovery. President Donald Trump said Baird's wife was also hospitalized in the crash.

In Ohio governor race, Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton pick running mates

2026-01-06

Ohio’s gubernatorial contest is taking shape as Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic former health chief Amy Acton announced their running mates on Wednesday. Ramaswamy named Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, and Acton chose former state Democratic Chair David Pepper, with Gov. Mike DeWine barred from seeking re-election by term limits.

Tim Walz drops bid for third term as Minnesota governor

2026-01-06

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democrats’ 2024 vice presidential pick, said Monday he is ending his bid for a third term as governor, less than four months after announcing his reelection campaign. Walz said negative attention and Republican attacks have made 2025 “an extraordinarily difficult year,” leaving him unable to serve full time as governor while also running to keep his job.

Walz drops bid for third term as Minnesota governor; Klobuchar weighs entry

2026-01-06

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats' 2024 vice-presidential nominee, announced Monday that he will not seek a third term as governor, citing Republican attacks and the political fallout from a federal investigation into child care fraud in the state's Somali community. Walz made the announcement at the state capitol in St. Paul less than four months after launching his reelection campaign, saying the dual demands of governing and campaigning had become untenable. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering entering the race, according to a person close to her who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Venezuela strike divides Massie and Trump-backed challenger in Kentucky

2026-01-06

President Donald Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela has become a flash point in Kentucky’s Republican primary race between U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie and retired Navy SEAL officer Ed Gallrein. Massie, a long-running Trump antagonist, criticized the strike in social media posts, while Gallrein said Massie’s stance is not what voters expect from a Republican.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville files to enter Alabama governor race

2026-01-06

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville filed paperwork on Monday to officially enter the 2026 race for Alabama governor, saying he wants to return home and help lead economic and job growth in the state. After signing the filing at the Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Hoover, Alabama, he told reporters business recruitment and other priorities would be central to his campaign. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is also running, setting up a possible rematch in November.

Michigan teachers connect Jan. 6 insurrection to history of peaceful power transfers

2026-01-05

Michigan history teachers are marking the approaching fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection by weaving the event into their advanced placement coursework — anchored to the election of 1800, when John Adams became the first sitting president to transfer power peacefully to a rival-party successor, according to a report by Bridge Michigan distributed by the Associated Press. Teachers at East Kentwood and Whitehall high schools draw a direct line from that founding-era precedent to its 2021 breach, asking students to analyze why peaceful transitions of power matter and what happens to democracies when they break down.

George Conway launches congressional bid in New York for open seat

2026-01-05

George Conway, a prominent critic of President Donald Trump, said Tuesday that he is running for a U.S. House seat in New York City. The announcement comes as Rep. Jerrold Nadler plans to retire, opening a Democratic primary in the Manhattan-based district.

Trump urges House GOP to use “nuggets” as thin majority faces health votes

2026-01-05

President Donald Trump met with House Republicans at the Kennedy Center to discuss their election-year agenda as Democrats aim to win control of Congress in November. The near-90-minute appearance included warnings about impeachment and a pitch to run on Trump’s first year back in office, but offered few details on a unified House strategy. The meeting took place amid pressure on health care and other issues that Republicans say are splitting their conference.

Greene's constituents divided on her legacy as she quits Congress

2026-01-04

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress on Monday, ending halfway through her third term a political career that made her northwestern Georgia district one of the most closely watched in the country — and left her constituents divided over what, if anything, they gained from it. President Donald Trump, once her most prominent ally, called her a traitor after she criticized his foreign policy and his reluctance to release documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

DeSantis appoints Urban Meyer to New College of Florida board

2026-01-02

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed College Football Hall of Famer Urban Meyer to the board of trustees at New College of Florida, extending the governor's two-year effort to reshape the small Sarasota liberal arts school along conservative lines. The appointment, announced Tuesday, is subject to confirmation by the Florida state Senate.

Democrats find a louder voice in The Villages as Harris campaign ramps up

2026-01-01

The Villages in central Florida—long known as a conservative retirement enclave—has seen a small but growing Democratic presence as Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign draws more residents out of private politics, the Associated Press reported. AP said the shift is visible in neighborhood conversations, campaign-themed golf-cart parades, and visits by second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Democrats warn Trump may intervene in 2026 midterms

2025-12-31

Democrats and other critics say President Donald Trump’s administration is taking steps they worry could affect the way Americans vote in the 2026 midterm elections. They point to efforts they say aim to reshape congressional districts and to federal actions they view as targeting Democrats. Trump’s allies deny those plans, arguing the concerns are baseless.

Democrat Renee Hardman wins Iowa Senate seat, blocking GOP supermajority

2025-12-30

Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate on Tuesday in a year-end special election, denying Republicans a path to reclaim two-thirds control of the chamber. The seat became vacant after the Oct. 6 death of Democratic Sen. Claire Celsi, and Hardman defeated Republican Lucas Loftin by about 43 percentage points with 99% of votes counted.

House members announce retirements and runs for higher office ahead of 2026

2025-12-30

In the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections, a slate of U.S. House members on both sides of the aisle has announced they will not seek re-election. The departures include Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, Republican Reps. Harriet Hageman, Dan Newhouse and Elise Stefanik, and Democratic leaders such as Nancy Pelosi, according to retirement and candidacy announcements tracked by The Associated Press.

Democrats renew concerns Trump will interfere with 2026 midterms

2025-12-30

Democrats and other critics say President Donald Trump is taking steps they fear could affect the 2026 midterm elections, including efforts tied to redistricting and federal enforcement actions. At the same time, Trump aides and the White House have denied plans to use military or armed federal agents to suppress voting, as litigation and election officials prepare for potential disruptions.

Alicia Johnson to become first Black woman elected to Georgia PSC in historic first

2025-12-30

Alicia Johnson will take office Thursday as Georgia’s Public Service Commission chair, becoming the first Black woman elected to the partisan, statewide body that regulates electricity rates in the state, the Associated Press reported. Johnson, who held a ceremonial swearing-in Monday in Atlanta, called her election a “historic milestone.”

Iowa Senate special election pits Hardman vs. Loftin for District 16 seat

2025-12-30

Voters in Iowa’s 16th State Senate District will choose a new state senator Tuesday in a special election that could help Republicans regain a supermajority in the chamber. The nominees are Democrat Renee Hardman of West Des Moines and Republican Lucas Loftin of Clive, running to replace the late Sen. Claire Celsi. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time, 9 p.m. ET.

Democrat Renee Hardman wins Iowa state Senate seat, denies GOP supermajority

2025-12-29

Demokrat Renee Hardman won a year-end special election for an Iowa state Senate seat on Tuesday, denying Republicans a path to reclaim a two-thirds supermajority in the 50-member chamber. Hardman defeated Republican Lucas Loftin in a district representing parts of the Des Moines suburbs, with about 99% of votes counted.

Democrats warn Trump could interfere in 2026 midterm elections

2025-12-29

US Democrats and election-law experts are voicing renewed concerns that President Donald Trump and his administration could use federal power to influence the 2026 midterm elections, after off-year races earlier this month saw few disruptions. Democrats and critics cite moves they say range from pushing congressional redistricting and targeting political groups to pursuing aggressive federal actions around voting, including a Department of Justice push for sensitive voter data from states. The White House rejects the concerns as “baseless conspiracy theories.”

Alicia Johnson takes oath as Georgia PSC member in historic first

2025-12-29

Alicia Johnson will become the first Black woman elected to Georgia’s Public Service Commission, stepping into the statewide role Thursday after a ceremonial swearing-in Monday in Atlanta. Johnson, a Democrat, won the PSC seat in November, and she said the decisions made in the commission affect families’ monthly bills and community health.

Dark money group spends about $5 million on attacks on Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

2025-12-29

The biggest mystery in Georgia’s Republican governor race has emerged in the form of anonymous political spending: a group operating under the name “Georgians for Integrity” has put about $5 million into ads and mailers attacking Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, according to the Associated Press. The ads accuse Jones of using his office to enrich himself, and the Jones campaign says the claims are false.

House retirements and departures set churn ahead of 2026 midterms

2025-12-29

Members of Congress in both parties have announced they will leave the House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, either by retiring or seeking higher office. The departures include senior Democrats such as Rep. Steny Hoyer and high-profile Republicans such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Iowa special election could decide GOP supermajority in state Senate

2025-12-29

Voters in Iowa’s 16th state Senate district will choose a new senator Tuesday in a special election that could help Republicans regain a supermajority in the chamber. The contest follows the death of three-term Democratic state Sen. Claire Celsi in October and pits Democratic nominee Renee Hardman against Republican nominee Lucas Loftin.

Nevada lawmakers seek to restore 100% deduction for gambling losses

2025-12-29

Nevada lawmakers and gaming industry leaders are pressing Congress to restore a 100% federal tax deduction for gambling losses after a new law cut the deductible share to 90% starting in 2026. Supporters say the change could affect tournaments, jobs and sports betting in Nevada as the new year approaches. Rep. Dina Titus and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto have introduced legislation aimed at reversing the deduction reduction.

Christian influencers fill a religious void for young adults online

2025-12-21

Millennial and Generation Z Christian influencers are drawing growing audiences across digital platforms by offering biblical guidance on dating, mental health, parenting and racial justice — filling gaps that Sunday sermons often leave unfilled. The trend comes as organized religion loses ground among young Americans: only 41% of people ages 18 to 35 surveyed in 2023 and 2024 said they believe in God with certainty, down from 65% in 2007, according to the Pew Research Center. Podcasts like "Girls Gone Bible," co-hosted by former Hollywood actors Arielle Reitsma and Angela Halili, now draw more than a million listens or streams each month and sell out live events across the country.