Sen. Susan Collins is in the news over Maine ICE protests and her re-election bid; she's Maine’s longest-serving GOP senator since 1997.
Activist groups, unions, and celebrities are organizing a nationwide strike on January 30 to protest federal immigration enforcement following a fatal shooting by ICE officers in Minnesota. Thousands are expected to participate, demanding ICE leave the state and end federal funding. The strike includes marches and community solidarity actions.
On February 1, 2026, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a Texas State Senate special election in a traditionally Republican Fort Worth district by over 14 points, overturning a 17-point Trump margin from 2024. The victory signals shifting Hispanic voter support and growing Democratic momentum ahead of the November midterms. Rehmet must defend the seat in November, while Republicans face challenges in Texas primaries.
Senator Susan Collins announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her ICE has ceased its enhanced activities in Maine. The move follows protests and political pressure amid ongoing immigration enforcement, with Collins urging a review of enforcement scope. ICE and Customs continue normal operations, but tensions remain high in the state.
Mass protests erupted across the US after ICE agents fatally shot two Minnesota residents, Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Demonstrators called for shutting down ICE operations, with schools and businesses closing in solidarity. The protests follow a series of controversial enforcement actions and deaths linked to immigration authorities.
Voters in Texas began early voting for key Senate primaries on March 3, with incumbent John Cornyn facing strong challenges from pro-Trump candidates Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt. Polls show Paxton leading, but the race remains competitive, with potential runoffs and significant campaign spending shaping the outcome.
Senator Susan Collins, 73, has announced her bid for a sixth term amid a tough primary and Democratic efforts to flip her seat. Her support for Trump and recent controversies over her voting record and judicial nominations have heightened her political vulnerability in Maine, a key battleground state.
On February 5, 2026, President Trump's Truth Social account posted a video falsely alleging 2020 election fraud, ending with a brief clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The post drew bipartisan condemnation, including from Republican senators. The White House initially defended the post as a meme, then deleted it, blaming a staffer. Trump denied seeing the full video and refused to apologize.
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and critic of mainstream medicine, faces Senate confirmation as the next surgeon general amid scrutiny over her unconventional background, vaccine views, and health theories. Her appointment aligns with the Make America Healthy Again agenda, raising concerns among public health experts.
James Talarico, a Democratic candidate, wins the Texas primary amid voting chaos and Republican runoff battles. He now faces either scandal-plagued Ken Paxton or incumbent John Cornyn in a highly expensive and closely watched race. The primary saw record spending and voting issues in Dallas, with national attention on Texas's political shift.
As of March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense has requested over $200 billion from the White House to fund the ongoing war against Iran, which began on February 28. The request, the largest since Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, faces skepticism in Congress, with many lawmakers questioning the war's cost, strategy, and political support. President Trump has not formally submitted the request.
Democrat Analilia Mejía has won New Jersey's 11th District special election, maintaining Democratic control in a narrowly divided House. Meanwhile, the House has voted 214-213 against a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military actions in Iran, reflecting deep partisan divides as the Iran conflict continues with no clear end.
The US has indicated that negotiations to end the Iran conflict could restart in Pakistan within the next two days, following the collapse of recent talks and the US-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
The Republican Party's main committees and allied groups have built a $600 million cash advantage over Democrats, with $843.6 million compared to $243 million. This financial edge could give Republicans a significant advantage in midterm campaign spending, driven by the GOP's fundraising strength and the Trump super PAC's large war chest.