A major center-left political party in the United States
The National Science Foundation has halted plans to remove or descale the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after lawmakers and scientists warned of risks to climate data, weather forecasts and coastal safety. An expert panel will assess future needs while equipment already removed will be redeployed. The move follows bipartisan pressure and a Senate bill to block decommissioning.
Outside groups have poured billions into 2026 races, with AI, crypto and political power players spending to back or thwart candidates. In NY-12, Maryland’s MD-05, and beyond, pro- and anti-AI committees are influencing races as November approaches, while individual fortunes test the limits of soft money in a polarized landscape.
Washington, D.C. faces a pivotal mayoral race as candidates push back against federal intrusions under President Trump. Janeese Lewis George leads Kenyan McDuffie in the Democratic primary, positioning herself to become the city’s first socialist mayor. The contest now centers on affordability, public safety, and the city’s autonomy from federal oversight, with ranked-choice voting in play for the first time.
Janeese Lewis George, a Democratic Socialist, is leading DC’s mayoral race after the primary, with Kenyan McDuffie in second. The race is expected to shape the city’s stance on statehood, ICE, and relations with the Trump administration, amid a volatile political moment.
Progressive candidates tied to the Democratic Socialists of America have won pivotal primaries in New York and Colorado, challenging pro-Israel incumbents and the influence of AIPAC. The victories reflect a shift in how the Democratic base views Israel and Gaza, with winners advocating for ceasefire, Palestinian rights, and a pivot away from unconditional military aid.
New York’s Democratic primaries have yielded three wins for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s democratic socialist slate. Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez have defeated establishment-backed rivals in the 10th, 13th and 7th districts, signaling a stronger left-wing presence in Congress ahead of November.
Trump has canceled a Capitol signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law package. Republicans are divided over priorities, with some backing the housing measure and others pressuring for the voter-ID legislation. The House transmitted the housing bill to the White House; Trump is underscoring the priority of election rules while signaling the timing remains unsettled.
Federal judges in multiple courts have halted President Trump’s efforts to tighten mail‑in voting. A D.C. judge has sided with the NAACP to block a USPS rule that would return ballots unless states hand over voter lists; a Massachusetts judge has barred key parts of an executive order that would force federal citizen lists and limit post‑Election Day ballot delivery.
DSA-backed candidates have swept New York primaries, bolstering Mayor Mamdani's influence and signaling a shift in Democratic strategy. Leaders warn the party must deliver for working people as debates over 2028 strategy begin.
Recent reporting shows Donald Trump has publicly labeled Democrats and candidates allied with democratic socialism as “communists,” arguing this stance threatens religion and the American way of life. He cites New York primary victories by Mamdani-backed progressives as evidence of a leftward shift, while analysts warn the tactic risks conflating democratic socialism with communism.
The Alaska Supreme Court has allowed Dan J. Sullivan to appear on the Republican ballot alongside incumbent Dan S. Sullivan, reversing an earlier disqualification for allegedly aiming to confuse voters. The court directs the Division of Elections to differentiate candidates within ballot design law as appeals proceed. The controversy centers on whether the challenger’s name and party affiliation could mislead voters ahead of the primary.
Insurers are signaling double‑digit premium increases for 2027 in preliminary rate filings across 16 states and the District of Columbia. Analysts attribute the rise to higher healthcare costs and the expiration of pandemic‑era subsidies, with enrollment shrinking as affordability pressures mount.
Progressive state Rep. Manny Rutinel has won the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, defeating Shannon Bird and setting up a high-stakes general election against GOP Rep. Gabe Evans. The race has drawn heavy funding from tech-aligned and Latino-focused groups as the district, which is 40% Latino, becomes a focal point for allies of both parties.
The Soros family has directed substantial political giving in the 2026 midterms, with several members contributing millions through PACs and private avenues. The flow of funds is shifting influence within the Democratic slate, while other donors and groups intensify their involvement.
Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have swept primaries in New York City and beyond, signaling a growing movement that now confronts rural areas and state legislatures.
Donald Trump has used Mount Rushmore addresses to frame communism as a mortal threat while casting progressive Democrats as a broader political risk, as the US marks its 250th anniversary amid heat waves and large-scale political events.
Trump marks the 250th anniversary with a Capitol rally and a national mall event, touting achievements while warning of a communist threat. The event faced heat and a weather evacuation, with global leaders sending messages of support and criticism of the administration’s approach to the celebration.
Trump has framed America’s 250th anniversary as a moment to press for voting restrictions and to cast communists as a threat, delivering a concise, politically charged speech on the National Mall after a weather delay.
McMorrow has suspended her campaign for the U.S. Senate, leaving a two-person race between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. The move intensifies competition in a key battleground state as Democrats weigh electability ahead of November.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. He denies the allegations, saying the decision is about protecting campaigns from power structures. The Maine Democratic Party must nominate a replacement before the July 27 deadline as it races to defend Susan Collins in November.
Graham Platner has paused his Maine Senate campaign after a sexual assault accusation, which he denies. The Maine Democratic Party must replace him by a July 27 deadline, with ongoing scrutiny of new allegations and potential implications for the race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Democrat Graham Platner has withdrawn amid sexual-assault allegations, triggering a rapid search for a replacement nominee ahead of a July 27 deadline. The Maine Democratic Party plans a nominating convention to select the nominee, while candidates race to present themselves to roughly 600 delegates.
Graham Platner has suspended his campaign in the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation from 2021 surfaced, eroding support and endorsements. Democrats must replace him by July 27, as they seek a new candidate to challenge Senator Collins. Several figures are considering entering the race.
The government has proposed ending the affordable housing quotas for new developments of 10 to 49 homes to jumpstart housebuilding. The National Housing Federation warns this could cost up to 32,000 affordable homes over 10 years, hitting rural England hardest. Ministers say the aim is to simplify the process and speed up housing delivery.
AP-NORC survey shows a generational divide among Jewish Americans: older, religiously affiliated Jews emphasize Israel in identity and security while younger Jews prioritize cultural links; views on Gaza and genocide claims vary, with concerns about safety rising in the US.
Democrats are confronting internal divisions over US military aid to Israel as a Massie-sponsored amendment fails in a 314-104 vote, revealing a party fault line between left-wing critics and pro-Israel centrists. The outcome has sparked warnings from leaders that policy may shift under public pressure and shifting views among constituents.
Troy Jackson has been chosen by Maine Democrats to replace Graham Platner as their U.S. Senate nominee. Delegates at a special convention in Bangor have awarded Jackson an overwhelming victory; he now faces incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in a race Democrats view as key to winning Senate control in November.
Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation. Democrats are replacing him and will hold a nominating convention by July 27 to select a new candidate to challenge Susan Collins in November. Several contenders are weighing runs as the party grapples with the upheaval and the race tightens.
A Democratic bid in Maine has cemented Jackson’s nomination and begins shaping a costly, nationwide contest against a Republican incumbent. With the Bangor convention behind him, Jackson is building a fundraising and get-out-the-vote operation to challenge Susan Collins.
Republican fundraising remains dominant, with MAGA Inc. and party committees holding a substantial cash advantage ahead of key Senate races. Democrats face a tougher path despite a slate of strong candidates and notable fundraising, while Supreme Court rulings reshape coordination rules.
Senator Ruben Gallego has acknowledged relationships with two House staffers from Texas Democrats during his decade in the House. The disclosures are prompting renewed calls for a bright-line rule banning staffer relationships with lawmakers, with the ethics committee having previously dismissed related complaints. The story is developing as scrutiny expands across several members.
The political landscape remains deeply divided as parties press their bets ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats emphasize affordability and candidate momentum while Republicans highlight concerns about messaging and a changing economy. Trump’s address and congressional responses shape the campaign climate.
Jackson has secured the Democratic nomination for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat at a delegate-dominated convention, replacing Platner amid controversy. Delegates view him as the best path to unseat Susan Collins, while the GOP eye a broad counter-offensive. The field narrows as endorsements consolidate behind Jackson, with the general election now in focus.
The Social Security system faces a potential funding shortfall by 2032, risking up to a 22% cut to monthly benefits. Lawmakers are weighing options, including removing the income cap on contributions. Current payments are issued on a staggered schedule by birth dates, with SSI recipients on a separate timeline.
New Jersey has identified that about 6,600 people who indicated they were not U.S. citizens were automatically registered to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. Fewer than 400 of those individuals are confirmed to have cast ballots. The governor has ordered removal of erroneous registrations and a vendor replacement, while investigations are launched and a federal probe is ongoing.
Democrats have launched an affordability-focused campaign as 100 days remain before the midterms. Jeffries vows to cut living costs, emphasize healthcare, and crack down on price gouging while Democrats seek to regain a House majority amid concerns about Iran and economic pressures.
A Michigan Democratic Senate primary is shaping around the Israel issue, with Haley Stevens backed by major pro-Israel donors and Abdul El-Sayed pressing a more critical stance. Local voters and a Black Detroit organizer indicate Israel policy could become a decisive factor, despite Stevens’ longstanding ties to the community.
A broad mix of Democrats and Republicans are reinterpreting the America First stance as the debate over U.S. support for Israel escalates. Several lawmakers are framing
In Arizona, Jay Feely has won the GOP primary in the 1st District, backed by Donald Trump, while Amish Shah leads Democrats in a closely watched contest. The outcomes set up a toss-up general election in a district being vacated by Rep. Schweikert.
A wave of progressive candidates is challenging establishment Democrats in several primaries. The DCCC has faced criticism for intervening in races, with mixed results across states including Michigan, Arizona, Maine and California. Voters are watching how Israel, healthcare and economic issues influence the outcome ahead of November.
A Dane County judge has ruled that voters who already cast absentee ballots for a candidate who has dropped out cannot change their ballots. The decision comes as more than 100,000 absentee ballots have been returned and court action looms ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley among the affected candidates. The ruling preserves a guidance by the Wisconsin Elections Commission which prohibits ballot spoiling after submission, a practice that dates to a 2022 lawsuit.