American politician and US senator from Ohio since 2025
South Carolina Republicans are organizing for the special election to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat. Filing closes July 28, Aug. 11 GOP primary, and a November general election will determine the six‑year term. Endorsements complicate the field as multiple candidates announce bids.
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.
Rep. Max Miller has refused to withdraw from Ohio's 7th congressional race after his ex-wife accused him of domestic abuse and the House Ethics Committee opened an inquiry. Party leaders missed the deadline to replace him on the general-election ballot, and Democratic groups have moved to boost challenger Brian Poindexter with millions in ad spending.
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 NYT reports a recent meeting between Jared Kushner and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York discusses housing, immigration and affordability as Democrats eye potential gains in November. Jeffries says the affordability crisis is not a hoax and Democrats will deliver transformational change, while Republicans push back and warn against overreaching. If Democrats win, they plan a robust oversight agenda.
President Donald Trump has publicly defended rapid construction of AI data centres, saying communities that oppose them will fall "backwards and poor," even as polls show roughly seven in 10 Americans oppose local data‑centre projects over concerns about energy, water and noise. Governors and lawmakers of both parties are imposing pauses or stricter rules ahead of the midterms.
Republicans have planned a first‑ever midterm convention in Dallas for September 9–10 to rally support and raise money, but dozens of House candidates have told Politico they will skip it. Organisers have set high ticket and donor prices, including roundtables priced up to $250,000 and a photo with the president for $88,600, prompting criticism inside the party and from donors.
Democrats face a challenging stretch as the 2026 midterms approach. The GOP is staging a two-day event in Dallas with Trump appearing again; Vance headlines, and a plan to send every adult $5,000 sparks debate. Polls show mixed views on AI and economic concerns. The events are shaping the political landscape.
The Independent reports a Dallas midterm convention that invites donors to a $250,000 roundtable, with cheaper options for photos and smaller groups. Despite questions about the event’s purpose and pricing, organizers say the purpose is to fund campaigns as Republicans push to energize voters ahead of November. Trump is backing the ticket while some candidates face tough races.
President Donald Trump has said the US war with Iran will end immediately after the November midterm elections and has predicted oil prices will tumble once voting is over. His comments have come as Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel, attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified and US gas and diesel prices have risen.
Legislation to make AI data centers pay for grid upgrades has stalled after a Senate objection, while House supporters say the measure is a modest step to shield ratepayers from higher bills amid rising AI infrastructure costs.
Democrats and Republicans are flooding the airwaves with advertising ahead of Election Day, with hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through campaigns and allied groups. Cash on hand and spending patterns are shaping the battlefield, particularly in toss-up races where incumbents often hold the financial edge.
About half of rural American voters believe the economy is worse off now than when President Donald Trump returned to office.
A string of congressional actions signals renewed congressional scrutiny of Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. Democrats push for human rights reporting and accountability, while Republican support for Israel persists ahead of midterms.
Democrats are moving to block funding for Trump's planned memorial projects in memorial circles, using the appropriations process and new legislation to protect presidential memorials from demolition. Merkley and Murkowski will push bills next week, signaling a procedural fight that could constrain funding this year.
Senators have reached a bipartisan deal to streamline federal energy permitting, accelerating infrastructure projects while preserving environmental safeguards. The measure would require large data centers to cover transmission costs and would overhaul major environmental reviews. Supporters say the pact unlocks faster, cheaper energy expansion; opponents warn of concessions to fossil interests. The White House backs quick passage as midterms loom.
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.
Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress in the midterm elections, a policy that would cost about $1.2 trillion. Separate, smaller payments have already been announced for Medicare beneficiaries and Obamacare subscribers, with details still unclear.
At a Vandalia rally, Donald Trump has urged Republicans to vote, promising federal help if they win and warning he will be less willing to work with Democrats if they prevail. He has attacked opponents, defended data-centre policies, and highlighted economic concerns fueling the midterms.
Trump has mobilized his personal appeal at a Kentucky rally, praising allies and promising policy moves if Republicans win the House and Senate, while painting a broader picture of his influence over the administration and policy agenda ahead of the midterms.
The midterm elections have driven the political landscape as control of the House and Senate is in play. Democrats face a path to power or minority status depending on key races, with implications for policy and nominations. Early voting and advertising spending highlight intensity as November 3 approaches.