American politician and educator, Texas House member since 2018; 2026 U.S. Senate candidate
Independent groups and super PACs have spent near-record sums in the 2026 US midterms, with OpenSecrets projecting about $11.9bn in total independent spending and dark‑money likely topping $1.5bn. Billionaires including Elon Musk have pumped hundreds of millions into Republican-aligned outside groups while Democrats continue to out-raise Republicans in candidate-level grassroots donations.
Developing contests across the U.S. see heavy spending from national committees and super PACs. Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas are among the states where ads and funding shifts aim to influence close races. The dynamic spending reflects a broader scramble to protect or seize Senate control as Election Day approaches.
The president has traveled to Ohio to bolster Republican candidates ahead of the midterms, highlighting data-center policy and energy costs while facing questions about the economy and Iran-related tensions. The trip underscores concerns about inflation and turnout in key battleground districts.
Democratic candidates in swing districts are breaking with party leadership on issues from transgender sports to governance, signaling a rift as the 2026 midterms approach. The disputes highlight tensions between ideology, campaign messaging, and district-specific priorities as Republicans push for accountability on social issues.
Elon Musk has given roughly $366m this cycle to Republican groups, including $158m to the Senate Leadership Fund and about $76m to his own America PAC, filings show. Much of the money is financing heavy advertising and turnout operations in Texas and other battlegrounds, reviving vulnerable campaigns and freeing national GOP resources for other contests.
Democrats have surged in unusual Senate and governor races in red states, leveraging outsider candidates to challenge incumbents. Texas, Kansas and South Carolina show tossups in closely watched races, while independents and unconventional figures reshape the field. The broader map hints at a potential expansion of the political playing field, though outcomes remain uncertain.
Voters across the United States show a strong desire for change ahead of the midterm elections, with polls indicating concerns about the economy, prices, and the direction of policy. Democratic enthusiasm is rising while Republican backing remains uneven across key races. The polling landscape suggests the outcome could hinge on local dynamics and turnout.
Democrats have gained ground on voter confidence in elections as concerns about ballot integrity rise among Republicans. AP-NORC data shows Democrats retain higher trust while Republicans grow more confident than four years ago; fear of federal overreach and threats to voting processes shape the landscape ahead of Election Day.
Voters are facing high prices and inflation ahead of the midterms. Polls show broad concern about the economy, with independents and Democrats signaling demand for change. Trump’s approval remains low, while Democrats gain a narrow edge on congressional control ahead of November elections.
The Alaska Senate contest remains tight as Dan Sullivan faces Mary Peltola amid a high-stakes debate and ongoing questions about a LNG pipeline and campaign funding. A second Sullivan with the same name complicates the race in a state using ranked-choice voting, with polls showing Peltola potentially edging the incumbent in recent simulations.
The midterm elections are shaping the final years of Donald Trump’s term. Republicans defend majorities in Congress while Democrats seek gains. Early voting and record spending highlight the intensity of the race as voters head to the polls on November 3.
The Guardian, New York Post and CNBC report that Michael Bloomberg has spent about $80 million to back Democratic candidates since September, aiming to broaden the House majority beyond the 218 seats and bolster allies like Everytown for Gun Safety and House Majority PAC. Trump counters with plans to spend $400 million to aid Republicans, while Bloomberg’s adviser says resources matter and he “expects a result.”
Georgia remains a central battleground as Trump’s visit heightens attention to the Senate and governor races. Democrats warn of a challenging map, while Republican candidates and allies push to capitalize on President Trump’s momentum. Results and timings remain fluid as campaigns navigate a crowded slate of statewide contests.
Barbara Bush has donated to James Talarico’s Texas Senate campaign while Neil Bush backs his nephew’s opponent, Ken Paxton. The endorsements reflect a rare fissure within a prominent Republican family ahead of the November midterms as polling shows a tight race in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988.
The midterm landscape is shifting as polling shows Democrats gaining ground in consumer sentiment and widening gaps in key races. Campaigns are intensifying with visits in Texas, Michigan and Kansas as voters weigh economy, immigration and leadership ahead of election day.
The Texas Senate race has intensified as James Talarico accuses Elon Musk of trying to buy influence, citing funding from Musk-linked groups. Musk has donated hundreds of millions to pro-Paxton outfits while Talarico touts grassroots support and a widening fundraising gap ahead of the November vote.
Federal prosecutors have filed a criminal information accusing former FBI director James Comey of transmitting and conspiring to transmit national defence information tied to a October 2016 New York Times story. Comey has denied wrongdoing, his lawyers have moved to dismiss and he has said the action is an abuse of the Department of Justice.
Trump has travelled to Port Arthur and Corpus Christi to campaign for Ken Paxton amid a tight midterm race; Rubio has joined the trip, signaling a blend of governance and campaigning as both officials highlight energy interests and party support.
Trump has highlighted a Venezuela oil shipment at a Texas rally, claiming the United States has gained access to 1 million barrels of oil at zero cost to taxpayers. He frames the move as part of a broader energy dominance strategy while critics question its legality and democratic implications ahead of the midterms.
Federal documents unsealed show the Trump administration has bypassed a grand jury to file a criminal information against James Comey over past leaks, part of a string of politically charged actions ahead of midterm elections. The developments include allegations tied to a 2016 Times story about a foreign-terrorism-related Yahoo data order and a looming judge's review of the information filing.
Democrats have consolidated leads in final polls and forecasters ahead of Tuesday's midterms, making House control likely and giving them a real chance at the Senate. Early network calls on Wednesday have declared Abdul El‑Sayed the winner in Michigan's Senate race, making him the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate and a symbolic pickup for Democrats.
AI chatbots are increasingly used as sources of political information, with studies showing they often rely on unreliable sources. The election is set for November 3, and researchers warn about misinformation, translation gaps for non-English speakers, and foreign influence risks as voters turn to AI for guidance.
Egyptian-American surgeon Adam Hamawy has won a seat in the U.S. House, becoming New Jersey’s first Muslim congressman. His campaign emphasized healthcare funding and opposition to arms funding for Gaza. His background includes Army service and humanitarian medical work in Gaza, Haiti, and other conflict zones.
Democrats have won control of Congress in a wave election while James Talarico has flipped Texas’ Senate seat from Republicans. Elon Musk’s large-scale spending this cycle has not prevented GOP losses, as Paxton and Abbott also lose in Texas. Musk has moved operations to Texas as data-center plans face new scrutiny.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has issued an executive order directing police to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement only for suspects charged with jailable offenses, aligning with new Texas leadership after Democrats won statewide offices. The policy aims to reduce fear in the community and is being mirrored by Austin as it prepares for Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa’s term.