Mary Peltola is in the news as Democrats see her as a key player in Alaska’s 2026 Senate race, building their midterm strategy.
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.
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.
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.