Wisconsin state lawmaker, DSA member, first Asian-American in Wisconsin Legislature
Trump is increasing pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to scrap the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act, as Republican divisions over voting legislation intensify ahead of the August recess. The White House and Trump allies are pushing for a party-line vote, while lawmakers warn of votes and timing concerns amid a tenuous midterm landscape.
Democratic state official Francesca Hong has seen a shift in her gubernatorial bid as old social media posts are scrutinized. While she emphasizes focusing on policy and delivering for Wisconsinites, Republicans and some Democrats worry about electability in a close general election. The race is drawing national attention as endorsements and opposition converge ahead of the August primary.
The Senate has passed a bipartisan short-term funding bill 90-6 to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11. The measure blocks the administration from transferring funds to the Border Patrol, delays a national ban on intoxicating hemp products by one month, and pauses a proposed White House grants rule while negotiations on full-year spending continue.
Abdul El-Sayed has won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary in a tight race that highlights the rising influence of the left in a swing state. The result follows a wave of progressive wins in other states and suggests Democrats face a more competitive general election than polls had indicated.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Francesca Hong leads a four-candidate field in Wisconsin’s governor race, while David Crowley is backing a bid as the field tightens. In Minnesota, race dynamics center on electability ahead of the U.S. Senate contest as progressives threaten to reshape the party’s trajectory.
Crowley has secured a narrow Democratic primary victory in Wisconsin and will face Republican Tom Tiffany in November. Hong’s near-win signals ongoing tensions within the party between centrist and progressive wings, with implications for the general election in a battleground state.
The Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary has shifted from a projected landslide to a narrow loss for Francesca Hong. David Crowley’s centrism prevails, inflaming debates on polling accuracy and the role of prediction markets in shaping campaigns.
Voter pressure is reshaping the AI buildout as governors reimpose restrictions, audit projects, and strike new guardrails. Public opinion shows broad opposition to new data centers, with political consequences across several states.
The controversy surrounding Hasan Piker’s remarks has prompted strong responses from Democratic leaders and candidates, underscoring the challenge of unifying diverse voter blocs ahead of midterm-style contests. Piker has faced mounting scrutiny over antisemitism accusations, while candidates emphasize policy concerns like gas, groceries, and healthcare.
Republicans face historic losses as polling indicates a difficult path to defending Senate seats in several battleground states. Even as private polls suggest some optimism, analysts warn the overall map remains unfavorable two months before the election.
Meta has reached an $18 billion settlement over teen-time limits. The agreement ties $5.3 billion to peers joining similar measures, with pressuring others like TikTok and YouTube to follow suit. Snap’s CEO comments and new features for Specs are underscoring a broader push toward digital well‑being amid scrutiny of youth mental health.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has survived a water landing after his small plane lost power near Wausau while returning from a La Crosse County event. Both Tiffany and the pilot sustained minor injuries and were treated before continuing their campaigns for Wisconsin governor. FAA and NTSB will investigate the cause.
The Guardian reports that President Trump is pressing for influence over election results as midterm contests approach. Democrats argue Congress has the final say on seating members, while concerns grow about the potential for political interference in close races. Analysts warn that a loyal clerk or manipulated rolls could threaten the integrity of the 2027 seating process.