Federal Level

Trump Ties Acceptance of Midterm Results to Honesty

President Trump declined on Tuesday to say he would accept the results of next week’s midterm elections without conditions. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, he said he would “if they’re honest elections,” before leaving for two campaign rallies in Texas. The remark follows a pattern from his past campaigns. In 2016, he said he would accept the results “if I win,” and in 2024 he said he would do so if the election was “fair and legal and good.” His administration has also filed lawsuits that could lay the groundwork for challenging results, according to The Washington Post.¹

Judge Hears Bid to Block 20,000 California Ballots

A federal judge in Los Angeles heard arguments on Tuesday on a Justice Department request to block California from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters whom the Trump administration says are likely noncitizens. U.S. District Judge David Carter is weighing a temporary restraining order. Anne Bellows, a lawyer for California, said the department relied on “mysterious database methods” and that its demands risked disenfranchising eligible voters. Justice Department lawyer Bilal Essayli described the request as narrow and aimed at election integrity, and he asked for a swift ruling. The hearing came one day after an appeals court rejected the department’s emergency request.²

Trump Announces Methane Rule Rollback at Texas Rally

President Trump said on Tuesday at a campaign rally in Texas that his administration is ending a Biden-era rule meant to limit methane leaks from oil and gas operations. He announced a new draft rule from the Environmental Protection Agency while campaigning for Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee, who first sued over the rule in 2024. Trump said the change would save consumers and producers $45 billion and unlock 210 million barrels of oil. The proposal would exempt small, older wells from the toughest monitoring and repair requirements. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, called the rollback “pay-to-play payback” to fossil fuel donors.^{3, 4}

Judge Pauses Rule Shortening Refugee Appeal Window

A federal judge in Boston on Tuesday temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule that gives refugees 10 days, rather than 30, to challenge decisions ending their legal status. U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick paused the rule through Nov. 6 so that another judge can consider whether to block it for a longer period. The Department of Homeland Security estimated the change could affect as many as 186,000 refugees. A spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services called the lawsuit “frivolous.” The order does not decide the broader case, which also challenges the administration’s review of refugees and its hold on their green card applications.⁵

Supreme Court Lets Ruling Against Biden Rule Stand

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to halt a lower court ruling that struck down a Biden administration rule allowing immigration judges to close deportation cases indefinitely. The justices denied an emergency request from a coalition of Democratic-led cities, led by Baltimore, without explanation and with no noted dissent. Texas had sued over the rule, and the Justice Department agreed that it should be set aside, which led to a consent judgment from U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor. The cities argued that the arrangement bypassed the normal process for repealing a federal rule. The Justice Department argued that the cities lacked legal standing to intervene.⁶

State Level

Lamont and Fazio Clash on Costs in Final Debate

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, state Sen. Ryan Fazio, met on Tuesday evening at Mohegan Sun for their second and final debate before Election Day. Fazio said he would cut taxes, cap property taxes and reduce electric bills by 20 percent. Lamont said the state has seen economic growth and functional government, and he blamed rising costs on tariffs and the war in Iran. Asked to name a Trump administration policy he would oppose, Fazio cited executive actions on tariffs, deficit spending and the war. A recent Sacred Heart poll showed Lamont leading Fazio 53 percent to 31 percent.⁷

Sand and Lahn Split on Medicaid in Iowa Debate

Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn met on Tuesday in Cedar Rapids for their third and final debate in the race for Iowa governor. Both candidates said the state needs better access to mental health care, but they offered different approaches to Medicaid. Sand, the state auditor, called for ending the privatization of Iowa Medicaid and said it has raised costs and caused practitioners to close. Lahn, a businessman, called for stronger oversight of the private companies that manage the program, but he said Iowans do not want the government running their health care. Both said they generally support Medicaid work requirements.⁸

Blackburn Skips Tennessee Governor Forum at MTSU

Three of the four major candidates for Tennessee governor appeared on Tuesday at a forum at Middle Tennessee State University, while Republican nominee Sen. Marsha Blackburn declined to participate. Democrat Jerri Green and independent David Hatley both criticized Blackburn for staying away. Green and independent Lauren Pinkston supported a statewide moratorium on data center construction, while Hatley said data centers need guardrails and should pay property taxes. All three candidates agreed that the state should not pursue more toll lane projects. The Tennessee Press Association hosted the forum, and the state last held debates for statewide offices in 2018.⁹

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Article Sources

1. The Washington Post, “Trump declines to unconditionally accept midterm results,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/10/27/trump-declines-unconditionally-accept-midterm-results/

2. Reuters, “Judge hears Justice Dept suit claiming noncitizens on California voter rolls,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-weigh-justice-depts-effort-block-california-counting-alleged-noncitizen-2026-10-27/

3. Politico, “Trump touts methane rollback at Paxton campaign stop,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/27/trump-methane-gas-paxton-texas-midterms-epa-01111909

4. Associated Press via OPB, “Trump says he’s ending restrictions on climate-warming emissions from oil drilling,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/27/trump-says-he-s-ending-restrictions-on-climate-warming-emissions-from-oil-drilling/

5. The Hill, “Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from speeding up refugee status revocations,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6176283-judge-blocks-refugees-rule/

6. Washington Examiner, “Supreme Court declines to halt DOJ deal ending Biden-era immigration rule,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/supreme-court/4781315/supreme-court-declines-halt-doj-deal-ending-biden-immigration-rule/

7. CT Insider, “A recap of the final Connecticut governor debate between Ned Lamont and Ryan Fazio,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://www.ctinsider.com/election/article/ct-governor-debate-live-lamont-fazio-10-27-26-22495113.php

8. Iowa Capital Dispatch, “Sand, Lahn call for increasing mental healthcare access, Medicaid oversight in debate,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/10/27/sand-lahn-call-for-increasing-mental-healthcare-access-medicaid-oversight-in-debate/

9. Tennessee Lookout, “Tennessee hosts first gubernatorial forum in eight years. GOP frontrunner no-shows,” Oct. 27, 2026.

https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/10/27/tennessee-hosts-first-gubernatorial-forum-in-eight-years-gop-frontrunner-no-shows/

Donald Trump offered Republican candidates a remarkable arrangement before the 2022 midterm results were in. Their victories would belong to him, and their defeats would belong to someone else. According to CBS News, he told NewsNation he deserved all the credit if Republicans won and none of the blame if they lost.

Democrats are heavily favored to win the House in the November 3 midterms, according to Cook Political Report’s October forecast, as reported by The Washington Post. The Post also reported that Cook’s Senate forecasts put a Democratic majority within reach. With Republicans facing the likely loss of the House and possibly both chambers, Trump’s past reactions give us a good idea of whom he will blame.

His likely response is to shift the discussion from what voters rejected to who failed him. He will probably accuse the media of misleading the public, question the election results and fault Republicans for failing to follow his lead.

The greater danger is not simply that Trump will refuse responsibility for a Republican defeat. It is that he could use that defeat to consolidate even more power over the party. Rather than questioning his choices, certain Republican leaders could respond by demanding greater loyalty to him and punishing those who challenged his judgment.

A defeat that should force the party to reconsider its direction could instead become another demand for loyalty to the man who helped determine its direction. If that happens, November 3 will not mark a turning point for the Republican Party. It will mark the next stage of a transformation that has been underway for years.

A Party Already Transformed

Earlier this month, I gave that transformation a name: POTER®, the Party of the Extreme Right. It describes what remains of the organization that still calls itself the Republican Party. The party of Dwight Eisenhower, which once held Northeastern moderates, Midwestern conservatives and Wall Street free traders under one roof, is gone.

Congressional voting data from Voteview show that about 40 percent of Republican senators in 1951 voted in the moderate middle. By 2024, that share had fallen to about 4 percent. Donald Trump did not build POTER, but he has taken command of it, and a midterm defeat could give him the opening to finish removing whatever independence remains.

The Primaries Tell the Story

Candidate quality cannot serve as an excuse for Trump when he helped choose the candidates. The Washington Examiner reported on October 7 that his backing was instrumental in Ken Paxton’s defeat of incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary runoff. The same report described Trump defending his endorsement while Paxton faced a competitive general election.

In Louisiana, The Associated Press reported that Trump backed Julia Letlow to replace Senator Bill Cassidy, who had voted to convict him in his 2021 impeachment trial. AP reported that Letlow won the Republican nomination after promising to advance Trump’s agenda.

These races follow a pattern that defines POTER. Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming lost her 2022 primary by 37 points after breaking with Trump over January 6. In May, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky lost his primary to a challenger the president handpicked, NPR reported. Cornyn lost his runoff by 28 points, a result Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution said signals the end of the Bush-era Texas GOP.

Trump was exercising political power in those primaries, and voters have every reason to judge how he used it. If a candidate he promoted loses support beyond the Republican base, his recommendation belongs in the explanation.

Blaming a weak nominee would raise an obvious question: Why did the president back that nominee in the first place? Trump will almost certainly claim credit for his judgment when his candidate wins and deflect responsibility when they lose by blaming the candidate or others for the outcome.

Loyalty Over Judgment

Ohio shows how quickly a disagreement over campaign judgment can become an accusation of disloyalty. The Associated Press reported that Governor Mike DeWine urged Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy to withdraw an advertisement featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother.

According to The Associated Press, Trump defended Ramaswamy’s ad and questioned DeWine’s loyalty, even though the governor still endorsed Ramaswamy. Supporting the Republican nominee was apparently not enough, because DeWine was expected to accept his conduct, too.

If Ramaswamy loses, Trump could turn that objection into an accusation that DeWine helped cause the defeat, protecting his ally while targeting a Republican who challenged him.

The Buckeye Bulletin, a website presenting itself as an independent Ohio news source, also promoted the Ramaswamy ad, according to Los Angeles Times reporter Clara Harter. Harter traced management of its Facebook and Instagram accounts to the Lincoln Media Foundation, which is affiliated with California’s conservative Lincoln Club.

That finding does not prove Trump was behind the website. It does, however, undercut any claim that the media is stacked against Republican candidates. If Trump wants to talk about unfair coverage, the conversation should include pro-Republican stories dressed up as independent news, not just the stories he dislikes.

If blaming the press and disloyal Republicans is not enough, Trump may question the vote count, as he did in 2020. A slow count is a reason to wait for the results, not a license to invent new ones.

Built to Outlast Him

Many Americans assume that a bad midterm, followed by Trump’s departure in January 2029, will bring the old Republican Party back. That assumption overlooks the groundwork already laid. Project 2025 was a 920-page plan written by more than 400 conservative scholars and former officials, backed by a database of pre-screened loyalists ready to fill 50,000 federal jobs. Independent trackers found this summer that more than half of its proposals had been started or completed.

When polling in late 2025 showed the Project 2025 name had just 7 percent favorability among Republican voters, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts did not abandon the agenda. As The Independent reported, he renamed it Heritage 2.0. A movement that rebrands its plan rather than dropping it is not preparing to fade away after one election.

The departures tell the same story. The New York Times reported in March that the number of Republicans leaving the House this cycle is among the highest since 1930, surpassed only by 2018. Every moderate who retires or loses a primary leaves POTER more uniform, and a midterm defeat blamed on disloyalty would speed that process.

Two Losses on November 4

On November 4, Republicans will most likely face two losses. The first is their majority in Congress. The second is what remains of their independence, because Trump could blame the defeat on Republicans who questioned him and then push them out of the party. The irony is that voters who want to weaken Trump could end up completing the work to fully transform the Republican Party into the Party of the Extreme Right.

Moderate Republicans who once found a home in the party of Eisenhower would have even less reason to believe that home is coming back.

If Republican leaders respond to defeat by demanding greater loyalty to Trump rather than questioning his leadership, November 4 could leave him with even more control over the party. And POTER could emerge from an electoral defeat more firmly entrenched than ever.

Now that POTER is here to stay, what does that mean for 2028?

Federal Level

Appeals Court Dismisses Federal California Ballot Bid

On Monday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a Justice Department effort to force California election officials to set aside mail ballots from voters the administration says are likely noncitizens. In a 2-1 decision, the panel said it lacked jurisdiction because the government had not given a federal district court adequate opportunity to consider its request. Judge Patrick Bumatay dissented. The majority noted the department sued less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 election. Gov. Gavin Newsom called the ruling a positive development, and the department can still ask the full court to reconsider the appeal.1, 2

Justice Department Files Third Case Against Comey

On Monday, newly unsealed court documents showed the Justice Department has brought a third criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, alleging he improperly shared classified information tied to an October 2016 New York Times story. The department said it filed a criminal information to extend the statute of limitations. Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said the filing was not approved by a judge or a grand jury and is barred by a 10-year limit. Comey said in a video statement that he remains innocent. His lawyers have asked a judge to dismiss the information, and that request is still pending.3

Judge Rules Firing of Prosecutor Maurene Comey Unlawful

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully fired Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan and the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. She was dismissed in July 2025 and alleged the firing violated civil service protections. The Justice Department had argued that prosecutors can be removed without cause. The judge granted her request to be reinstated retroactively through December 2025 so she could receive back pay and qualify for retirement benefits. A department spokesperson said it disagrees with the decision and will appeal in due course, though one of her claims remains undecided.4

Reuters Poll Shows Trump Approval Edging Up to 32%

A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found President Donald Trump’s approval rating at 32%, up one point from last week’s record low. Among registered voters, 47% said they would pick Democrats for Congress and 36% Republicans, a gap one point narrower than in the poll that closed Oct. 19. When undecided voters’ leanings were included, Democrats led 50% to 41%. Some 73% of voters said their cost of living was heading in the wrong direction. The five-day online poll surveyed 1,679 adults, including 1,280 registered voters, and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points for all adults.5

Advocacy Groups Sue Over Refugee Green Card Policies

On Monday, refugee advocacy groups filed a class action lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts challenging three Trump administration policies. The suit names the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It targets a hold on green card applications from refugees admitted under the Biden administration, re-interviews of those refugees, and an Oct. 14 rule that cuts the time to respond to a notice of termination from 30 days to 10. The plaintiffs, who include four individual refugees, ask a judge to block the policies. News outlets covering the suit said they had asked the agencies for comment.6, 7

State Level

Moore and Obama Push Maryland Redistricting Measure

On Monday, Gov. Wes Moore joined Democratic leaders at a Bowie voting site to urge support for Question 3, a proposed constitutional amendment on how Maryland draws congressional districts, as a new television ad featuring former President Barack Obama debuted. Dan Cox, the Republican candidate for governor, said, “If it’s wrong for another state to do it, then it’s wrong for us to do it.” A UMBC poll released in October found 53% of likely voters planned to vote against the measure, 25% planned to vote for it and 19% were undecided. Voters decide Question 3 on Nov. 3.8, 9

Shapiro Signs Pennsylvania School Cellphone Ban Into Law

On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014 at Lenape Middle School in Bucks County, creating a bell-to-bell ban on personal mobile devices in Pennsylvania schools. The law covers public, private, charter and cyber charter schools, and each district must adopt a way to enforce it before the 2027-28 school year begins. Exceptions include disability accommodations, medical conditions and English language learners. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the bill passed the legislature with bipartisan support. Shapiro said schools will not be told how to carry out the policy but will be empowered to do so.10, 11

Michigan State Survey Shows Benson Ahead of James

On Monday, Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research released a survey showing Democrat Jocelyn Benson leading Republican John James 53.3% to 40.9% among likely voters in the governor’s race, with 5.9% undecided. In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed led Republican Mike Rogers 47.7% to 44.2%. YouGov interviewed 1,000 Michigan adults from Oct. 2 to 19, and the margin of error is plus or minus 4.4 points for the 836 likely voters. Institute director Matt Grossmann said the gap between the governor and Senate races has grown. The institute said El-Sayed outperformed Benson among voters under 30.12, 13

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Article Sources

1. CBS News, “Court dismisses DOJ’s request to force California to set aside ballots,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/appeals-court-dismisses-doj-trump-california-ballots/

2. California Attorney General’s Office, “Attorney General Bonta Scores Early Legal Victory Against Trump Administration’s Attempt to Interfere in California Elections,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-scores-early-legal-victory-against-trump-administration%E2%80%99s

3. NPR (Associated Press), “Trump administration attempting to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey again,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.npr.org/2026/10/26/nx-s1-6018628/trump-administration-attempting-to-prosecute-former-fbi-director-james-comey-again

4. Reuters, “Trump administration’s firing of prosecutor Maurene Comey was unlawful, judge rules,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-administrations-firing-prosecutor-maurene-comey-was-unlawful-judge-rules-2026-10-26/

5. Reuters, “Trump approval rises from record low to 32% ahead of midterm election, Reuters Ipsos poll finds,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-approval-rises-record-low-32-ahead-midterm-election-reuters-ipsos-poll-2026-10-26/

6. The Hill (via Yahoo News), “Trump administration sued over refugee policy changes,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trump-administration-sued-over-refugee-170212022.html

7. GBH, “Mass., national groups sue Trump administration over refugee policies,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-10-26/mass-national-groups-sue-trump-administration-over-refugee-policies

8. CBS News Baltimore, “Gov. Wes Moore rallies support for Maryland’s Question 3 as campaign ad dispute unfolds,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/wes-moore-rallies-support-marylands-question-3-campaign-ad-dispute/

9. FOX45 News (WJLA), “Obama urges Marylanders to vote yes on Question 3 in new ad,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://wjla.com/news/local/obama-urges-marylanders-to-vote-yes-on-question-3-in-new-ad

10. WHYY, “Pa. becomes 27th state to fully ban phones in school,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-school-cell-phone-ban-josh-shapiro/

11. The Philadelphia Inquirer, “Gov. Shapiro went to Central Bucks to sign the school cell phone ban,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.inquirer.com/education/josh-shapiro-central-bucks-school-cell-phone-ban-pennsylvania-20261026.html

12. Detroit Free Press (via Yahoo News), “MSU survey: Benson opens big lead, El-Sayed narrowly ahead of Rogers,” Oct. 26, 2026.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/msu-survey-benson-opens-big-211803051.html

13. Michigan State University IPPSR, “Michigan State of the State Survey 95 Topline Results,” Oct. 2026.

https://ippsr.msu.edu/sites/default/files/soss/soss95.pdf

Federal Level

Judges Question Federal Bid to Set Aside Ballots

On Sunday, a federal appeals court panel questioned the Justice Department’s request to force California officials to set aside mail ballots from 20,000 voters the administration believes are noncitizens. Judges Mark Bennett and Gabriel Sanchez asked why the department appealed before the district court ruled, and they pressed its lawyer on the reliability of the voter list. Justice Department attorney Matthew Donnelly said sworn declarations from Homeland Security officials supported the request. A lawyer for California called the data outdated and unreliable. The Ninth Circuit panel did not issue a ruling, and a district court hearing is planned for Tuesday.1, 2

Trump Targets Senate Rival at Michigan Rally

On Sunday, President Donald Trump invoked the September 11 attacks while campaigning against Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan. Trump said El-Sayed was “on the side of the terrorists” and would need to pass through a metal detector to enter the Senate. El-Sayed has denied ties to extremist groups, and The Associated Press reported there is no evidence he is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Republican nominee Mike Rogers repeated his allegations about those ties before Trump spoke. Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump, condemned the remarks. El-Sayed responded at a Grand Rapids rally later Sunday.3

CBS Poll Gives Democrats Edge for House Majority

On Sunday, CBS News released a survey and House model estimating that Democrats were on pace to win 229 seats, while leaving Republicans a narrow path to keep control. CBS said the Democratic advantage had held steady over recent weeks but had not expanded. Voters remained concerned about inflation and the economy, but neither party was seen by a majority as having a clear plan. Voters who said they would only probably or maybe vote leaned Republican, making turnout a key factor. YouGov interviewed 2,355 adults from October 21 through 23. CBS said its seat estimates are subject to statistical error and may change.4

Schiff Puts Living Costs Ahead of Impeachment

On Sunday, Senator Adam Schiff said Democrats should make lowering the cost of living their top priority if they win control of Congress, rather than focusing on another impeachment of President Donald Trump. The California Democrat told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Congress should focus on bringing down the cost of food, medicine and rent. He said oversight should examine corruption that he argued is driving prices higher, without prejudging the outcome. Schiff said that if the corruption leads toward impeachment, “it will lead wherever it leads.” Asked whether impeachment should be off the table, he reserved judgment but said families’ finances must come first.5

Tillis Warns Medicaid Cuts Are Coming Too Soon

On Sunday, Republican Senator Thom Tillis warned that Medicaid changes in his party’s tax and spending law would create significant challenges, saying the reductions were arriving too soon. The retiring North Carolina senator told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that he supported the law’s tax provisions but objected to health care provisions that went beyond what the House had proposed. Tillis said his effort had focused on changing the timing of the cuts, not necessarily eliminating them. He described the law’s effects as a 10-year impact and said health care would remain a major factor in future elections as states work through the consequences.6

State Level

Whitmer Pledges State Action Against Voter Intimidation

On Sunday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said anyone who tries to undermine the state’s election or intimidate voters will face the full force of Michigan law and law enforcement. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the Democrat said states run elections and must abide by the results, even when leaders dislike them. She noted that she made sure Michigan’s election two years ago was certified. Whitmer said she would take the White House to court if it tried to undermine the election, while defending her efforts to build bridges with President Donald Trump. She also said she would campaign for Democrats through Election Day.5

Hinojosa Seeks Support Beyond Democrats in Texas

On Sunday, Texas Democratic governor candidate Gina Hinojosa said deep disappointment with both major parties was opening a path for her campaign against Governor Greg Abbott. Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” the state representative named saving public schools, expanding children’s access to health care and combating high insurance premiums as priorities. She also called for protecting rural communities facing data center development, citing concerns about water, electricity costs and property rights. Hinojosa said Texans should have a seat at the table in those decisions. She described her agenda as populist and said it “is not a Democratic agenda.”7

Hochul Joins Mamdani at Brooklyn Labor Canvass

On Sunday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a labor canvass kickoff at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Mamdani praised her partnership on child care, including the launch of free 2-K in the city, and Hochul called him the best partner she could imagine. Union members from the Teamsters, District Council 37 and other groups attended as the governor sought strong turnout in the city. Asked about Mamdani voting for her on the Working Families Party line, Hochul said that was fine as long as people vote. Republican Bruce Blakeman criticized the alliance at a Sunday rally in Rockland County.8

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Article Sources

1. Los Angeles Times, “9th Circuit panel questions basis for feds’ request to block 20,000 California ballots,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-10-25/9th-circuit-hears-arguments-on-20-000-ballots-in-california

2. CNN, “Judges skeptical of Trump administration effort to force California to set aside mail ballots,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://us.cnn.com/2026/10/25/politics/california-midterm-voting-judges

3. Associated Press, “Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against El-Sayed in Michigan, drawing Arab American rebuke,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-michigan-elsayed-rogers-senate-midterms-162330c3d193ecb94538f8dd8083f916

4. CBS News, “CBS News poll finds Democrats still boosted by voters’ economic concerns, but many don’t think either party has a plan,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-house-estimate-midterm-elections-2026/

5. NBC News, “Meet the Press, October 25, 2026,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/transcripts/meet-press-october-25-2026-rcna605531

6. CBS News, “Transcript: Sen. Thom Tillis on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Oct. 25, 2026,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thom-tillis-north-carolina-republican-face-the-nation-transcript-10-25-2026/?intcid=CNI-00-10aaa3a

7. CBS News, “Gina Hinojosa says there’s “deep disappointment in both political parties” in Texas right now,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gina-hinojosa-texas-governors-race-face-the-nation/?intcid=CNI-00-10aaa3a

8. City & State New York, “Hochul spends first weekend of early voting with Mamdani in tow,” Oct. 25, 2026.

https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2026/10/hochul-spends-first-weekend-early-voting-mamdani-tow/416806/

Federal Level

Obama Rallies Senate Democrats in Ohio and Michigan

Former President Barack Obama campaigned on Saturday in Ohio and Michigan, two states with competitive U.S. Senate races. In Cleveland, he shared the stage with former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to unseat Republican Sen. Jon Husted. “We’re not stuck with a spineless Congress,” Obama told the crowd. Later in Detroit, he defended Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who faces former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, against critics he suggested were using El-Sayed’s name or faith. “Abdul is as Michigan as it gets,” Obama said. President Trump, campaigning in Georgia that evening, insisted the Detroit event was empty.1, 2

Trump Votes Early in Florida, Defends Ramaswamy Ad

President Donald Trump cast his midterm ballot on Saturday at the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections office in West Palm Beach, Florida. Asked whether he had voted the party line, Trump said, “Very much so.” He again defended an ad from Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. Trump also defended his decision to have his administration sue to block certification of Alaska’s U.S. Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. On the war with Iran, he said, “I may have to finish it off.”3

Trump Announces Audi Plant at Georgia Campaign Rally

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, that Audi will build an automobile plant in the state. Trump said the German luxury brand, which is owned by Volkswagen, would commit $4.2 billion in nearby Macon to a plant producing 200,000 cars a year. He credited his tariff policies for the company’s decision. Audi said in a news release that the plant would create about 4,500 jobs, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and production in the early 2030s. Rick Jackson, the Republican candidate for governor, thanked Trump for what he called “the biggest economic deal in Georgia history.”4

Trump Says He May Relocate White House Press Corps

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he may move the White House press corps. In a social media post, he dismissed a report that he planned to remove the press room and restore a historic pool, saying he had never “even thought to do such a stupid thing.” He added, “I may move the Fake News to a less obnoxious location.” The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump had urged then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt to move news conferences out of the briefing room. Last month, a judge’s order restored access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico after a brief ban.5

Osborn Hosts Cross-Party Town Hall in Nebraska Race

Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate in Nebraska, hosted what his campaign called a “cross-partisan” town hall on Saturday at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The event was meant to highlight the need for more accountability in Washington, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Osborn was joined by speakers, including Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh, former Republican National Committee chair Marc Racicot and Rachael Nelson, a former leader of the Nebraska Libertarian Party. The town hall followed recent visits by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who rallied the state’s rural Republican base for Osborn’s opponent.6

State Level

Acton Urges Trump and Vance to Review the Facts

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton told ABC News on Saturday she hopes President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will “look at the facts” after both defended an ad from Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign. The ad features Acton’s estranged mother saying Acton has lied about her past. Acton has said her stepfather sexually abused her as a child and was indicted before fleeing the state. At a Cleveland rally, she said Ramaswamy had chosen “to exploit, intentionally, my childhood.” Ramaswamy said Friday that the ad was about lying, not abuse. Gov. Mike DeWine has called on his campaign to take the ad down.7, 1

New York Opens Early Voting in Governor’s Race

Early voting began on Saturday in New York, with in-person voting running through Nov. 1 ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking another term against Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement and has centered his campaign on fighting crime and lowering taxes. A recent Quinnipiac University poll of likely voters found 55% supporting Hochul and 41% backing Blakeman. Attorney General Letitia James faces Republican Saritha Komatireddy. Voters will also decide competitive House races, including the 17th District contest between Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democrat Cait Conley.8

Michigan Opens Statewide Early In-Person Voting

Early in-person voting opened statewide in Michigan on Saturday, with sites required to stay open at least eight hours every day through Nov. 1. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 that requires at least nine days of early voting in every community, according to the Michigan Department of State. Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said early voting lets residents cast a ballot “on your own schedule.” Eligible residents who still need to register can do so at their local clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on Election Day and vote the same day. The state posts daily turnout updates on its voting dashboard.9

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Article Sources

1. CBS News, “In Ohio rally, Obama blasts Ramaswamy, GOP over controversial Acton ad: ‘No low he will not sink to’,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-blasts-ramaswamy-gop-amy-acton-ad-ohio/

2. Dayton Daily News (Associated Press), “Obama, in Midwest, assails ‘cruelty’ and indecency from Trump and his allies in the midterm campaign,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio/obama-in-midwest-assails-cruelty-and-indecency-from-trump-and-his-allies-in-the-midterm/article_8a76bb54-69ff-5315-8350-281ead7c971f.html

3. PBS News (Associated Press), “Trump casts his midterm ballot early in Florida,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-casts-his-midterm-ballot-early-in-florida

4. San Francisco Chronicle (Associated Press), “Trump announces at a Georgia campaign rally that Audi will build a new auto factory in the state,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/politics/article/trump-announces-at-a-georgia-campaign-rally-that-22492999.php

5. Reuters, “Trump says he may move White House press corps,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-says-he-may-move-white-house-press-corps-2026-10-24/

6. Omaha World-Herald, “Dan Osborn’s Ro-Joe rally in Omaha aims to refocus stretch run on cross-party appeal,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_7daeb137-6897-45d2-ac92-67a2a947926d.html

7. ABC News, “Amy Acton says Trump, Vance should ‘look at the facts’ after Ramaswamy attack ad,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/Politics/amy-acton-trump-vance-facts-abuse-after-ramaswamy/story?id=137543717

8. ABC News, “Early voting begins in New York: What to know and the key races to watch,” Oct. 24, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/US/early-voting-begins-new-york-key-races-watch/story?id=137518680

9. Michigan Department of State, “Early in-person voting begins statewide Saturday, Oct. 24 for the 2026 General Election,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/resources/news/2026/10/23/early-in-person-voting-begins-statewide-saturday-oct-24-for-the-2026-general-election

Federal Level

Trump Says He Ordered Alaska Election Lawsuit

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he directed the Justice Department to seek an order blocking certification of Alaska’s Senate election under certain conditions if Republican Dan Sullivan loses. The lawsuit, filed Thursday, argues that another candidate named Dan Sullivan could confuse voters. It seeks to stop certification if votes for that candidate would have changed the result in the incumbent’s favor. Democrat Mary Peltola is also running. The second Sullivan has said he entered independently, while Republicans allege otherwise. Alaska’s Supreme Court previously rejected efforts to remove him from the ballot. Peltola’s campaign condemned the federal lawsuit.1, 2

Appeals Court Upholds Detention Without Bond Hearings

The full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that three immigrants who entered the country unlawfully were not constitutionally entitled to bond hearings while their deportation cases proceed. Ten judges supported the result and seven dissented. The majority said the men, who had never been legally admitted, were entitled only to the procedures Congress provided. It also rejected their argument that the length of detention required relief. The decision applies in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Lawyers representing the men criticized the ruling, saying people held by the government should be able to ask a judge to review their detention.3, 4

Former FBI Officials Face Charges Over Testimony

Two former FBI officials appeared in court on Friday after surrendering on charges of lying to Congress about investigations involving Hunter Biden. Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides each face one count of making false statements. Prosecutors allege their 2023 testimony understated their knowledge of the investigations and the involvement of the bureau’s former Foreign Influence Task Force. An affidavit cites communications and witness accounts prosecutors say contradict their testimony. Floris’ lawyers called the prosecution politically motivated, and Benavides’ lawyer sought a prompt hearing to challenge the allegations. The case began with a criminal complaint, not a grand jury indictment, and both are presumed innocent.5, 6

Trump Unveils Seafood Plan and Processing Loans

The Trump administration announced on Friday a seafood strategy that includes federal loan guarantees for meat and seafood processing and a proposed voluntary label identifying American catches. The White House announced more than $5 billion in Agriculture Department loan guarantees. The plan also calls for regulatory changes, stronger import checks and expanded access to foreign markets. The Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance explaining how companies could use American origin statements and flag graphics on qualifying products. The agency said those claims must be substantiated. The administration also launched Seafood.gov to provide information for fishermen and consumers about federal programs and labeling.7, 8

Federal and State Funds Target Nursing Shortages

Federal health officials announced on Friday a $275 million initiative offering student loan repayment and stipends to recruit nurses for nursing homes in rural communities and areas with staffing shortages. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services committed $100 million, and states pledged at least $175 million. Funding comes from penalties collected from nursing homes. Eligible participants can receive up to $40,000 in loan repayment, a $10,000 stipend, or both, depending on eligibility for a three-year service commitment. Officials expect to support more than 4,000 nurses. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., are participating, with all rural nursing facilities eligible, according to the agency.9

State Level

Poll Finds Abbott Holding Narrow Lead Over Hinojosa

Texas Public Opinion Research released a poll on Friday showing Republican Governor Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa, 51% to 48%, after undecided voters were pressed to choose a candidate. Libertarian Pat Dixon received 1%. The survey also put Republican Mayes Middleton ahead of Democrat Nathan Johnson for attorney general, 50% to 48%. In the land commissioner’s race, Republican Dawn Buckingham led Democrat Benjamin Flores, 49% to 48%. The survey of 969 likely voters was conducted October 15 through 18 and reported a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points. Abbott’s job approval stood at 50%, with 47% disapproving in the same survey.10

Benson Leads James in Latest Fundraising Filings

Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson filed a campaign finance report on Friday showing more than $4.1 million raised during the latest reporting period, compared with Republican John James’ more than $3.9 million. The figures cover August 25 through October 18. Benson, the Democratic secretary of state, has raised nearly $16.7 million overall, while James has raised more than $12.4 million, excluding over $700,000 in public funding. Despite Benson’s fundraising advantage, James reported about $1.2 million remaining, compared with Benson’s more than $680,000. Both candidates have criticized each other’s wealthy donors. Benson’s campaign did not immediately comment on its latest financial report.11

Louisiana Signs Deal for Early BP Settlement Payment

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill signed an agreement on Friday with BP that accelerates the state’s remaining economic damages payments from the Deepwater Horizon settlement. The company will make a single early payment of about $350 million rather than $373 million in installments over the next seven years. The agreement also resolves the remaining coastal zone lawsuits brought by Louisiana parishes against BP. Landry said the state had now settled with all but one major defendant in those coastal cases. BP chief executive Meg O’Neill also signed the agreement, which covers obligations under the 2015 economic damages settlement.12

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Article Sources

1. ABC News, “Trump told DOJ to sue to block Alaska Senate results if Republican narrowly loses,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/US/doj-preemptively-sues-block-alaska-senate-results-republican/story?id=137512876

2. The Associated Press, “Trump administration sues to block possible Democratic win in Alaska Senate race,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://apnews.com/live/trump-midterm-elections-news-updates-10-23-2026

3. Washington Examiner, “Appeals court sides with Trump on indefinite illegal immigrant detention policy,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/4777908/appeals-court-sides-with-trump-on-indefinite-illegal-immigrant-detention-policy/

4. American Immigration Council, “In Major Setback for Due Process, Fifth Circuit Ruling Denies Immigrants the Opportunity to Challenge Their Detention,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/press-release/fifth-circuit-immigration-detention-ruling-major-setback-due-process/

5. U.S. Department of Justice, “Two Former FBI Officials Charged in Lying to Congress about Hunter Biden Investigations,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/two-former-fbi-officials-charged-lying-congress-about-hunter-biden-investigations

6. CBS News, “2 ex-FBI officials charged with lying to Congress about Hunter Biden laptop probe,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/fbi-officials-charged-lying-to-congress-hunter-biden-laptop/

7. The White House, “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces the America First Seafood Strategy and Seafood.gov,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-the-america-first-seafood-strategy-and-seafood-gov/

8. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “FDA Advances President Trump’s America First Seafood Strategy,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fda-advances-america-first-seafood-strategy-us-origin-labeling.html

9. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “CMS and States Launch $275 Million Initiative to Recruit and Retain Nurses in Nursing Homes,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-states-launch-275-million-initiative-recruit-retain-nurses-nursing-homes

10. Texas Public Opinion Research, “October Poll: In Texas General Election, Talarico Leads Paxton by Four Points; Abbott Leads Hinojosa by Three Points,” Oct. 23, 2026.

Texas Public Opinion Research

October Poll: In Texas General Election, Talarico Leads Paxton by Four Points; Abbott Leads Hinojosa by Three Points

Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR)—a nonpartisan polling initiative dedicated to exploring Texans’ beliefs and priorities—today released a new poll of Texas likely general election voters, focused on the 2026 statewide races, including the contests for U.S. Senate, Governor, Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Agriculture Commissioner…

Read more

a day ago · 7 likes · 3 comments · Texas Public Opinion Research

11. Detroit Free Press, “Benson outraises James in final stretch of governor’s race,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/23/campaign-cash-michigan-governors-race/92349538007/

12. WBRZ, “Louisiana and BP agree on $350M settlement of Deepwater Horizon payments, resolve lawsuits,” Oct. 23, 2026.

https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-and-bp-agree-on-350m-settlement-of-deepwater-horizon-payments-resolve-lawsuits/

Federal Level

Trump Order Seeks to Lower Homeownership Costs

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing several federal steps intended to reduce homeownership and mortgage expenses. The Federal Housing Finance Agency must develop a pilot program to identify eligible borrowers and cancel mortgage insurance after they meet equity and other requirements. The order also converts a title-insurance waiver pilot for certain refinancings into a nationwide ongoing program. It creates a task force to recommend ways to expand factory-built housing in federal programs. The agriculture and veterans affairs secretaries also must reduce interest rates on direct single-family loans, subject to existing law and available funding.1, 2

Trump Invokes Defense Law for Oil Projects

On Thursday, President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to support domestic petroleum production, refining, pipelines, storage and related infrastructure. His memorandum declared those activities essential to national defense and authorized purchases, commitments and financial instruments for qualifying projects. The document said private industry could not provide enough capacity promptly because of financing limits, lengthy development schedules, permitting obstacles and supply-chain problems. It did not identify particular projects for assistance. The administration has previously said it would use the law to expand capacity at a Texas refinery. Congress provided $1 billion last year for energy projects considered critical to national security.3, 4

Trump Opens Talks on Wind Turbine Imports

On Thursday, President Donald Trump declared imported wind turbines and components a national-security threat and ordered negotiations with foreign suppliers, without imposing new tariffs. The proclamation cited a Commerce Department investigation that raised concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities, radar interference, air-traffic operations and reliance on foreign-made equipment. Trump directed the commerce secretary and U.S. trade representative to pursue agreements and provide a progress report within 180 days. The order leaves open possible additional remedies, including tariffs, depending on the talks. Existing duties on steel, aluminum and copper used in some turbine components remain unchanged under the proclamation.5, 6

Justice Department Escalates California Ballot Case

On Thursday, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to intervene before a trial judge ruled in its California ballot lawsuit. The department wants California temporarily barred from counting more than 20,000 mail ballots cast by people the Trump administration says are likely not U.S. citizens. U.S. District Judge David Carter scheduled a hearing for next week on the government’s request to hold those ballots until officials verify citizenship. Department lawyers told the Ninth Circuit that Carter’s failure to decide by Thursday afternoon amounted to a constructive denial. States ordinarily administer elections, and the case concerns ballots in the November 3 midterms.7

Trump Rallies Iowa Republicans Before Midterms

On Thursday, President Donald Trump traveled to Sioux City to rally Iowa Republicans in closely watched Senate, House and governor contests. Republican Representative Ashley Hinson is running against Democratic state Representative Josh Turek for an open Senate seat. Hinson has called for an immediate end to the Iran war, saying Iowans should not bear higher fuel or grocery prices because of it. Republicans are also defending three House districts, while Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn are competing for governor. Trump urged turnout in a state he carried by 13 percentage points in 2024 and plans to return November 1.8

State Level

Virginia Senator Lucas Faces Federal Indictment

On Thursday, a federal grand jury indicted Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six others on charges tied to an alleged marijuana distribution and money-laundering enterprise. The eight-count indictment also alleges racketeering, bribery-related honest-services fraud, wire fraud and firearms offenses. Prosecutors accused Lucas of using her position as Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee chair to shield the operation and influence legislation benefiting it. Lucas surrendered and said she would not be intimidated or bullied. Her legal defense fund called the proceeding a circus and said it awaited further details. An indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent.9, 10

Republicans Split Over Ramaswamy Campaign Ad

On Thursday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine urged Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy to remove an advertisement featuring Democratic nominee Amy Acton’s estranged mother, while President Donald Trump said it should continue running. DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, called the ad wrong and said candidates’ relatives traditionally have remained off limits. Trump called Acton fair game and criticized DeWine. Ramaswamy’s campaign said it would keep airing the advertisement and planned to spend $4 million promoting it online and on television. Republican Senate nominee Jon Husted and Iowa Senate nominee Ashley Hinson also said they would not have run the ad.11

Michigan Details Federal Election Monitor Rules

On Thursday, Michigan officials announced that Justice Department monitors will observe Election Day polling in seven cities: Detroit, East Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Lansing and Warren. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie described federal monitoring as a standard practice used in prior elections. State officials said the monitors are generally federal attorneys or other department staff. Under Michigan’s rules, they may observe like members of the public but cannot speak with voters, touch ballots or election equipment, or disrupt election administration. Officials said clerks were prepared and voters could cast ballots confidently.12, 13

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Article Sources

1. The White House, “Decreasing Housing Costs for the American People,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/decreasing-housing-costs-for-the-american-people/

2. Reuters, “Trump signs order aimed at reducing single-family housing costs,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-signs-executive-order-aimed-reducing-housing-costs-2026-10-22/

3. The White House, “Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Domestic Petroleum Production, Refining, and Logistics Capacity,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/presidential-determination-pursuant-to-section-303-of-the-defense-production-act-of-1950-as-amended-on-domestic-petroleum-production-refining-and-logistics-capacity/

4. Reuters, “Trump invokes Cold War-era Defense Production Act for oil production, refining,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-invokes-cold-war-era-defense-production-act-oil-production-refining-2026-10-22/

5. The White House, “Adjusting Imports of Wind Turbines and Their Parts and Components Into the United States,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/adjusting-imports-of-wind-turbines-and-their-parts-and-components-into-the-united-states/

6. Reuters, “Trump says wind turbine imports threaten national security,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-directs-trade-negotiations-wind-turbine-imports-executive-order-2026-10-22/

7. Reuters, “Justice Department asks appeals court to intervene in California ballot case,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/justice-department-asks-appeals-court-intervene-california-ballot-case-2026-10-23/

8. Reuters, “Trump heads to Iowa as Republicans fight for seats in longtime stronghold,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-heads-iowa-republicans-fight-seats-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-22/

9. Associated Press, “Powerful Democratic Virginia state Sen. Lucas is accused of leading a marijuana criminal conspiracy,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/767ed83f970ba6dec48048dcff2a28d0

10. U.S. Department of Justice, “Virginia State Senator Indicted for Leading a Criminal Marijuana Distribution Enterprise,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/virginia-state-senator-indicted-leading-criminal-marijuana-distribution-enterprise

11. Associated Press, “Trump backs Ramaswamy on ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/election-2026-ohio-governor-acton-mother-ramaswamy-de2aec0076776539cd206f91d39d0236

12. Michigan Department of Attorney General, “State of Michigan Reminder on DOJ Election Monitors,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/10/22/state-of-michigan-reminder-on-doj-election-monitors

13. The Detroit News, “Department of Justice sending election monitors to 7 Michigan cities,” Oct. 22, 2026.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/22/trump-doj-election-monitors-detroit-east-lansing-flint-grand-rapids-hamtramck-warren/

In 1978, a 12-year-old girl in Ohio and her younger brother were taken out of their mother’s custody after the man her mother had married was charged with raping her. That girl, Amy Acton, later told The Vindicator, her hometown newspaper in Youngstown, that the last time she saw her mother was in a courtroom, where she tried to kiss her and her mother refused.

According to The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom that covers gender and politics, her mother left Ohio with him and stayed married to him until he died in 2004. Today she is on television across the state in an ad for Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican running against Acton for governor.

In the ad, the mother calls her daughter a liar, and viewers are never told why the two have not spoken in nearly 50 years. In football, a referee throws a flag for a personal foul when a player crosses the line. Politics has no referee, so it is up to leaders in both parties and to voters to make sure this tactic fails in Ohio and is never tried anywhere else.

“It’s not easy for a mother to say this, but Amy has a serious problem,” Donna Arthur says in the ad. “She is a liar. She lies about her past.” According to a transcript published by The 19th, she also says her daughter’s story about living in a tent as a child is not true.

The court records tell a different story. The Associated Press reported that Cledith Arthur was arrested in July 1978 and charged with raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter after her biological father went to the police. A grand jury indicted him two months later.

He never showed up for court. FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan fact-checking site, found records showing that authorities were still looking for him in 1983 and that the case never went to trial.

National Review, a conservative magazine, obtained court records that support Acton’s account. CBS News reported that court records also show the family did live in a tent. The ad never mentions the rape charge, the fugitive or the loss of custody.

Ramaswamy has confirmed that “it is an ad from our campaign.” When the video first appeared online on October 19, it did not say who paid for it, even though the law requires that disclosure before a political ad can run on television, according to The 19th.

Axios, a political news site, reported that the campaign decided to put $4 million behind the ad after it tested well with persuadable voters, the Ohioans who have not yet decided how they will vote. In the same remarks in which he took ownership of the ad, Ramaswamy said he “would love for this race and this election to be about the substantive issues that impact Ohioans.”

Instead of asking him to pull it, President Trump encouraged Ramaswamy to keep the ad running and wrote that it was “hitting pay dirt.” Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Ohio that “whether the ad was appropriate or not is not really my concern.”

The people this ad hurts most will never appear on a ballot. Emily Gemar of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence told Signal Ohio, a nonprofit Ohio newsroom, that survivors have been reaching out to the group’s rape crisis centers since the ad appeared. She said it reaches survivors “who are watching and already wondering whether it’s safe to tell their stories.”

Signal Ohio reported that the alliance is now advising survivors to mute their televisions when political ads come on. Andrew DeFratis of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center told Cleveland 19 News, a local television station, that public fights like this one can keep survivors from ever coming forward.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least one in seven American children experience abuse or neglect each year, according to The 19th. Those children are learning from this ad what can happen to a girl who tells.

Politics has always been a rough business, and voters expect candidates to hit each other hard. Ramaswamy has every right to go after Acton’s record as Ohio’s health director, her positions on the issues and her decision, reported by The 19th, not to debate him. He can even question her honesty, as long as he has the facts to back it up.

What a candidate has done as an adult is open to examination. What was done to her as a child is not. Acton did not choose to be abused at 12, and she wrote on Facebook this week that her mother “did nothing to protect me.”

This ad crosses that line in more than one way. It puts an estranged parent on camera to attack her own child, and that parent left the state with the man charged with abusing that child. It takes the most painful chapter of a person’s life and turns it into a campaign weapon.

It also leaves out a history the campaign already knew. Acton first spoke publicly about her abuse in 2019, and The 19th reported that Ramaswamy referred to it in a speech this spring, while a super PAC supporting him ran ads about the therapy she sought to cope with it. The campaign knew the full story and chose to leave it out.

Finally, this was done on purpose. It was not a heated remark in a debate or a careless post from a supporter. It was a finished ad, tested on voters and backed by $4 million.

Hard-fought campaigns make a democracy stronger. Campaigns that turn a child’s abuse into a talking point make it weaker, because they teach every survivor that telling the truth comes at a price.

Some of the sharpest criticism has come from Ramaswamy’s own party. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican who endorsed him, told reporters on October 22, “It’s wrong to run this ad,” and urged the campaign to take it down. DeWine, who worked with rape victims as a county prosecutor and as Ohio’s attorney general, said family members have “always historically been off limits.”

Lydia Mihalik, the Republican director of the Ohio Department of Development, wrote, “There are lines we shouldn’t cross, and this is one of them.” Sen. Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, both Republicans, said they would not have run the ad.

Former Republican Gov. John Kasich called it “completely inappropriate.” Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina called it “the most shameful, disgusting, offensive ad this election season,” and Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown called it “disgusting.”

Republicans who spoke out have faced pressure from within their own party. Vance told them to “stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race,” and Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou wrote that “we are keeping score.” Politico, a Washington news outlet, reported that DeWine condemned the ad but did not withdraw his endorsement.

Ramaswamy’s campaign argues that Acton went after his family first. His spokesperson, Connie Luck, said that “the first and only candidate to attack the mother of her opponent in this race was Amy Acton.” The Associated Press reported that Acton and Ohio Democrats accused Ramaswamy over the summer of “hiring his own mother to manipulate clinical trial data” at a drug company he ran, a charge his campaign calls slanderous.

The campaign has a point there, because candidates should leave each other’s families alone. Questioning a grown woman’s role in her son’s company, however, is not the same as using a mother who stood by an indicted man to call the girl he was charged with raping a liar. DeWine made a similar point, noting that the earlier attack was never turned into a multimillion-dollar ad campaign.

Ending this kind of campaigning is up to all of us. Leaders in all political parties have to condemn it when it comes from their own side, and voters in every state have to make clear that a candidate’s childhood abuse is never a legitimate target.

Ramaswamy has crossed a line most of us have never seen a candidate cross. If we accept it, we lower ourselves as a nation, and every child who is afraid to speak up will notice.

The adults around a 12-year-old girl in Ohio failed her in 1978. Nearly half a century later, Americans of every party have the chance to do better, and it starts by coming together to restore our sense of decency.

Federal Level

Lawmakers Warn Russia Is Targeting Midterm Voters

On Wednesday, Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes said Russia was spreading false information against Democratic candidates and supporters of Ukraine in both parties before the midterm elections. The leading Democrats on the congressional intelligence committees described the activity during a roundtable with reporters. They said they had seen no indication that foreign governments were manipulating voting equipment or changing ballots. Himes said several legally required intelligence assessments remained overdue, although information sharing had improved under intelligence director Jay Clayton. Warner said artificial intelligence could strengthen influence operations, while both lawmakers described continuing efforts to undermine confidence in elections.1

Justice Department Drops Student Loan Appeals

On Wednesday, the Justice Department dropped two appeals seeking to restore restrictions on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The proposed rules would have let Education Secretary Linda McMahon exclude employers whose activities the department considered to have a substantial illegal purpose. Federal judges had rejected those changes, finding that the department exceeded its authority and raised free speech concerns. The program forgives qualifying government and nonprofit workers’ loans after a decade of payments. Federal officials offered no explanation for abandoning the appeals. Borrower advocates welcomed the decision, and the agreements require each side to pay its own legal fees.2, 3

Supreme Court Keeps Transgender Prison Care Intact

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court rejected an emergency request to let the Trump administration restrict medical treatment for transgender federal prisoners. The unsigned order left a lower court block in place against a Bureau of Prisons policy limiting hormone therapy, surgery and related accommodations. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito would have allowed the policy to proceed. The administration argued that security and prison management concerns justified the changes. Lawyers for the prisoners said the restrictions would end treatment for nearly 1,000 people and override medical providers’ judgment. The court offered no explanation for its decision on the emergency request.4, 5

Trump Seeks Supreme Court Action on Border Wall

On Wednesday, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to lift an order blocking its border barrier project in Texas’s Big Bend region. The emergency request challenges a ruling that Homeland Security officials exceeded their authority when waiving environmental and other legal requirements. The administration said the project was needed to stop unlawful crossings and drug smuggling. Opponents argued that the remote region has comparatively few crossings and does not meet the law’s standard for using those waivers. District Judge Kathleen Cardone had agreed with the challengers and halted work while their lawsuit proceeds. The filing seeks permission to resume.6

Trump Urges Data Centers to Pay Local Dividends

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump urged data center operators to offer payments to communities or individual residents to gain local support. In a Truth Social post, he encouraged companies to negotiate financial agreements as opposition to the facilities becomes an issue before the midterm elections. Residents have raised concerns about electricity prices, water use and land requirements. Trump also said large new facilities must generate their own electricity and make excess power available locally. He said that approach could reduce prices, while experts cited by CNBC warned that expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure could ultimately increase electricity costs for consumers.7

State Level

Wisconsin Governor Rivals Debate Taxes and Abortion

On Wednesday night, Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany debated taxes, schools and abortion in their only scheduled debate. Republican Tiffany promised to reverse tax increases and return surplus money to residents. Democrat Crowley supported a tax system that funds education, transportation and infrastructure. Tiffany said he would uphold current abortion access through 20 weeks of pregnancy and would not sign a six-week restriction. Crowley reiterated his proposal to put abortion rights in the state Constitution. The Milwaukee County executive and the Republican congressman are competing to succeed retiring Democratic Governor Tony Evers in an open race.8, 9

Hochul Signs Gun Storage and Ammunition Laws

On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation expanding firearm storage requirements and restrictions on ammunition purchases. One measure, known as Francesco’s Law, requires firearms to be kept in appropriate locked containers when not in use. It also strengthens penalties when minors or unlicensed people gain access to unsecured guns. According to the governor’s office, the measure closes a gap that allowed unsecured firearms in homes without children or prohibited individuals. The second law bars ammunition purchases by people legally prohibited from owning rifles or shotguns, including those covered by certain protective orders. It aligns ammunition checks with firearm purchase requirements.10

California Poll Gives Becerra a Wide Governor Lead

On Wednesday, Emerson College Polling released a California survey showing Democrat Xavier Becerra leading Republican Steve Hilton in the governor’s race, 60 percent to 33 percent. Seven percent remained undecided. When those voters were asked which candidate they leaned toward, Becerra led 64 percent to 36 percent. Independent voters favored Becerra by 46 percent to 36 percent. The economy ranked as the leading concern for 45 percent of respondents, followed by housing affordability at 17 percent. The survey interviewed 1,000 likely voters from October 17 through 19 and reported an overall uncertainty range of 3.1 percentage points in either direction.11

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Article Sources

1. Nextgov/FCW, “Russia targets Democrats and Ukraine supporters ahead of midterms, top intel lawmakers say,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2026/10/russia-targets-democrats-and-ukraine-supporters-ahead-midterms-top-intel-lawmakers-say/416747/

2. Associated Press, “Trump administration drops legal fight to overhaul student loan forgiveness program,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/public-service-loan-forgiveness-trump-debt-0e25878fbf2b6742131a93260164c63b

3. Public Citizen, “Federal Government Drops Appeal on Public Student Loan Forgiveness Win,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.citizen.org/news/federal-government-drops-appeal-on-public-student-loan-forgiveness-win/

4. CBS News, “Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to restrict some medical treatments for transgender inmates,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trump-gender-affirming-care-transgender-inmates/

5. Courthouse News Service, “Supreme Court won’t let Trump restrict gender-affirming care for transgender inmates,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.courthousenews.com/supreme-court-wont-let-trump-restrict-gender-affirming-care-for-transgender-inmates/

6. CBS Texas, “Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow border wall construction to resume in Big Bend region,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/justice-department-supreme-court-border-wall-big-bend-region/

7. CNBC, “‘MAKE DEALS’: Trump says data centers should pay communities a ‘dividend’ to win support,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/21/trump-data-centers-community-dividend.html

8. NBC News, “Wisconsin governor candidates tangle over the economy, Trump and the 2020 election in tense debate,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/wisconsin-governor-candidates-debate-economy-trump-2020-election-rcna602991

9. WKOW, “Crowley, Tiffany clash on education, taxes in Wisconsin governor’s debate,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.wkow.com/news/crowley-tiffany-clash-on-education-taxes-in-wisconsin-governor-s-debate/article_83f1a40b-5884-44d5-8121-7cfc1a0852bc.html

10. Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, “Keeping New Yorkers Safe: Governor Hochul Signs Commonsense Gun Safety Legislation to Reduce Firearm Injuries and Deaths,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/keeping-new-yorkers-safe-governor-hochul-signs-commonsense-gun-safety-legislation-reduce

11. Emerson College Polling, “California 2026 Poll: Xavier Becerra Holds 27-Point Lead over Steve Hilton,” Oct. 21, 2026.

https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-xavier-becerra-holds-27-point-lead-over-steve-hilton/

Opponents predicted the resolution would make no difference, and they were right. Before the vote, the White House budget office told senators that resolutions like this one “lack the force of law.”ⁱⁱⁱ Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, asked his colleagues to vote no and told them, “The President isn’t going to pay any attention to it.”^iv Three days later, after Iran attacked commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz, the United States struck Iran again, and on July 7 it began a major new air campaign.^v

Much of the public debate has focused on whether President Trump went beyond his legal authority. The answer to that question does not explain why so many expected a vote by both chambers of Congress to be ignored. The Constitution’s war language has not changed since 1787, yet Congress has not declared war since June 5, 1942.^vi This edition of Wednesday Insight looks at how the decision to go to war shifted toward the president without any change to the Constitution.

What the Constitution Says

Article I gives Congress the power “to declare war,” and Article II makes the president commander in chief. The first draft of the Constitution gave Congress the power to “make” war, and the framers changed that word to “declare.” James Madison explained that the change left the president free to “repel sudden attacks.”^vii

Congress has issued 11 formal declarations of war, covering five wars from the War of 1812 through World War II.^viii The last three, against Bulgaria, Hungary and Rumania, passed without a single vote in opposition and were signed on June 5, 1942.^ix

A declaration of war is not the only way Congress can approve military action. Since World War II, Congress has mainly used laws known as authorizations for the use of military force.^x Like a declaration, an authorization must pass both chambers and be signed by the president.^xi

Paying for the military, receiving reports, being consulted or passing a resolution that never becomes law is not the same as approving a war. The War Powers Resolution itself says that approval for combat cannot be assumed from any law, including a spending bill, unless that law specifically authorizes it.^xii

How the Shift Happened

The shift began in June 1950. When North Korea invaded South Korea, President Harry Truman sent American forces under a United Nations resolution and did not ask Congress to declare war. According to the Truman Library, “By avoiding a declared war, Truman set a precedent that other presidents have followed.”^xiii

In August 1964, Congress took a different path and gave the president very broad power. After reported attacks on American destroyers, the House voted 414 to 0 and the Senate 88 to 2 for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which approved “all necessary measures” to repel attacks and prevent further aggression.^xiv By 1968, Sen. J. William Fulbright, who had led the resolution through the Senate, said, “I feel a very deep moral responsibility to the Senate and the country for having misled them.”^xv Congress repealed the resolution in January 1971 but continued funding the war until American troops left in March 1973.^xvi

Congress tried to take back control in November 1973. It overrode President Richard Nixon’s veto, by votes of 284 to 135 in the House and 75 to 18 in the Senate, and passed the War Powers Resolution.^xvii The law requires the president to consult with Congress “in every possible instance” and to report within 48 hours after sending troops into combat.^xviii Unless Congress declares war or authorizes the action, the president must end the operation within 60 days of submitting the report, or when the report was due, whichever comes first.^xix The president can take up to 30 more days, but only by certifying in writing that the time is needed to bring the troops home safely.^xx The law sets a deadline for ending combat that Congress has not approved. It does not authorize a president to fight for 60 or 90 days.

Within ten years, the law’s main enforcement tool was in doubt. It let Congress order troops home through a concurrent resolution, which passes both chambers but never goes to the president for a signature. In 1983, the Supreme Court ruled in INS v. Chadha that a similar provision in a different law was unconstitutional. The Congressional Research Service has said that this ruling makes the war powers provision “constitutionally suspect.”^xxi Congress responded by creating faster procedures for joint resolutions, which do go to the president and can be vetoed.^xxii As a practical matter, Congress now needs a two-thirds vote in both chambers to end a war the president wants to continue.

In 2011, the military campaign in Libya stretched the law further. The Obama administration argued that American involvement did not count as “hostilities” under the law, because there were no ground troops, no sustained fighting and little risk of American casualties.^xxiii On June 24, 2011, the House voted 123 to 295 against authorizing the mission. About an hour later, it voted 180 to 238 against limiting the money for it, so the mission went on without either approval or limits.^xxiv

Why the Pattern Continues

None of these events changed the Constitution, but they changed what presidents and Congress came to expect. The record points to three reasons the pattern has lasted.

The first reason is that presidents build on what earlier presidents did. For decades, Justice Department lawyers have judged a new military operation by asking whether its “nature, scope, and duration” were large enough to amount to a war that only Congress could declare.^xxv Each operation that proceeds without congressional authorization becomes the measuring stick for the next. Presidents have also been careful in how they report. Of the 168 reports presidents submitted under the War Powers Resolution from 1975 through March 2017, only one cited the section that starts the 60-day clock, and that operation was already over.^xxvi

The second reason involves the hard choices members of Congress face. Voting to authorize a war means sharing responsibility for how it turns out. Voting to end a war can be described by opponents as abandoning the troops. We cannot know why each member voted as he or she did, but Congress has often avoided both choices, as it did on Libya. Even when Congress does approve a war, the executive branch has treated that approval as unnecessary. After Congress passed the 2001 authorization almost unanimously, the Justice Department still maintained that the president already had the power to respond on his own.^xxvii

The third reason is that the rules are hard to enforce. Federal courts threw out lawsuits by members of Congress over El Salvador in the 1980s and Kosovo in 1999, ruling that Congress should settle the matter itself or that the members had no right to sue.^xxviii When Congress does pass a binding measure, the president can veto it. In 2020, both chambers passed a joint resolution directing an end to unauthorized military action against Iran. President Trump vetoed it, and the Senate fell short of overriding the veto, 49 to 44.^xxix

Congress has sometimes pushed back. In December 2025, it repealed the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations, which Sen. Tim Kaine called “the first repeal of an authorization in more than 50 years.”^xxx That repeal, however, did not settle how much power a president has to act on his own.

The Case for Presidential Authority

Supporters of the president’s position also point to the Constitution. The framers expected the president to respond to sudden attacks, and Congress cannot hold a debate while missiles are on the way. In June, the administration told the Senate that the president needs “the flexibility to take action necessary to disrupt attack preparations that threaten U.S. forces or interests.” It warned that the resolution’s narrow exception for self-defense would put American forces at risk.^xxxi

That argument holds up well when a president responds to an attack or orders a brief, limited strike. It is much harder to defend for a war that has now gone on for almost eight months.^xxxii Justice Department lawyers under both President Obama and President Trump concluded that Congress’s power to declare war limits the president, “at least in the case of a full-scale war with another country.”^xxxiii The administration’s own reports also acknowledged that hostilities began on February 28, which Tess Bridgeman, a former National Security Council lawyer, called “a concession presidents of both parties have historically avoided.”^xxxiv

The Iran Deadlines

President Trump notified Congress of the military action on March 2, which set May 1 as the 60-day deadline.^xxxv On May 1, he wrote to congressional leaders that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated” because of the April 7 ceasefire. He added that he would continue to direct the armed forces under his “constitutional authority” as commander in chief.^xxxvi He sent that letter 18 days after announcing a naval blockade of all shipping to and from Iranian ports.^xxxvii Speaking to reporters about the 60-day limit, he said, “Every other president considered it totally unconstitutional, and we agree with that.”^xxxviii

After fighting resumed on July 7, the president sent Congress a new letter on July 10, which the administration treated as the start of a second 60-day period.^xxxix Critics in Congress argued that the first period had never ended, because the blockade continued even when the major fighting stopped.^xl The second period ran out in September, and Congress still had not authorized the war.

Congress has voted on the war many times. By mid-September, the House had passed three of six resolutions to bring the troops home, and the Senate had voted on 11 joint resolutions.^xli The one binding Senate measure that cleared committee, in May, never reached a final vote.^xlii The House passed another resolution on September 15, with seven Republicans voting yes, and the Senate rejected a similar House measure, 49 to 50, on September 24.^xliiixliv Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted yes for the first time, explaining that he had given the administration 60 days from July 10. “I arbitrarily use that date,” he said.^xlv The only bill to authorize the war, introduced on May 7, has never left committee.^xlvi

The Human and Financial Cost

As of September 15, 18 American service members had been killed and 824 had been wounded.^xlvii Three of those killed died after an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. They were Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas; 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; and Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York.^xlviii By the April ceasefire, 3,636 Iranians had been killed, including 1,701 civilians, according to figures cited by the Congressional Research Service.^xlix

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the war cost $38.1 billion through August 1 and now runs $2 billion to $3 billion a month.^l Congress has not approved the administration’s $67.1 billion funding request, so the Pentagon has been paying for the war out of its existing budget.^li Iran says indirect ceasefire talks are continuing, but no agreement has been reached.^lii

Whether this war is wise is a different question from who decided to fight it. When Congress votes to authorize or end a war, the families of service members, civilians in harm’s way, and taxpayers can see who made the choice and on what terms. Without that vote, the decision belongs to the president alone, and Congress is left with objections that the executive branch says have no legal effect.

In June 1942, it took Congress three days to receive President Roosevelt’s request and declare war on three countries by recorded vote.^liii In June 2026, both chambers agreed that American forces should leave Iran, but they did so in a form that even the resolution’s opponents predicted the president would ignore. Congress still holds the power to declare war, just as the framers intended. Over the past 84 years, however, presidents and Congress have both come to expect that the president will decide first. Each deadline that passes without consequences makes it easier to ignore the next one.

Each week, our Wednesday Insight delivers research and insights by getting underneath American politics to look at it from a completely different angle. We dive into historical data to uncover hidden trends and step back to observe the predictable patterns of wrongness that everyone else accepts as normal. Instead of looking for villains or assuming malicious intent, we act as investigators who ask the quiet questions and follow the evidence to understand exactly how the machinery of our political system actually operates.

References

1 Congress.gov, “Actions: H.Con.Res.86, 119th Congress,” House Roll No. 199 (June 3, 2026) and Senate Record Vote No. 184 (June 23, 2026). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/86/all-actions

2 U.S. Government Publishing Office, “H. Con. Res. 86, Enrolled,” agreed to June 23, 2026. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hconres86enr/html/BILLS-119hconres86enr.htm

3 Office of Management and Budget, “Statement of Administration Policy: H. Con. Res. 86,” June 23, 2026. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAP-Senate-HCR86.pdf

4 Congressional Record, Senate, June 23, 2026, pages S3039 to S3040 (remarks of Sen. James Risch). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2026-06-23/pdf/CREC-2026-06-23-pt1-PgS3039-7.pdf

5 Congressional Research Service, “U.S. Conflict with Iran,” R48887, updated September 18, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887

6 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

7 Congress.gov, Constitution Annotated, “Overview of Declare War Clause,” Article I, Section 8, Clause 11. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C11-2-1/ALDE_00000110/

8 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

9 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

10 Congress.gov, Constitution Annotated, “Overview of Declare War Clause,” Article I, Section 8, Clause 11. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C11-2-1/ALDE_00000110/

11 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

12 50 U.S. Code § 1547(a), “Interpretation of joint resolution: Inferences from any law or treaty,” Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/1547

13 Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, “The United Nations in Korea.” https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/united-nations-korea

14 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

15 U.S. Senate Historical Office, “Chairman J. William Fulbright and the 1964 Tonkin Gulf Resolution.” https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/senate-stories/chairman-fulbright-and-the-tonkin-gulf-resolution.htm

16 U.S. Senate Historical Office, “Chairman J. William Fulbright and the 1964 Tonkin Gulf Resolution.” https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/senate-stories/chairman-fulbright-and-the-tonkin-gulf-resolution.htm

17 Congress.gov, “H.J.Res.542, 93rd Congress: War Powers Resolution,” all actions, November 7, 1973. https://www.congress.gov/bill/93rd-congress/house-joint-resolution/542/all-info

18 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Understanding the War Powers Resolution,” IF13134, December 17, 2025 (Sections 3 and 4). https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13134

19 50 U.S. Code § 1544(b), “Termination of use of United States Armed Forces; exceptions; extension period,” Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/1544

20 50 U.S. Code § 1544(b), “Termination of use of United States Armed Forces; exceptions; extension period,” Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/1544

21 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice,” R42699, March 8, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42699

22 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice,” R42699, March 8, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42699

23 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice,” R42699, March 8, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42699

24 Jonathan Allen and Seung Min Kim, “Libya votes show House divided,” Politico, June 24, 2011. https://www.politico.com/story/2011/06/libya-votes-show-house-divided-057711

25 Steve P. Mulligan, Congressional Research Service, “The Declare War Clause, Part 8: Vietnam War Through 21st-Century Conflicts,” LSB11237, September 30, 2024. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11237

26 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice,” R42699, March 8, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42699

27 Steve P. Mulligan, Congressional Research Service, “The Declare War Clause, Part 8: Vietnam War Through 21st-Century Conflicts,” LSB11237, September 30, 2024. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11237

28 Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “The War Powers Resolution: Concepts and Practice,” R42699, March 8, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42699

29 U.S. Senate, “Vetoes by President Donald J. Trump,” S.J.Res. 68 (vetoed May 6, 2020; veto sustained May 7, 2020, Record Vote No. 84). https://www.senate.gov/legislative/vetoes/TrumpDJ.htm

30 Office of Sen. Todd Young, “Young, Kaine Applaud Bill to Formally End Iraq Wars Becoming Law,” December 19, 2025. https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-kaine-applaud-bill-to-formally-end-iraq-wars-becoming-law/

31 Office of Management and Budget, “Statement of Administration Policy: H. Con. Res. 86,” June 23, 2026. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SAP-Senate-HCR86.pdf

32 CBS News, “Iran says indirect talks with U.S. on ceasefire proposal continue,” live updates, October 21, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-war-trump-us-ceasefire-talks-ongoing/

33 Steve P. Mulligan, Congressional Research Service, “The Declare War Clause, Part 8: Vietnam War Through 21st-Century Conflicts,” LSB11237, September 30, 2024. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11237

34 Brookings Institution, “The Iran War and the War Powers Resolution,” Congressional Study Group on Foreign Relations and National Security, Session 50, July 14, 2026. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-iran-war-and-the-war-powers-resolution/

35 Lawfare, “Law and the Iran War, After the First 60 Days,” May 2026. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/law-and-the-iran-war–after-the-first-60-days

36 CQ Roll Call, “Hostilities with Iran ‘terminated,’ Trump says in War Powers letter,” May 1, 2026. https://rollcall.com/2026/05/01/hostilities-with-iran-terminated-trump-says-in-war-powers-letter/

37 Congressional Research Service, “U.S. Conflict with Iran,” R48887, updated September 18, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887

38 Associated Press via PBS NewsHour, “Trump says deadline for Congress to approve Iran war doesn’t apply, claiming hostilities have terminated,” May 1, 2026. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-says-deadline-for-congress-to-approve-iran-war-doesnt-apply-claiming-hostilities-have-terminated

39 Connor O’Brien, Leo Shane III and Mark Satter, “Trump notifies Congress of new war against Iran,” Politico, July 13, 2026. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/trump-notifies-congress-of-new-war-against-iran-00995170

40 Connor O’Brien, Leo Shane III and Mark Satter, “Trump notifies Congress of new war against Iran,” Politico, July 13, 2026. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/trump-notifies-congress-of-new-war-against-iran-00995170

41 Congressional Research Service, “U.S. Conflict with Iran,” R48887, updated September 18, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887

42 Congress.gov, “Actions: S.J.Res.185, 119th Congress,” Senate Record Vote Nos. 129 (May 19, 2026) and 192 (June 24, 2026). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/185/all-actions

43 Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, “Roll Call 307: H.Con.Res. 93,” September 15, 2026. https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026307

44 CBS News, “Iran war powers measure falls short in Senate, despite new GOP support,” September 24, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-iran-war-powers-resolution-vote/

45 ABC News, “Senate again fails to adopt Iran War Powers Resolution,” September 24, 2026. https://abcnews.com/Politics/senate-fails-adopt-iran-war-powers-resolution-despite/story?id=136722629

46 Congress.gov, “Actions: H.J.Res.176, 2026 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iran,” introduced May 7, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-joint-resolution/176/all-actions

47 Congressional Research Service, “U.S. Conflict with Iran,” R48887, updated September 18, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887

48 Military Times, “Pentagon identifies third American soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan,” July 21, 2026. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/21/pentagon-identifies-third-american-soldier-killed-in-iranian-attack-in-jordan/

49 Congressional Research Service, “U.S. Conflict with Iran,” R48887, updated September 18, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887

50 Politico, “Iran war has cost taxpayers $38B, and counting,” September 15, 2026. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/15/iran-war-cbo-01077533

51 The Center Square via Yahoo News, “Congress never funded the Iran war. The Pentagon is paying anyway,” September 2026. https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/congress-never-funded-iran-war-224600283.html

52 CBS News, “Iran says indirect talks with U.S. on ceasefire proposal continue,” live updates, October 21, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-war-trump-us-ceasefire-talks-ongoing/

53 Jennifer K. Elsea and Matthew C. Weed, Congressional Research Service, “Declarations of War and Authorizations for the Use of Military Force: Historical Background and Legal Implications,” RL31133, April 18, 2014. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31133

Federal Level

Appeals Court Revives Challenge to Church Raids

On Tuesday, a federal appeals court revived a challenge by 27 Christian and Jewish organizations to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policy at houses of worship. The D.C. Circuit ruled 2-1 that the groups had shown a sufficient threat of harm to pursue their request for a temporary court order. The ruling sends the case back to a district judge to consider that request; it does not itself stop enforcement. The majority found that increased enforcement threatened congregations’ religious activities. Dissenting Judge Neomi Rao said the groups had not shown that restoring earlier guidance would remedy their claimed harm.^{1, 2}

State Department Reports Over 300,000 Visa Revocations

On Tuesday, the State Department said the Trump administration had revoked more than 300,000 visas during President Donald Trump’s second term. Spokesman Tommy Pigott said the cancellations targeted visa holders who broke the law, committed fraud or threatened national security. He said the administration would continue the policy to secure the border and protect the country. The department had reported more than 175,000 revocations in August. The administration has also tightened social media screening for visa applicants. Rights advocates and human rights experts say those screening efforts threaten free speech and single out immigrants.^{3, 4}

Trump Reports $300 Million Spent Helping Republicans

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said more than $300 million had already been spent to help Republicans in the midterm elections. In a Truth Social post, he said the total would exceed $400 million by Election Day. Trump listed advertising, voter contact, rallies, turnout programs and election monitoring among the expenses. His post did not identify whether the money came from personal funds or MAGA Inc., his main political fundraising group He also provided no detailed breakdown showing how much would reach individual races. TheWrap reported that the spending figures had not been independently verified.⁵

Justice Department Launches Rewards for Fraud Tips

On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced a program offering $10,000 to $30,000 for tips that lead to criminal charges involving fraud against federal programs. The Treasury Department committed $25 million to the effort. The department said awards would be discretionary and paid after charges are filed, rather than after a case ends. President Donald Trump described different terms at the White House, saying tipsters would receive an unlimited 1% commission. The department’s published terms did not include that promise. Priorities include fraud involving hospice care, home health care, day care and special services. Participants can remain eligible for other whistleblower awards.^{6, 7}

Social Security Reports Millions of Record Fixes

On Tuesday, the Social Security Administration said it had corrected nearly 15% of active Social Security number records since the Trump administration began. The agency said it added 17 million missing dates of death and supplied citizenship information for about 25 million records, using federal data. It is also correcting another 8.5 million records with inaccurate citizenship status. Commissioner Frank Bisignano said accurate records help prevent fraud and ensure benefits are administered properly. Federal and state agencies use the database to verify identities. The agency also said it strengthened internal controls to reduce manual data entry errors.^{8, 9}

State Level

Ramaswamy Confirms Ad Featuring Acton’s Estranged Mother

On Tuesday evening, Ohio Republican governor nominee Vivek Ramaswamy confirmed that his campaign produced an advertisement featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother. His campaign said it would spend $4 million to run the spot on television and streaming platforms. The video questions Acton’s account of her childhood and urges voters to reject her. Acton denied her mother’s accusations in a Tuesday interview with WOSU. Ramaswamy said voters should consider comments from people who know Acton well and said her mother was not paid. Acton’s campaign released a response advertisement featuring her brother defending her account of childhood abuse.10, 11

Maryland Announces $25 Million for Uninsured Care

On Tuesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced $25 million in grants to help health providers care for uninsured residents. The governor’s office said the program responds to federal Medicaid changes under the law President Donald Trump signed in July 2025. The Maryland Health Care Commission will administer the grants for one year. Eligible recipients include federally qualified health centers and local health departments serving areas without those centers. Funding will support routine primary care, visits for immediate health problems, chronic disease treatment and behavioral health services. The governor’s office said those services can help reduce costlier uncompensated emergency department care.12

West Virginia Eases Restrictions on Dyed Diesel

On Tuesday, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a 60-day statewide emergency and allowed temporary highway use of red-dyed diesel, normally reserved for off-road equipment. His executive order suspends penalties for that use and stops inspections aimed specifically at detecting it. State motor fuel excise taxes and commercial vehicle safety inspections remain in place. Morrisey’s office said the change could save drivers and businesses 20.5 cents per gallon. The order applies immediately across all 55 counties. House Democratic leader Sean Hornbuckle said the governor should call lawmakers back into session, arguing that the measure does not help residents who use regular gasoline.13, 14

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Article Sources

1. Courthouse News Service, “DC Circuit sides with religious groups in fight to block ICE church raids,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.courthousenews.com/dc-circuit-sides-with-religious-groups-in-fight-to-block-ice-church-raids/

2. U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, “Mennonite Church USA, et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, et al., No. 25-5209,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/dc-circuit-ice-raids-at-churches-opinion.pdf

3. Reuters, “Trump administration says it has revoked over 300,000 visas,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-says-it-has-revoked-over-300000-visas-2026-10-20/

4. Al Jazeera, “Trump official claims record-breaking 300,000 visas were revoked,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/20/trump-official-claims-record-breaking-300000-visas-were-revoked?traffic_source=rss

5. TheWrap, “Trump Pledges $400 Million to Help GOP Win Midterms as Political Ad Spending Soars,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/trump-400-million-midterm-political-ad-spending/

6. Reuters, “Trump promises cash for fraud tips as he awards right-wing YouTuber,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-promises-cash-fraud-tips-he-awards-right-wing-youtuber-2026-10-20/

7. U.S. Department of Justice, “Justice Department Announces Innovative Whistleblower Rewards Program to Combat Fraud,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-innovative-whistleblower-rewards-program-combat-fraud

8. Reuters, “US Social Security Agency corrects nearly 15% of records in database cleanup,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-social-security-agency-corrects-nearly-15-records-database-cleanup-2026-10-20/

9. Social Security Administration, “Social Security Corrects Tens of Millions of Files in the Social Security Number Database Improving the Integrity of Vital Records,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-10-20.html

10. CNN, “Vivek Ramaswamy launches $4 million ad campaign of controversial video featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/20/politics/amy-acton-mother-video?Date=20261020&Profile=CNNPolitics

11. WOSU Public Media, “Amy Acton responds to attack ad where her estranged mother accuses her of lying,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.wosu.org/politics-government/2026-10-20/amy-acton-responds-to-viral-video-where-her-estranged-mother-accuses-her-of-lying

12. Office of Governor Wes Moore, “Governor Moore Announces $25 Million to Support Health Care Access for Uninsured Marylanders, Touts Public Health Wins at Bloomberg American Health Summit,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/governor-moore-announces-25-million-support-health-care-access-uninsured-marylanders

13. WDTV, “Morrisey declares State of Emergency over diesel prices, provides fuel relief for West Virginians,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://www.wdtv.com/2026/10/20/gov-morrisey-declares-state-emergency-over-diesel-prices/

14. WV MetroNews, “Emergency order provides temporary fuel relief for West Virginia businesses,” Oct. 20, 2026.

https://wvmetronews.com/2026/10/20/emergency-order-provides-temporary-fuel-relief-for-west-virginia-businesses/

Federal Level

Justice Department Charges 28 in Voting Sweep

On Monday, the Justice Department announced election-related charges against 28 California residents and said federal agents arrested 11 of them. Officials said all 28 are lawful permanent residents who are not citizens, and alleged offenses include false statements in citizenship applications and fraudulent voter registration. The department said the defendants appeared on its list of suspected noncitizen registrants and called for California to verify their citizenship before counting ballots. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said there was no widespread voter fraud and disputed the administration’s broader allegations. The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent.^{1, 2}

Reuters Poll Puts Trump Approval at 31 Percent

On Monday, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll placed President Donald Trump’s approval rating at 31 percent, the lowest in either of his terms. Among registered voters, 47 percent preferred Democrats for Congress and 35 percent preferred Republicans, giving Democrats their largest lead of this election cycle in the survey. The nationwide online poll surveyed 1,679 adults, including 1,279 registered voters, from October 16 through Monday. The registered-voter results had a margin of error of three percentage points. National party preferences offer a broad view of voter sentiment, but do not capture the individual contests that determine control of Congress.^{3, 4}

Trump Orders New Push on Women’s Health Research

On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a women’s health division and creating a White House task force. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles will lead the panel. First lady Melania Trump helped shape the initiative, which calls for research into maternal health, menopause, infertility, heart disease and other conditions affecting women. The division will coordinate with the NIH’s existing Office of Research on Women’s Health. The order sets no specific funding goals and revokes two Biden administration actions on women’s health research.^{5, 6}

Supreme Court Takes Up School Admissions Case

On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to review what evidence parents must present when challenging school admissions rules that do not explicitly use race. The case concerns four magnet middle schools in Maryland’s Montgomery County. A parents’ group argues that the district’s lottery-based admissions policy disadvantages Asian American students. Lower courts rejected the challenge. The justices will consider whether challengers must show that the racial group suffered disproportionate harm compared with its share of applicants. A district spokesperson said the review concerns a legal question, while the schools remain committed to equal access to demanding academic programs for all students.^{7, 8}

Trump Rallies Kansas Voters for Senator Marshall

On Monday, President Donald Trump campaigned near Wichita for Republican Senator Roger Marshall, urging Kansas voters to reelect him in a close race against Democrat Adam Hamilton. Speaking at an arena in Park City, Trump defended Marshall against criticism of his medical debt collection practices and criticized Hamilton. Marshall said before the rally that he could not win without Trump’s voters turning out. Hamilton, a pastor, released a video Monday welcoming the president and telling Trump supporters they had a place in his campaign. He said he would cooperate with Trump when they agreed and oppose policies he believed harmed Kansas.^{9, 10}

State Level

Hinojosa Sues Abbott for Access to Musk Emails

On Monday, Democratic nominee for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa sued Governor Greg Abbott’s office for access to unredacted communications involving Elon Musk and his companies. Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, argues that state public records law allows lawmakers to inspect confidential information for legislative purposes. Abbott’s office had rejected her request, saying it appeared intended to benefit her campaign rather than legislative work. Abbott dismissed the lawsuit as an effort to attract attention. The filing cites a possible sale of Boca Chica State Park to SpaceX as a legislative concern. Abbott said Monday he did not know the possible sale’s details.11, 12

Judge Pauses Tennessee Takeover of Memphis Schools

On Monday, a local judge temporarily blocked Tennessee’s takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, returning full authority to the local school board. Oversight board Chairman Billy Orgel said Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins ordered the pause, prompting cancellation of the state-appointed board’s Monday meeting. The decision followed a federal judge’s recent restoration of the oversight board’s authority. In the separate local lawsuit, district leaders argue that officials lacked evidence the district qualified for a takeover and that intervention would harm school operations. The federal constitutional challenge remains pending. The written local court order was not available when the news outlets published their reports.13, 14

New Jersey Funds Research on Youth Social Media

On Monday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that Rutgers University would host a state-funded research center studying social media’s effects on children. Rutgers received a $500,000 grant through a competitive process, with funding provided in the current state budget. The center will examine addictive features, assess potential harms and develop recommendations for policymakers, families and educators. Its work includes investigating whether warning labels can discourage compulsive use. Researchers will coordinate with the state Department of Health’s youth online safety office. The selection implements legislation Sherrill signed earlier this year as part of her administration’s children’s online safety agenda.15, 16

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Article Sources

1. Associated Press, “Justice Department charges more than 2 dozen in California sweep targeting alleged noncitizen voters,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/60e3dd468f43e0e8a32e6bf69341f189

2. U.S. Department of Justice, “Justice Department Charges 28 Foreign Nationals in California for Election Crimes,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-charges-28-foreign-nationals-california-election-crimes

3. Reuters, “Exclusive-Trump approval falls to record low of 31% as midterms near, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-approval-falls-record-low-31-midterms-near-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2026-10-19/

4. Ipsos, “Reuters/Ipsos mid-October Survey,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/reutersipsos-mid-october-survey

5. The White House, “Advancing Women’s Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/advancing-womens-health-to-improve-outcomes-in-all-phases-of-life/

6. Associated Press, “Trump signs an order aimed at boosting women’s health research, a plan backed by the first lady,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-womens-health-executive-order-47534d721ac1328832ca46d9286ca833

7. Supreme Court of the United States, “Order List (10/19/2026),” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.supremecourt.gov/xmls/current/101926zor.xml

8. Maryland Matters, “Supreme Court takes Montgomery County magnet school admission policy case,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://marylandmatters.org/2026/10/19/supreme-court-takes-montgomery-county-magnet-school-admission-policy-case/

9. The Wichita Eagle, “Overflow crowds greet President Trump as he urges Kansans to reelect Sen. Marshall,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/election/article317692502.html

10. Associated Press, “The Latest: Trump heads to Kansas to rally farmers’ votes in latest stop on midterm campaign blitz,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/e6edac3a6fe6908f6191c0827e67767b

11. Texas Standard / The Texas Newsroom, “As early voting begins in Texas, Gov. Abbott’s challenger Gina Hinojosa sues over Musk emails,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://texasstandard.org/stories/as-early-voting-begins-in-texas-gov-abbotts-challenger-gina-hinojosa-sues-over-musk-emails/

12. Houston Chronicle, “Greg Abbott won’t say if he supports selling state park to Elon Musk’s SpaceX,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/abbott-musk-spacex-22483883.php

13. Chalkbeat, “Memphis schools state takeover paused again,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2026/10/19/memphis-schools-state-takeover-blocked-again-by-local-court/

14. WMC Action News 5, “State takeover of MSCS paused again,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/10/19/state-takeover-mscs-paused-again/

15. Office of New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, “Governor Sherrill, Secretary Chaly Announce Home for New Social Media Research Center at Rutgers,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20261019a.shtml

16. New Jersey Monitor, “NJ picks Rutgers to lead social media research center,” Oct. 19, 2026.

https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/10/19/nj-rutgers-social-media-research-center/

Federal Level

NBC News Poll Finds 71% Say U.S. Is on Wrong Track

On Sunday, NBC News released a national poll showing broad voter dissatisfaction as the midterm elections approached. Seventy-one percent of adults said the country was on the wrong track, while President Donald Trump’s approval rating among adults stood at 34 percent. Among registered voters, Democrats led Republicans 55 percent to 45 percent on which party should control Congress. The economy ranked as the leading issue, and 44 percent said their financial situation was worse than one year earlier. The online SurveyMonkey poll surveyed 19,135 adults from September 28 through October 12 and had a 2.6-point margin of error.¹

Texas Senate Poll Shows Two-Point Contest

On Sunday, a CBS News and YouGov poll placed Democrat James Talarico slightly ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race. Talarico received 51 percent support and Paxton received 49 percent, a difference within the survey’s margin of error. CBS reported that economic concerns helped Talarico, while Paxton benefited from Texas’s Republican lean and support for the Trump administration’s deportation program. The survey included 1,492 registered voters interviewed from October 8 through October 16. Its margin of error was 3.4 points for registered voters and 3.5 points for likely voters, leaving turnout central to the contest.²

Energy Secretary Defends Trump’s Russia Waiver

On Sunday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended President Donald Trump’s temporary sanctions relief for Russian diesel and the administration’s broader waiver of new Russia sanctions. Wright told ABC’s “This Week” that the diesel arrangement was intended as an incentive for Moscow to reduce its war effort or reach an agreement with Ukraine. He said existing sanctions on Russian oil remained in place. On CNN, Wright said the broader waiver preserved Trump’s flexibility during discussions involving China, trade and the conflict. The secretary also rejected criticism from lawmakers who argue that the diesel policy could provide money that supports Russia’s military operations.³

Jeffries Campaigns in Crucial Ohio House Race

On Sunday, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in Toledo with Representative Marcy Kaptur as Democrats sought control of the House. Kaptur is facing Republican Derek Merrin in a district President Donald Trump has carried, making the race important to both parties. Jeffries said the election environment remained favorable for Democrats and emphasized affordability as a campaign issue. He also said House members would pursue a new bipartisan Russia sanctions package that the president could not waive. Speaker Mike Johnson said separately that lawmakers had raised concerns about Trump’s sanctions waiver and that he wanted to consider possible unintended consequences.⁴

Turek Campaigns With Harkin in Iowa Push

On Sunday, Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek campaigned with former Senator Tom Harkin in Ottumwa as their party pressed its final Iowa turnout effort. The two rallied Wapello County Democrats before joining a door-knocking drive. Turek said President Donald Trump had identified voter concern about costs but argued that Republican policies had not delivered lower prices. Harkin said voters were seeking a different form of representation and praised Turek’s work ethic. Turek, a state representative, faces Republican Representative Ashley Hinson. Hinson campaign spokesperson Billy Fuerst responded that Turek was too liberal for Iowa and criticized his record in the state legislature.⁵

State Level

Massachusetts Nominee Leaves Lieutenant Governor Race

On Sunday, Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor nominee Shawn Oliver suspended his campaign after his arrest following a late Saturday car crash. Oliver said the election should not be overshadowed by personal matters. His running mate, gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue, had asked him to stop campaigning and said he would seek Oliver’s resignation if their ticket wins. New Bedford police said Oliver’s vehicle struck five parked cars and overturned. Authorities charged him with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation, speeding and a marked-lanes violation. The Massachusetts Republican Party supported his decision, while Oliver’s name remained set to appear on the ballot.^{6, 7}

Poll Gives Abbott Four-Point Lead in Texas

On Sunday, a CBS News and YouGov poll showed Republican Governor Greg Abbott leading Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa in Texas. Abbott received 52 percent support, while Hinojosa received 48 percent. The four-point difference was slightly larger than the poll’s 3.4-point margin of error for registered voters. CBS said Abbott also drew support from 7 percent of voters backing Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. The survey interviewed 1,492 registered voters from October 8 through October 16 and weighted the sample using demographic information and the 2024 presidential vote. Abbott is seeking a fourth term, and voting concludes November 3.²

Michigan Democrats Rally With Union Workers

On Sunday, Michigan Democratic nominees rallied with union workers in Detroit as the party expanded its turnout campaign. Gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson and Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed headlined the event at a carpenters and millwrights training center. Benson pledged to make workers central to her economic plans and said she would focus on creating jobs and reducing costs. El-Sayed said he would support organizing across industries. Other speakers included Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and nominees for attorney general, secretary of state and Congress. Michigan Public reported that 679,316 people, or 9.2 percent of registered voters, had cast ballots by Sunday.^{8, 9}

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Article Sources

1. NBC News, “Poll: Americans are anxious, pessimistic and deeply unhappy with Trump ahead of the midterms,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/poll-americans-anxious-pessimistic-deeply-unhappy-trump-ahead-midterms-rcna603064

2. CBS News, “CBS News poll shows a Texas toss-up with Talarico, Paxton in tight Senate race,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-senate-talarico-paxton-poll/

3. Politico, “Wright defends Trump’s Russian diesel deal as ‘carrot’ for peace,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/18/wright-defends-trump-russia-diesel-deal-01125781

4. ABC News, “Jeffries likes Democrats’ chances in race for the House as he campaigns in Ohio,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/jeffries-likes-democrats-chances-race-house-campaigns-ohio-137367095

5. Iowa Capital Dispatch, “Turek campaigns with former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin in final stretch before election,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/turek-campaigns-former-us-sen-tom-harkin-final-stretch-election

6. Associated Press, “Massachusetts GOP lieutenant governor candidate suspends campaign after arrest in car crash,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/oliver-crash-alcohol-arrest-minogue-f470b43e825dce1cb1ab73b65f8f8102

7. Boston.com, “Lt. governor candidate Shawn Oliver suspends campaign after being arrested for allegedly drunk driving,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2026/10/18/shawn-oliver-drunk-driving-arrest-lieutenant-governor/

8. Michigan Public, “Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2026-10-18/party-leaders-focus-on-getting-michiganders-to-vote-in-the-final-weeks-of-the-midterm-election

9. Michigan Advance, “Michigan Democrats rally for union support as 2026 get-out-the-vote effort begins,” Oct. 18, 2026.

https://michiganadvance.com/2026/10/18/michigan-democrats-rally-for-union-support-as-2026-get-out-the-vote-effort-begins/

Federal Level

Trump Links Kentucky Investment to GOP Win

On Saturday, President Donald Trump told a Kentucky rally that a Republican victory in November would bring a $100 million Defense Department investment to revitalize a pharmaceutical plant in Winchester. Speaking in Highland Heights, Trump urged voters to support Senate nominee Andy Barr and House nominee Ed Gallrein. He also repeated his promise of $5,000 payments to adults if Republicans retain Congress, a proposal that would require congressional approval. Trump asked supporters to pretend he was on the ballot. The rally was part of a campaign tour through conservative states as Republicans seek turnout in contests that will determine control of Congress. ^{1, 2}

Lawmakers Challenge Trump on Russia Sanctions

On Saturday, lawmakers from both parties criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive congressionally approved sanctions on Russia before they took effect. Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the action irresponsible and questioned why the administration would not enforce a bill that passed the Senate 86-11. Republican Senators John Cornyn and Darline Graham also objected, while Democratic leaders urged Congress to reverse course. Graham, campaigning in South Carolina, said she would keep pressure on Russia because she does not trust its government. Congress is in recess until after Election Day, leaving lawmakers without an immediate path to challenge the waiver. ^{3, 4}

No Kings Rallies Shift Focus to Early Voting

On Saturday, No Kings organizers held rallies across the country aimed at encouraging early voting in the November midterm elections. Hundreds of planned events marked a shift from earlier demonstrations, which centered mainly on opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration. Participants gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, while an Atlanta rally featured City Councilman Michael Julian Bond urging people to vote. In Philadelphia, attendees cast ballots at City Hall and received information about serving as poll watchers. Organizers described the events as nonpartisan, although many speakers and participants supported Democratic candidates or sought a change in congressional control. ^{5, 6}

Nevada Republican Rejects His Party’s Nominee

On Saturday, retiring Republican Representative Mark Amodei said he would not vote for David Flippo, the Trump-endorsed Republican seeking to replace him in Nevada’s 2nd District. Amodei told Politico that the normally Republican seat was at risk because of allegations concerning Flippo’s military record and late financial disclosures. Flippo has said campaign claims that overstated his service resulted from mistakes by staff members and others. Amodei said he was considering an independent candidate instead. Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson is also competing for the northern Nevada district, which President Donald Trump carried by 14 points in 2024 and which has never elected a Democrat. ⁷

El-Sayed Disavows Muslim Brotherhood at Town Hall

On Saturday, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood during a tense exchange at a campaign event in Caro. An attendee repeatedly asked whether El-Sayed rejected the Islamist political movement. El-Sayed answered that he did, then said the question wrongly assumed that his Muslim faith created divided loyalty. He said the Constitution guides him. El-Sayed has faced Republican claims that he is sympathetic to interests connected with terrorism, which he denies. Later Saturday, he said the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had been supportive despite Republican Mike Rogers and allied groups holding an advertising advantage in the closing weeks of their contest. ⁸

State Level

Ramaswamy Courts Rural Voters in Ohio Race

On Saturday, Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy campaigned for Ohio governor at a town hall in Monroe County, a heavily Republican part of the state. Ramaswamy said rural Ohio is the state’s backbone and promised that his administration would not focus mainly on greater Columbus. He described himself as seeking to become Ohio’s most conservative governor and criticized Democratic nominee Amy Acton for declining to debate him. Acton has called Ramaswamy a chronic liar in defending that decision. The candidates are competing to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, and the contest has remained close as both parties work to motivate their voters. ⁹

New York Governor Rivals Make Weekend Push

On Saturday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman campaigned separately as the state’s early voting period approached. Blakeman opened a canvassing effort in Hawthorne, a Westchester County battleground, and emphasized taxes, utility costs, public safety and immigration. Hochul attended a meeting with South Asian leaders in Valley Stream on Long Island, where she discussed diversity, immigration and efforts to reduce costs. Both candidates urged supporters to participate in the election. Their appearances followed a week of direct debate over affordability, state policy and President Donald Trump’s administration as voters prepared for early voting to begin the following weekend. ¹⁰

Garrity Backs Skill Game Operators in Pennsylvania

On Saturday, Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity rallied with skill game operators and small-business owners in Green Tree after the machines became illegal outside authorized locations. Garrity accused Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro of abandoning operators and said the devices help small businesses, veterans groups and fire halls. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in June that skill games are essentially slot machines and gave lawmakers 120 days to regulate them. Legislators did not reach an agreement on taxes before the deadline, so enforcement is now active. Garrity and Shapiro have proposed different tax structures as they compete in the November election for governor. ^{11, 12}

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1. CNN, “Trump stumps in deep-red Kentucky as GOP tries to hold its turf,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/17/politics/live-news/midterm-election-congress

2. CNBC, “Trump touts his power at Kentucky rally to energize voters ahead of midterm elections,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/17/trump-touts-his-power-at-kentucky-rally-ahead-of-midterms.html

3. The Associated Press, “Trump’s decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/3cc9740c39e9e9eb713b1c553b5709e6

4. Politico, “Trio of Republicans bashes Trump’s sanctions pullback,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/17/tillis-cornyn-trump-ukraine-diesel-sanctions-01125243

5. The Associated Press, “No Kings rallies across US urge voters to cast ballots early ahead of midterms,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-midterm-elections-02d78e3dc4f1f75f8f8a5c327ba79008

6. The Philadelphia Inquirer, “For Trump opponents, the midterms have already begun as ‘No Kings’ rallies push early voting,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.inquirer.com/politics/no-kings-rally-early-voting-philly-20261017.html

7. Politico, “Retiring GOP congressmember will ‘absolutely not’ vote for successor in at-risk seat,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/17/nevada-gop-congress-01125370

8. CNN, “Trump stumps in deep-red Kentucky as GOP tries to hold its turf,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/17/politics/live-news/midterm-election-congress

9. CNN, “Trump stumps in deep-red Kentucky as GOP tries to hold its turf,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/17/politics/live-news/midterm-election-congress

10. News 12 Long Island, “Candidates for governor make final push for votes as early voting nears,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://longisland.news12.com/candidates-for-governor-make-final-push-for-votes-as-early-voting-nears

11. WPXI, “Stacy Garrity visits Green Tree, shows support for groups hurt by Pennsylvania skill game regulation,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/stacy-garrity-visits-green-tree-shows-support-groups-hurt-by-pennsylvania-skill-game-regulation/

12. CBS Pittsburgh, “Stacy Garrity stands with skill game operators at rally in Green Tree Borough,” Oct. 17, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/stacy-garrity-skill-games-rally/

Federal Level

Trump Waives Sanctions Approved by Congress

On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing a sanctions package that Congress approved to pressure Russia and countries supporting its energy trade. The order formally sets tariffs of 500 percent on Russian goods and 100 percent on goods from major buyers or facilitators of Russian oil, but it immediately waives those duties and most sanctions. Trump told Congress the waiver serves the national interest. The law, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, allows a president to issue waivers with written certification and an explanation to Congress. Existing sanctions imposed under other executive orders remain in place. ^{1, 2}

White House Press Secretary Leaves After Five Days

On Friday, Katie Zacharia left her position as White House press secretary after five days in the job, according to administration officials cited by NBC News and Politico. A senior administration official said she would move to another role that would be announced later. Zacharia faced criticism after her first briefing and questions about describing herself as a lawyer even though she had not passed a bar examination. Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump said he had encouraged her to reconsider whether she wanted the position. The departure leaves the White House without a permanent press secretary less than three weeks before the midterm elections. ^{3, 4}

Trump Rallies Georgia Republicans Before Midterms

On Friday, President Donald Trump rallied Republicans in Dalton, Georgia, alongside Senate nominee Mike Collins and gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson. Trump urged support for Collins against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff and for Jackson against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. The event brought the party’s leading figure into a battleground where the two Republican candidates have taken different approaches to him. Collins has emphasized his alliance with Trump, while Jackson has recently highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s support. During his speech, Trump again said he won Georgia in 2020, though state officials certified Joe Biden’s victory and courts rejected challenges to the result. ^{5, 6}

Senators Press Justice Department on Election Seizures

On Friday, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla, Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse asked Attorney General Todd Blanche to promise that federal officials will not seize ballots, voting machines or other election materials before the midterm results are certified. Their letter asked the Justice Department to reaffirm its longstanding election noninterference policy and provide written answers by October 29. The senators said removing materials from local custody could disrupt counting, recounts or certification. The request followed the department’s lawsuit against California election officials and earlier federal seizures of 2020 election materials in Georgia. The Justice Department did not immediately announce the requested commitment. ^{7, 5}

Minnesota Senate Rivals Clash in First Debate

On Friday, Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican former broadcaster Michele Tafoya met for their first one-on-one debate in Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate race. They disagreed over tariffs, Supreme Court nominees, term limits, Israel and the Trump administration. Both candidates said the war with Iran should end, although they disputed when Tafoya adopted that view. Tafoya blamed Flanagan and Governor Tim Walz for failures involving state fraud cases, while Flanagan defended her record and criticized Tafoya’s positions. The debate may be their only direct meeting before Election Day, when Minnesota voters will choose a successor to the retiring senator. ^{8, 9}

State Level

Nebraska Court Upholds Overseas Voting Law

On Friday, the Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a Republican National Committee challenge to a state law allowing certain American citizens living abroad to vote in Nebraska. The 6-1 ruling said the challengers failed to prove that the 2005 law was unconstitutional in every application. The law permits a citizen who has never lived in the United States to register in a Nebraska county when a parent is registered there. The court accepted the state’s argument that a child can acquire a parent’s legal domicile. Justice William Cassel dissented on standing grounds, saying the small number of affected voters did not create a concrete injury. ^{10, 11}

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Eligibility Order

On Friday, the NCAA sued Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in federal court over his executive order allowing colleges to disregard a new association eligibility rule. The order lets Ohio schools permit athletes who finished high school in 2022 to play a fifth college season, even if they already completed four seasons. NCAA President Charlie Baker said the lawsuit seeks to preserve equal rules for schools nationwide. The filing argues that Ohio institutions would receive an unfair competitive advantage. DeWine’s office declined to comment. The Ohio Supreme Court is separately considering the legality of his order and has requested briefs from both sides. ^{12, 13}

California Reports Early Use of Electric Vehicle Rebates

On Friday, California officials announced that nearly 12,000 residents had used the state’s new electric vehicle rebate program since its August launch. The program gives first-time electric vehicle buyers $3,500 toward qualifying new vehicles and $1,750 toward qualifying used vehicles. California contributes $135.5 million, matched by participating automakers, for $270 million in total incentives. The California Energy Commission also reported that zero-emission vehicles represented 19.1 percent of new statewide vehicle sales during the third quarter. State officials said California had 224,438 public and limited-access charging ports as of June 30, almost halfway toward its 2030 need of 478,000 ports. ^{14, 15}

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Article Sources

1. The White House, “Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/implementing-the-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act-of-2026/

2. Associated Press, “Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, saying waiver is in US national interest,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-trump-ukraine-e50c561ab805883bb4e484c092d8fadd

3. NBC News, “Katie Zacharia is out as White House press secretary after just 5 days on the job,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-press-secretary-katie-zacharia-out-after-5-days-rcna603912

4. Politico, “Katie Zacharia out as press secretary after five days,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/16/katie-zacharia-out-as-press-secretary-after-five-days-01123470

5. Associated Press, “Live updates: Press secretary Katie Zacharia is leaving the post,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://apnews.com/live/trump-midterm-elections-news-updates-10-16-2026

6. WABE, “Trump hits Georgia to rally Republicans despite party divisions in battleground state,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.wabe.org/trump-hits-georgia-to-rally-republicans-despite-party-divisions-in-battleground-state/

7. Office of Senator Alex Padilla, “Padilla, Durbin, Whitehouse Demand DOJ Commit to Not Seize Ballots, Voting Equipment During Midterm Elections,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-whitehouse-demand-doj-commit-to-not-seize-ballots-voting-equipment-during-midterm-elections/

8. MPR News, “Politics Friday: Flanagan, Tafoya hold first senate debate,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/10/16/peggy-flanagan-michele-tafoya-set-for-their-first-senate-debate-on-politics-friday

9. The Washington Post, “Takeaways from the only Minnesota Senate debate between Peggy Flanagan, Michelle Tafoya,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/16/takeaways-peggy-flanagan-michelle-tafoya-minnesota-debate/

10. KNOP, “Justices uphold law allowing certain overseas voters to cast ballots for Nebraska elections,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.knopnews2.com/2026/10/16/justices-uphold-law-allowing-certain-overseas-voters-cast-ballots-nebraska-elections/

11. Courthouse News Service, “Republicans lose bid to block Nebraska overseas voting,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.courthousenews.com/republicans-lose-bid-to-block-nebraska-overseas-voting/

12. Associated Press, “NCAA sues Ohio governor over his executive order allowing schools to ignore new eligibility rule,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/e7a9026e4f3a260ba8735de4afa65027

13. Orlando Sentinel, “NCAA sues Ohio governor over his executive order allowing schools to ignore new eligibility rule,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/10/16/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor/

14. California Energy Commission, “California ZEV Sales Maintain Strong Performance in Q3 as 12,000 Drivers Benefit from New State Incentive,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2026-10/california-zev-sales-maintain-strong-performance-q3-12000-drivers-benefit-new

15. Reuters, “Nearly 12,000 California Residents Bought EVs Using State Rebate Program,” Oct. 16, 2026.

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2026-10-16/nearly-12-000-california-residents-bought-evs-using-state-rebate-program

Federal Level

Justice Department Seeks to Block California Ballots

On Thursday, the Justice Department sued California, asking a federal judge to prevent the state from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 voters whom the Trump administration alleges are likely noncitizens. The department said federal agencies identified the voters through reviews of state registration and citizenship records. California officials said the government had not supplied evidence supporting its claims and gave them only 48 hours to review the names. The lawsuit seeks to stop those ballots from being counted until citizenship is verified. State officials called the data unreliable and said they would defend California’s election procedures in court.^{1, 2}

Trump Cancels Livestream of Military Execution

On Thursday, President Donald Trump canceled the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the December firing-squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the former Army major convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. Trump said the execution would proceed but would not be broadcast, while immediate family members of the victims could attend in person. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced the livestream plan last week. It drew criticism from Republicans, Democrats and Catholic leaders, with some lawmakers warning that the images could encourage radicalization. A Pentagon spokesperson said Trump and Hegseth discussed the reversal before the president announced it.^{3, 4}

Judge Upholds New York City Sanctuary Laws

On Thursday, a federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to block New York City laws that limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes ruled that the administration lacked a valid basis to challenge a city law barring police from holding immigrants solely at federal authorities’ request because state law already prohibits that practice. Reyes also upheld city restrictions on sharing release dates, locations and other custody information. He found that federal law does not require state and local governments to provide that information or assist federal immigration enforcement. The Justice Department did not immediately comment.⁵

Groups Sue Over Federal Collection of Voter Data

On Thursday, three voting and privacy organizations sued the Department of Homeland Security over its collection and use of state voter records. The League of Women Voters, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the League of United Latin American Citizens filed the case in federal court in Washington. Their complaint alleges that DHS obtained voter files from at least 47 states, combined some information with commercial data and violated federal privacy and transparency laws. The groups asked the court to stop the policy and order deletion of collected records. DHS did not immediately respond to the Associated Press’s request for comment.^{6, 7}

Poll: Voters Seek Major Change in Washington

On Thursday, the Associated Press-NORC Center released a poll finding broad voter demand for change before the November 3 midterm elections. About half of registered voters said they wanted substantial change in how the country is governed, while roughly three in ten wanted complete upheaval. About eight in ten listed the economy or cost of living among their leading election issues, and about two-thirds named health care and the Iran war. Roughly half preferred Democratic control of each chamber of Congress, compared with about four in ten favoring Republican control. Democratic voters also reported greater enthusiasm about voting than Republicans.^{8, 9}

State Level

Michigan Rivals Clash Over Costs and Schools

On Thursday night, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Representative John James met in Detroit for their second and final Michigan gubernatorial debate. Both focused on affordability but offered different approaches. James blamed state clean-energy policies for high utility costs and proposed cutting state spending to lower income and property taxes. Benson emphasized health-care costs and proposed changing the state’s school funding and local revenue-sharing systems to ease property taxes. They also argued over tariffs and data centers. Both candidates have expressed openness to suspending state and federal gasoline taxes and support pausing new data-center development while policies are reviewed.¹⁰

Massachusetts Rivals Debate Costs and Abortion

On Thursday night, Democratic Governor Maura Healey and Republican challenger Mike Minogue held their final Massachusetts gubernatorial debate before Election Day. Affordability, abortion, immigration, housing and energy costs dominated the discussion. Healey blamed President Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war for rising prices, while Minogue argued that state policies had increased residents’ bills. Both candidates have proposed cutting the state’s 24-cent gasoline tax. Minogue called for faster home-building permits and more natural-gas capacity. Healey said the state had shortened its permitting process and was pursuing several energy sources. They also differed over abortion rights and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.¹¹

California Challenges ICE Arrests at Courthouses

On Thursday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the Trump administration over civil immigration arrests at or near state courthouses. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, argues that Immigration and Customs Enforcement exceeded its authority, acted arbitrarily and interfered with California’s courts. State officials said courthouse arrests discourage victims, witnesses and defendants from participating in legal proceedings. Bonta said federal agents continued making such arrests after a federal judge vacated an ICE courthouse-arrest directive in June. The filing was California’s 100th lawsuit against the administration since Trump returned to office in January 2025. The administration had no immediate response reported.^{12, 13}

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Article Sources

1. Reuters, “DOJ sues California to block votes from alleged non-citizens,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/doj-sues-california-to-block-votes-alleged-non-citizens-2026-10-15/

2. Los Angeles Times, “Justice Dept. sues California, seeks to stop state from counting 20,000 ballots,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-10-15/justice-dept-sues-california-asks-court-to-force-state-to-stop-counting-20-000-ballots

3. Associated Press, “Trump, after bipartisan backlash, says Pentagon won’t livestream execution of Fort Hood shooter,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-fort-hood-execution-9b48781e88660064bf0f5aa020db8df7

4. Politico, “Trump calls off livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/15/trump-military-execution-livestream-canceled-01120035

5. Reuters, “US judge tosses Trump administration lawsuit over New York City sanctuary laws,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-tosses-trump-administration-lawsuit-over-new-york-city-sanctuary-laws-2026-10-15/

6. Associated Press, “Lawsuit alleges DHS effort to collect detailed state voter data violates federal law,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/10/15/election-2026-voter-data-lawsuit/

7. Democracy Docket, “New lawsuit challenges Trump’s unlawful acquisition of Americans’ voter records, demands data’s deletion,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/new-lawsuit-challenges-trumps-unlawful-acquisition-of-americans-voter-records-demands-datas-deletion/

8. AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, “Ahead of the midterms, most voters cite the economy and cost of living as top issues and favor political change,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://apnorc.org/projects/ahead-of-the-midterms-most-voters-cite-the-economy-and-cost-of-living-as-top-issues-and-favor-political-change/

9. Associated Press, “Frustrated with Trump, voters overwhelmingly want change in Washington, an AP-NORC poll finds,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/2026-midterms-trump-approval-economy-change-election-e12dd9b19013c75a3d4ede01c1b9d0c3

10. Michigan Advance, “In Detroit debate, Benson and James each blame the other’s party leadership for today’s problems,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://michiganadvance.com/2026/10/15/in-detroit-debate-benson-and-james-each-blame-the-others-party-leadership-for-todays-problems/

11. WBUR, “Healey and Minogue meet in unbridled final debate before election,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/10/15/healey-and-minogue-meet-in-unbridled-final-debate-before-election

12. CalMatters, “California files its 100th lawsuit against Trump, this time over ICE at courthouses,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/10/california-100-trump-lawsuits/

13. California Department of Justice, “100 Lawsuits, 21 Months: Attorney General Bonta Sues ICE over Civil Immigration Arrests at California Courthouses,” Oct. 15, 2026.

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/100-lawsuits-21-months-attorney-general-bonta-sues-ice-over-civil-immigration

Federal Level

Supreme Court Pauses Deadline in Political Ad Fight

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court blocked a lower court from forcing the Federal Communications Commission to rule immediately on a challenge to discounted political advertising rates. The FCC’s March guidance extends broadcasters’ lowest rates beyond candidates to political parties and certain joint fundraising committees. Democratic candidates challenged that interpretation, while the FCC and Republican committees asked the justices to stop a 48-hour ruling deadline. The unsigned order said federal law requires the commission to act but sets no specific timetable. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson would have denied the stay. The underlying dispute remains unresolved.^{1, 2}

Judge Extends Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ads

On Wednesday, a federal judge extended through November 8 her order blocking the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded television advertisements promoting President Donald Trump and his second term. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon had first paused the advertisements Sunday and concluded that challengers would face irreparable harm without continued relief. The Justice Department estimated that roughly $19 million had been spent under a $20 million Department of Homeland Security contract. The White House said the ruling was moot because government-funded spots had stopped and future advertisements would be paid for by outside groups. The case will continue after Election Day.^{3, 4}

Senate Democrats Deploy Staff as Election Observers

On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leaders announced that more than 100 trained staff members will serve as official congressional election observers in nine states during the midterm election. Senators Chuck Schumer and Alex Padilla said observers will watch polling, ballot counting, canvassing and certification, while documenting interference, threats to workers and misinformation. Their office identified Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Maine, Texas, Iowa, Nebraska and Alaska as planned locations. Democrats said the observers will not interfere with election officials or seek to influence results. The program uses authority confirmed by Congress in 2024, and Senate Republicans are creating a program under the same law.^{5, 6}

Democratic Senate PAC Shifts Spending to Two Races

On Wednesday, Senate Majority PAC announced another $6.7 million for Democratic Senate candidates in Michigan and Maine while pausing advertising in Georgia and North Carolina. The group, aligned with Senate Democratic leadership, added $3.7 million for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and $3 million for Troy Jackson in Maine. El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers for an open seat, while Jackson is challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins. The PAC said both Democrats face significant Republican spending advantages. Its decision places greater emphasis on Michigan and Maine while candidates in Georgia and North Carolina hold financial advantages over their Republican opponents.^{7, 8}

Johnson Campaigns for LePage in Key House Race

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Bangor, Maine, for Republican Paul LePage, calling the state’s 2nd District contest one of the country’s most important House races. LePage, a former governor, faces Democratic State Auditor Matt Dunlap for the seat being vacated by Democratic Representative Jared Golden. Johnson said Republicans could retain their narrow House majority despite unfavorable polling and urged supporters to focus on turnout. The district is among the few Democratic-held seats won previously by President Donald Trump. Johnson’s October campaign schedule covers more than 20 states and 40 districts as both parties compete for House control.^{9, 10}

State Level

Trump Rallies Arizona Voters Behind Andy Biggs

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump campaigned in Bullhead City, Arizona, for Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs and urged supporters to defeat Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Biggs asked Republicans to return ballots early and promoted plans to reduce taxes and state regulation. Trump criticized Hobbs’s record and praised Biggs’s positions on immigration and law enforcement. Biggs’s running mate, Sine Kerr, and secretary of state nominee Alex Kolodin also appeared. Hobbs, elected in 2022, is seeking another term. Biggs has represented an Arizona district in the U.S. House for 10 years after serving 14 years in the state Legislature.^{11, 12}

Maryland Governor Backs Faster Drug Price Limits

On Wednesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore endorsed legislation that would let the state more quickly cap payments for some prescription drugs by using prices negotiated under Medicare. The proposal would allow the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board to adopt the federal Maximum Fair Price without repeating its full review process. Moore said he would sign the measure if lawmakers approve it during the 2027 session. Supporters said 26 incumbent senators and 79 incumbent delegates have backed the concept. Pharmaceutical industry representatives said government price limits could reduce access if pharmacies or medical providers cannot obtain drugs at the capped amount.¹³

Appeals Court Restores Kansas Mail Ballot Rule

On Wednesday, a federal appeals court reinstated a Kansas law barring outside groups from mailing voters absentee-ballot applications that already contain personal information such as names or addresses. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the restriction imposed a minimal burden on speech and satisfied the First Amendment under intermediate scrutiny. Kansas officials said the rule reduces voter confusion, protects confidence and limits inaccurate applications. VoteAmerica and the Voter Participation Center challenged the law and said they were reviewing further legal options. The Republican-led Legislature passed the measure in 2021 over Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto.¹⁴

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Article Sources

1. USA Today, “Supreme Court again sides with Trump in campaign ad dispute,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/14/supreme-court-trump-campaign-ad-fcc-democrats/92206841007/

2. Cornell Legal Information Institute, “FCC v. Brown,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/26A476

3. Politico, “Judge extends pause on taxpayer-funded Trump ads,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/14/trump-taxpayer-funded-ads-restraining-order-01118071

4. Bloomberg, “Judge Extends Ban on Trump Taxpayer-Funded Ads Past Election Day,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-14/judge-extends-ban-on-trump-taxpayer-funded-ads-past-election-day

5. Office of Senator Alex Padilla, “Padilla, Schumer Announce Recruitment of 100+ Senate Staff and Plans to Deploy to Nine States Ahead of Midterms,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-announce-recruitment-of-100-senate-staff-and-plans-to-deploy-to-nine-states-ahead-of-midterms/

6. Yahoo News, “Senate Dems Say They Will Deploy Congressional Observers to Polls For Closely Contested Senate Races,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/senate-dems-deploy-congressional-observers-193709079.html

7. Las Vegas Sun, “The Latest: Battle lines as Republicans retreat from front-line House districts,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/oct/14/the-latest-battle-lines-as-republicans-retreat-fro/

8. Newsmax via Yahoo News, “Dem Senate PAC Shifts Millions to Michigan, Maine,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/dem-senate-pac-shifts-millions-165733123.html

9. Associated Press, “Speaker Johnson dismisses skeptics as he campaigns for House GOP in Maine battleground,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/speaker-johnson-dismisses-skeptics-campaigns-house-gop-maine-137271144

10. Bangor Daily News, “In Bangor, Mike Johnson calls Paul LePage’s race ‘top 5’ in the country,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/10/14/politics/elections/mike-johnson-bangor-paul-lepage-race-top-5/

11. The Arizona Republic via Reuters Connect, “Andy Biggs needs Republicans to show up. Trump came to help,” Oct. 14, 2026.

http://rmb.reuters.com/rmd/rss/item/tag:reuters.com,2026:newsml_MT1USDAYNETAZ92241403007?channel=nje136

12. Associated Press, “Trump defends gifted Air Force One from Qatar, makes 2nd Amendment pitch as he campaigns for GOP,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-rallies-arizona-montana-midterms-e47553b45b0401455899e08caf80d9e6

13. Maryland Matters, “Moore, lawmakers back proposal to tie prescription drug costs to federally negotiated prices,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://marylandmatters.org/2026/10/14/moore-lawmakers-back-proposal-to-tie-prescription-drug-costs-to-federally-negotiated-prices/

14. Courthouse News Service, “Tenth Circuit revives Kansas ban on prefilled voter applications,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://www.courthousenews.com/tenth-circuit-revives-kansas-ban-on-prefilled-voter-applications/

James Talarico was recovering at home from the flu when millions of Americans were told that he had secretly entered a mental health facility in Ohio. The New York Times reviewed time-stamped security images that showed Talarico at his Texas home between Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, while the Lindner Center of Hope publicly confirmed that he had never received treatment there. By the time the truth caught up, Elon Musk had already helped carry the falsehood from the political sidelines to the center of the field.

Days earlier, I wrote about how our campaign-finance system has allowed Musk to direct more than $276 million into Republican political groups and his America PAC since July. The Talarico episode is the icing on the cake because it shows that Musk can use extraordinary wealth to shape the ballot box while using his ownership of X to shape what millions of voters see and discuss.

America now faces something more dangerous than a campaign-finance problem and more serious than another outbreak of online misinformation. One individual can finance a national election operation, own a major communications platform, speak directly to more than 240 million followers, and help determine which political claims receive enormous attention. The Washington Post reported that Musk’s engagement drove the false Talarico story to a much wider audience, demonstrating how his money, platform, and personal following can work together as one political influence machine. That concentration of power must be regulated immediately because no democracy can remain healthy when one private citizen can exercise influence over both the electoral field and the political broadcast booth.

My previous article, “The High Price We’re Now Paying Due to Citizens United,” explained how the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision removed restrictions on independent political spending by corporations and unions. A subsequent federal appeals court ruling permitted unlimited contributions to outside organizations operating independently of candidates, creating the legal foundation for super PACs. The New York Times reported that Musk gave $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and more than $76 million to America PAC this summer, helping finance nearly 3,000 paid canvassers who knocked on approximately 6.5 million doors. His political operation has worked in seven competitive Senate races and nearly three dozen House contests. These are not the actions of an ordinary citizen expressing an opinion or writing a campaign check. They represent a privately financed national political operation capable of reaching voters in their homes, communities, and social-media feeds.

What happened to Talarico shows how that power can be used when the facts are inconvenient. According to The Washington Post, Musk wrote that the Talarico campaign was “hiding something big” while responding to an unsupported allegation that the candidate had received treatment at the Lindner Center of Hope. Musk’s response received more than 870,000 views, more than twice the reach of the post to which he was replying. The Post also reported that an audio clip promoted as evidence received 7.3 million views, even though Talarico had appeared publicly in Austin before the call was recorded. Musk later told his followers that Talarico should authorize the release of medical records if the allegation was untrue, effectively forcing the target of an unsupported accusation to prove his innocence.

The accusation collapsed, but not before the platform had given it an enormous audience. The New York Times reported that the Ohio facility publicly stated that Talarico had never been treated there, while Talarico responded that he had “never even been to Ohio.” The Times also reported that two posts containing the unverified recording received more than eight million views before the claims fell apart. Jared Holt, a senior researcher at Open Measures, told The Washington Post that Musk’s engagement boosted the allegations to wider audiences and likely gave them legitimacy among like-minded users. Danielle Citron, a University of Virginia law professor who studies online abuse, described the combination of partisan involvement and the spreading of falsehoods as “a thumb on the scale that we haven’t really ever seen.”

Using immense private power to spread a false and malicious allegation about a candidate is morally wrong, but the larger danger is the system that gives one person so much power to do it. Americans understandably focus on President Donald Trump because he holds public office and commands the authority of the presidency. Musk’s power is different, but it may be just as dangerous because it combines private wealth, political spending, platform ownership, and instant access to an audience larger than the population of most countries. A president’s decisions are at least supposed to face review by Congress, the courts, the press, and the voters. Musk can influence an election from outside those public institutions, and a false claim can travel across the country before a candidate, journalist, court, or regulatory agency has time to respond.

It is the responsibility of Congress to establish strict and enforceable limits on how much any individual or organization can contribute to candidates, political parties, and outside groups that can ultimately influence elections. Those limits must apply equally to wealthy supporters of Republicans, Democrats, and every other political organization. Major social-media platforms should also be required to disclose how their recommendation systems amplify election-related content, preserve records of significant amplification decisions, and provide a rapid and transparent process for addressing demonstrably false claims about candidates. These safeguards should regulate power and process, not political viewpoints. No billionaire should receive special treatment because of his or her politics, and no political party should be allowed to use regulation as a weapon against its opponents.

Some may argue that Musk has the same right as every other American to express political opinions, support candidates, criticize campaigns, and operate a private business. Government regulation of political communication can also be abused if officials are allowed to decide which political arguments are acceptable. Those concerns are legitimate, which is why the answer cannot be censorship or a government agency that polices ordinary political disagreement. However, protecting free expression does not require allowing unlimited financial influence, secretive amplification systems, or the use of concentrated market power to overwhelm the voices of ordinary citizens. Fair contribution limits, public transparency, independent oversight, and rules that apply to every political viewpoint can protect speech while preventing private power from dominating democratic choice.

James Talarico was at home in Texas, but a false story placed him in Ohio because some of the most powerful political voices in America chose amplification before verification. The American people must now reclaim the field, the broadcast booth, and the ballot box before one billionaire gains the power to decide not only who gets heard, but what millions of voters are led to believe.

Federal Level

White House Forces Ambassador Guilfoyle’s Resignation

On Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned after White House press secretary Katie Zacharia said the administration had asked her to leave. Zacharia called Guilfoyle an asset, while President Trump said officials did not like what they had been reading about her. Guilfoyle said allegations of misconduct were false and promised to defend her reputation. ABC News reported that a Trump donor accused her of seeking payment of a $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing. Her attorney disputed the authenticity of messages cited in that report, and the U.S. Embassy said she followed ethics and gift-reporting rules.^{1, 2}

Supreme Court Takes DOGE Records Dispute

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court agreed to review whether the Department of Government Efficiency created by Elon Musk must disclose records sought by a nonprofit watchdog. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sued after DOGE did not fulfill an expedited Freedom of Information Act request. Lower courts allowed the group to seek internal files and testimony to determine whether DOGE functions like a federal agency covered by public records law. The Trump administration argues that DOGE resembles a presidential advisory group whose communications receive greater protection. The justices are expected to hear arguments early next year and decide the case by summer.^{3, 4}

Trump Rallies Alaska Republicans in Senate Fight

On Tuesday, President Trump traveled to Wasilla, Alaska, to campaign for Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich before the November 3 election. Trump urged voters to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system and told the U.S. attorney to monitor the election, while election fraud remains rare. Sullivan, seeking a third term against Democrat Mary Peltola, said stronger turnout in the conservative Matanuska-Susitna region would help him win. Trump also endorsed Republican Bernadette Wilson for governor and pardoned two men who had pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations involving vehicle pollution controls. Alaska voters narrowly rejected a ranked-choice repeal effort in 2024.^{4, 5}

Ossoff and Collins Clash in Georgia Debate

On Tuesday night, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff and Republican Representative Mike Collins met for their second Georgia Senate debate in less than a week. They argued over prices, tariffs, abortion and election rules. Ossoff tied rising costs to Trump administration policies, while Collins said energy supply was increasing and criticized environmental rules. Collins condemned hate speech when questioned about former aides who expressed racist and antisemitic views. He did not say President Joe Biden was duly elected in 2020, but acknowledged that Biden became president. Ossoff pledged to serve a full Senate term and said he had no interest in running for president in 2028.^{6, 7}

El-Sayed Proposes Federal Controls on Advanced AI

On Tuesday, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed proposed a pause in advanced artificial intelligence development, a ban on superintelligent AI and a new cabinet-level safety agency. His plan also calls for a kill switch to shut down models judged too dangerous for release, restrictions on AI systems improving successor models and mandatory reporting of safety breaches. El-Sayed said government safeguards should not depend on technology executives. Republican nominee Mike Rogers has also called AI a national security concern and supports stronger safeguards, but he has not released a comparable platform. The proposals place federal AI policy directly into a competitive Senate campaign.^{8, 9}

State Level

Hochul and Blakeman Debate Costs and Trump

On Tuesday night, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman held the only televised debate of New York’s gubernatorial campaign. They disputed affordability, crime, immigration enforcement, data centers and President Trump. Hochul repeatedly linked Blakeman to Trump, including the president’s tariffs and immigration policies. Blakeman argued that Hochul was using Trump to avoid defending her own record and promised lower taxes and utility bills. He also identified differences with Trump, describing himself as supporting abortion rights and endorsing a guest-worker program for undocumented immigrants. Public polls cited by The New York Times showed Hochul leading by margins ranging from nine to 19 percentage points.^{10, 11}

Wisconsin Drafts Rules for Officers at Polls

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Elections Commission released draft guidance explaining how local clerks should respond if federal or local law enforcement officers appear at polling places on Election Day. The proposed memo covers officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and local agencies. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the guidance Thursday before distributing it to roughly 1,800 clerks who administer elections across the state. Wisconsin’s chief elections officer, Meagan Wolfe, said clerks are trained to handle law enforcement contacts and that she does not expect problems at polling locations. A closely contested governor’s race leads Wisconsin’s November ballot.^{4, 12}

Crowley Unveils Wisconsin Artificial Intelligence Plan

On Tuesday, Democratic Wisconsin gubernatorial nominee David Crowley announced an 11-point state plan to regulate artificial intelligence and protect children and older adults. The proposal would limit chatbot access for children under 13, bar features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay on minors’ accounts, increase penalties for distributing AI-generated sexual images of minors and allow families to sue platforms over harmful content. It would also penalize companies that profit from scams. Republican nominee Tom Tiffany said he supports age verification, stronger parental consent and company accountability for harmful platforms. Crowley’s proposals would require action by the state Legislature if he wins the November election.¹³

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Article Sources

1. Reuters, “White House says US ambassador to Greece Guilfoyle asked to resign,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/white-house-says-us-ambassador-greece-guilfoyle-asked-to-resign-2026-10-13/

2. ABC News, “Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as ambassador to Greece after allegations of misconduct,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://abcnews.com/Politics/white-house-asked-kimberly-guilfoyle-resign-white-house/story?id=137225644

3. The New York Times, “Supreme Court to Review Dispute Over Access to DOGE Records,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/13/us/politics/supreme-court-doge-musk-public-records.html

4. The Associated Press, “Live updates: Trump travels to Alaska to campaign for GOP candidates ahead of midterms,” Oct. 14, 2026.

https://apnews.com/live/trump-midterm-elections-news-updates-10-13-2026

5. PBS News, “WATCH LIVE: Trump campaigns for Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-campaigns-for-sen-dan-sullivan-in-alaska

6. USA Today via Reuters Connect, “Georgia Senate debate takeaways: Ossoff shoos off interest in WH bid,” Oct. 13, 2026.

http://rmb.reuters.com/rmd/rss/item/tag:reuters.com,2026:newsml_MT1USDAYNETN92235640007?channel=xsp076

7. The New York Times, “Election Dispatches: Tensions Simmer in Maine While Georgia Turns Combative in Senate Debate Showdowns,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/10/13/us/midterms-elections

8. The New York Times, “El-Sayed, Releasing His Platform on A.I., Calls It an ‘Existential Crisis’,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/13/us/el-sayed-releasing-his-platform-on-ai-calls-it-an-existential-crisis.html

9. Politico, “El-Sayed backs AI kill switch, safety agency,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/13/el-sayed-ai-kill-switch-safety-agency-01116280

10. The New York Times, “Hochul and Blakeman in Heated Debate on Trump, Mamdani and High Prices,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/13/nyregion/new-york-governor-debate-hochul-blakeman.html

11. Politico, “Trump emerges as the main character in New York governor debate,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/13/trump-new-york-governor-debatee-01117522

12. WBAY-TV, “Wisconsin elections officials prepare for federal officers at the polls,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://www.wbay.com/2026/10/13/wisconsin-elections-officials-prepare-federal-officers-polls/

13. Wisconsin Watch, “As data centers remain potent political issue, David Crowley offers plan to regulate artificial intelligence in Wisconsin,” Oct. 13, 2026.

https://wisconsinwatch.org/2026/10/wisconsin-crowley-artificial-intelligence-ai-regulation-plan-data-centers-tiffany-election/

Federal Level

Federal Agents Search Representative Omar’s Home

On Monday, federal agents searched Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s Washington-area home under a warrant approved by the Justice Department. The department said Homeland Security Investigations executed the judicially authorized warrant as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation but disclosed no further details. Sources told NPR and ABC News that the inquiry involves immigration fraud allegations, which Omar has denied. Omar called the search an effort to target political opponents and said she would not be silenced. President Trump said he had nothing to do with the search, while House Democratic leaders demanded accountability from the administration.^{1, 2}

Musk Gives $276 Million to Republican Groups

On Monday, representatives for Elon Musk disclosed that he had given more than $276 million to Republican organizations and his own super PAC since July. The total included $158 million for the Senate Leadership Fund, $76 million for America PAC and $20 million for the Congressional Leadership Fund. His representatives provided the figures before Thursday’s federal campaign finance filing deadline. Reuters reported that Musk has spent about $366 million during the 2025-26 election cycle, making him likely the largest single donor in this year’s races. America PAC is supporting Republican candidates in seven Senate battlegrounds and nearly three dozen House contests.^{3, 4}

Trump Campaigns for Ohio Republican Candidates

On Monday, President Trump campaigned in Youngstown, Ohio, for Republican Senator Jon Husted and gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump urged voters to support both candidates and asked the crowd to act as if his name were on the ballot because Republican congressional majorities were also at stake. Husted is running against former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, while Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton. Ramaswamy promised to reduce property taxes and electric costs and called the governor’s race especially important. Husted defended Ohio’s economic record under Republican leadership. Most recent polls have shown both contests within their margins of error.⁵

Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ads Continued After Order

On Monday, advertising data showed that taxpayer-funded television commercials featuring President Trump continued airing after a federal judge’s Sunday deadline to stop them. The Washington Post reported that two advertisements ran into Monday’s early hours, despite an order directing the administration to cancel scheduled placements. NPR found that the spots aired hundreds of additional times after the deadline and that nearly $22 million in public funds had been spent since the campaign began. A White House official told NPR that the government did not receive notice in time to cancel the placements and said outside groups would fund the advertisements going forward.^{6, 7}

Johnson Says He Will Remain Republican Leader

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he intended to remain the Republican leader even if his party loses its House majority in November. Johnson told CBS News that he expected Republican colleagues would ask him to continue leading the conference in divided government and said his intention was to stay and serve. His statement clarified remarks from last week suggesting that he might return to Louisiana and start a lawn business if Republicans lost control. Johnson called that comment tongue in cheek. He also predicted that Republicans would retain their majority and that he would remain speaker for another two years.^{8, 9}

State Level

Montana Democratic Chair Resigns Over Senate Race

On Monday, Shannon O’Brien resigned immediately as chair of the Montana Democratic Party and endorsed independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar instead of Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead. O’Brien wrote that the party was divided over the race and said Bankhead lacked the momentum, resources or will to win. Bankhead responded that O’Brien had worked against the Democratic nominee since the summer and was now campaigning for a candidate who did not enter the party primary. Bodnar thanked O’Brien for her endorsement. The state party confirmed that Vice Chair Bruce Knutson became chair immediately and said its campaign work would continue.^{10, 11}

Georgia Attorney General Candidates Debate Cameras

On Monday, Georgia attorney general candidates Tanya Miller, a Democrat, and Brian Strickland, a Republican, debated license plate cameras, public records and crime policy before early voting began. Miller said recordings held by license plate reader companies should generally remain available under Georgia’s Open Records Act, subject to limited exceptions. Strickland called for a task force within the attorney general’s office to help governments and agencies respond to records questions. He also said lawmakers should set limits on camera use to protect residents’ privacy. Miller emphasized her former work as a prosecutor, while Strickland pointed to criminal laws he helped pass.^{12, 13}

Poll: Haaland Leads New Mexico Governor Race

On Monday, a new Albuquerque Journal poll showed Democrat Deb Haaland leading Republican Gregg Hull by seven percentage points in New Mexico’s open governor’s race. The survey found that 49 percent of likely voters supported Haaland or had already voted for her, while 42 percent backed Hull and 9 percent remained undecided. Haaland’s margin was nearly unchanged from an August Journal poll, when she led 49 percent to 43 percent. The latest results indicated that neither candidate had substantially changed the race as voting continued. New Mexico voters will choose their next governor in the November 3 general election.¹⁴

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Article Sources

1. NPR, “Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s DC home, DOJ says it approved the warrant,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.npr.org/2026/10/12/nx-s1-5998856/federal-agents-search-congressperson-home-dc-doj

2. NBC News, “Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home searched by federal agents in criminal probe,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/rep-ilhan-omar-home-searched-federal-agents-criminal-probe-dhs-rcna602950

3. The New York Times, “Inside Elon Musk’s $276 Million Midterm Rescue Mission for Republicans,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/12/us/politics/elon-musk-midterms.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IFE.aLC7.pvHMc8gKt-Fv

4. Reuters, “Musk has spent $276 million on midterms to help Republicans retain control of Congress,” Oct. 12, 2026.

http://rmb.reuters.com/rmd/rss/item/tag:reuters.com,2026:newsml_KBN3VS1P4?channel=BEQ259

5. The Vindicator, “Trump stumps for Husted, Ramaswamy in Youngstown,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.vindy.com/news/local-news/2026/10/trump-stumps-for-husted-ramaswamy-in-youngstown/

6. The Washington Post, “Trump blew past deadline to halt running taxpayer-funded campaign-style ads,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/12/judge-blocks-trump-administration-airing-taxpayer-funded-campaign-style-ads/

7. KPBS, “Government spent $10 million on pro-Trump ads after president said super PAC would pay,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2026/10/12/government-spent-10-million-on-pro-trump-ads-after-president-said-super-pac-would-pay

8. CBS News, “Mike Johnson says he intends to remain GOP leader if Republicans lose House majority,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-johnson-republican-leader-midterms-2026/

9. The Washington Post, “Speaker Johnson walks back talk about potentially leaving Congress,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/12/speaker-johnson-walks-back-talk-about-potentially-leaving-congress

10. Montana Free Press, “State Democratic Party chair resigns, endorses independent Bodnar for U.S. Senate,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://montanafreepress.org/2026/10/12/democratic-partyp-chair-resigns-endorses-bodnar/

11. NBC Montana, “Montana Democratic party chair resigns, endorses Bodnar,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-democratic-party-chair-resigns-endorses-bodnar-10-12-2026

12. The Center Square, “Attorney general candidates spar over Flock cameras, crime,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_13e21432-982c-4b38-a965-4bdb7d14bdcb.html

13. Atlanta Press Club, “The Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://atlantapressclub.org/debates/

14. KUNM, “Haaland maintains lead over Hull as New Mexico’s governor race nears homestretch,” Oct. 12, 2026.

https://www.kunm.org/kunm-news-update/2026-10-12/mon-haaland-maintains-lead-over-hull-as-new-mexicos-governor-race-nears-homestretch-more