All articles tagged with #elections 2026
Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers released a new advertisement calling for an immediate end to the U.S.-Canada tariff war, marking a significant break from President Trump’s trade policy. The move highlights growing pressure on GOP candidates in competitive border states to distance themselves from unpopular economic measures ahead of the midterm elections.
California’s Proposition 40, a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires, faces a critical threat from two billionaire-backed measures, Propositions 41 and 42, which could nullify the tax even if it passes. While supporters, including SEIU-UHW and Senator Bernie Sanders, argue the tax is essential to offset federal cuts to healthcare and education, opponents, led by Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Governor Gavin Newsom, warn it will drive wealthy residents out of state and harm the economy. The debate centers on whether the tax is a fair response to inequality or a 'Trojan horse' for broader wealth taxation, with massive spending on both sides.
The Trump administration is airing television advertisements that closely resemble 2024 campaign spots, labeling them 'public service announcements' to avoid legal restrictions. Critics argue this violates federal laws against using taxpayer funds for political propaganda, while the White House insists the ads promote national pride. The controversy has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some Republicans and Democrats questioning the legality of the spending ahead of the November midterms.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report moved 15 House races toward Democrats on September 25, projecting a slim Democratic majority in November. Analysts expect Democrats to gain five to 15 seats, reaching 220 to 230 seats. Key shifts include Arizona’s 1st and New Jersey’s 7th moving to lean Democrat, while three races, including Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s district, became toss-ups. Democrats currently hold 215 seats and need only three net gains to control the chamber. The shift follows President Trump’s sub-40% approval rating and economic dissatisfaction, which are hurting Republican incumbents even in districts he won in 2024. Republicans argue they retain superior ground games and financial resources, while Democrats celebrate the momentum. The outcome remains uncertain but trends toward a Democratic takeover.
With six weeks left until Election Day, control of the U.S. Senate is a true toss-up. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win the chamber, but current projections show a possible net gain of one to five seats. Three key races have recently shifted toward Democrats, balancing Republican financial advantages and creating a highly competitive landscape.
Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, known for breaking with his party, endorsed Republican Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th District—a toss-up race—arguing Lawler embodies the pragmatic, fact-based approach Democrats should back. The move drew criticism from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who called it a late, out‑of‑town endorsement, while Golden highlighted cross‑partisan cooperation (including a lobstermen bill) as the basis for his support. The endorsement underscores ongoing cross‑party dynamics in the 2026 elections.
A federal appeals court in St. Louis directed Missouri to implement the 2025 congressional map for the 2026 midterms, overriding the state’s plan to use the 2022 map amid a GOP-led redistricting fight aimed at eliminating a Democratic seat. The unsigned ruling asserts the 2022 map violates the Constitution and federal law, but its effect is uncertain and unlikely to be immediate, given ballots have already been printed and prior Supreme Court actions had paused similar moves.
Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat who is not seeking reelection, endorsed Republican Mike Lawler for reelection in a competitive New York House race, saying Lawler has been a true partner.
The NAACP and other civil rights groups filed a Washington lawsuit to prevent federal agents from polling places this fall, marking the second such case in September 2026 after a separate suit against DHS and its secretary; organizers argue the presence of federal agents could intimidate voters and threaten fair access at the polls.
Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked a House-passed bill aimed at lowering electricity prices tied to data centers, denying Republicans a legislative win ahead of the midterm elections.
Independent Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn criticized Trump supporters for their motives in a leaked recording, saying he aims to attract cross‑party voters and will not caucus with either major party; there is no Democrat on the general election ballot as he challenges incumbent Pete Ricketts.
The Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with sweeping new restrictions on mail ballots for the upcoming midterm elections, leaving election procedures intact and preventing changes that could affect millions of voters as the races determine control of the House and Senate. The ruling represents a major setback for Trump, who had argued the rules were needed to prevent fraud.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell returned to the Capitol for the first time in three months after health issues stemming from a June fall and pneumonia, arriving in a wheelchair and casting his first vote since June as he continues recovery and physical therapy. His comeback ends a period of health speculation and transparency questions, while Kentucky’s 2026 race to replace him presses on with Rep. Andy Barr and former state lawmaker Charles Booker facing off in November.
A surge of election-related lawsuits is roiling the lead-up to the midterms, as courts race to resolve disputes over voting rules and procedures. The Washington Post highlights cases like Missouri’s election dispute with conflicting orders, illustrating how rapid, high-stakes litigation can sow confusion and uncertainty for voters and officials ahead of the elections.
With seven weeks to Election Day, local officials brace for potential federal interference—ballot seizures, ICE at polling places, and a postal system that could bulk-reject ballots—tied to Trump‑era security measures, as lawsuits and questions about federal involvement loom over the 2026 vote.