Cook Political Report
Coverage of Cook Political Report in the Nexus archive.
- Wyoming secretary of state wins GOP primary for open House seat
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is projected to win the GOP primary for his state’s at-large House seat. The election handicapper Cook Political Report indicates that this seat leans solidly Republican. If he wins later this year, he will succeed Rep. Harriet Hageman.
- Republican who kicked Liz Cheney out of Congress seeks higher office in reddest state
Wyoming Republicans selected Harriet Hageman for U.S. Senate to succeed Cynthia Lummis, who announced she would not seek a second term. Hageman entered the race as the candidate best known and funded during the five-way Republican primary and received an endorsement from Donald Trump. The contest is taking place in Wyoming, one of the nation's most reliably Republican states.
- Republican who kicked Liz Cheney out of Congress seeks higher office in reddest state
Wyoming Republicans selected Rep. Harriet Hageman as their nominee for U.S. Senate, replacing retiring Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis. Hageman emerged from a five-way primary contest in Wyoming, which the Cook Political Report ranks as solidly Republican with an R+23 advantage. The general election will see her facing the Democratic nominee.
- Ilhan Omar on track for fifth term as Minnesota voters maintain far-left streak
Ilhan Omar successfully fended off four challengers in her Democratic primary to head to the general election for a fifth term representing Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. She has solidified her spot by appealing to the increasingly progressive voter bloc in the district, which hosts the largest concentration of Somali Americans.
- Ilhan Omar on track for fifth term as Minnesota voters maintain far-left streak
Ilhan Omar secured her nomination for a fifth term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District after defeating four challengers in the Democratic primary. Having become a prominent progressive voice, she will advance to the general election in November to face the Republican nominee. The race was analyzed by the Cook Political Report and is considered solid Democrat.
- Hawaii contractor nominated to construct GOP comeback after two-decade Democratic hold on governor's mansion
Gary Cordery secured the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor after defeating Ken Fujiyama in Saturday's primary, setting up a race against Democratic Gov. Josh Green in November. Facing historical challenges and a financial disadvantage, Cordery pitched a platform centered on lowering costs of living by adding 15,000 homes and eliminating state taxes on food and medicine.
- Hawaii contractor nominated to construct GOP comeback after two-decade Democratic hold on governor's mansion
Gary Cordery won the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor after defeating Ken Fujiyama. He is set to face Gov. Josh Green in November, in a contest heavily favoring the incumbent. Cordery plans to lower the cost of living by adding 15,000 homes and eliminating the General Excise Tax on food and medicine. He also proposes freezing property taxes for homeowners at retirement.
- Hawaii Gov. Josh Green cruises to Democratic primary win, sets up fall matchup with GOP nominee
Democratic Hawaii Gov. Josh Green won his primary election, defeating three challengers including David "Duke" Bourgoin, George "Teva" Lucas-Tadeo, and Lauren Kapoliahiʻiaka Shim. The article notes that Green has a 56% approval rating and successfully raised approximately $3.5 million during the race.
- Hawaii rep cruises to Dem primary win after challenger arrested for beach brawl
Jill Tokuda secured victory in her Democratic primary, setting up a showdown with Brenton Awa for a third term representing Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. The race was marked by controversy after one of her longshot opponents, Kirill Basin, was arrested for allegedly threatening a man and pulling out a knife during an altercation at Keawakapu Beach.
- Hawaii rep cruises to Dem primary win after challenger arrested for beach brawl
Progressive Rep. Jill Tokuda cruised to victory in her primary, setting up a showdown with Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa in November. During the race, one of her longshot opponents was arrested for a violent altercation at Keawakapu Beach after allegedly threatening a man and pulling out a knife. Tokuda stated that any individual running for office or a public citizen must be held accountable for their actions.
- Dem establishment strikes back as longtime incumbent fends off progressive challenger
Longtime Rep. Ed Case won his primary bid against progressive state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, securing a term in the House of Representatives amid a wider showdown between the Democratic establishment and its far-left flank. The primary featured disagreements over voting records concerning the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and federal immigration operations during the Trump administration. Case later joined other Democrats in opposing an updated version, while he now faces Adriel Lam.
- Dem establishment strikes back as longtime incumbent fends off progressive challenger
Longtime Rep. Ed Case won his primary bid, defeating progressive state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, signaling a key victory for the Democratic establishment. The contest was framed within a wider conflict between the two wings of the party and featured debates over voting procedures, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Following the primary, Case is set to face Republican Adriel Lam in November.
- Three Democrats vie to take on Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st CD in Tuesday’s primary
Three Democrats—Mitchell Berman, Miguel Aranda, and Lorenzo Santos—are vying in a primary contest for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District challenger against U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil. The district has historically been reliably blue from the 1970s until 1994, but it has been held by Republicans since 2018. All three Democrats have focused their campaign messages on President Donald Trump and issues such as affordability and rising healthcare costs.
- Primaries on the West Coast are complete. Here are November races to watch
Primaries on the West Coast are complete, with Western states holding four of the nation's 18 toss-up races as rated by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
- Primaries on the West Coast are complete. Here are November races to watch
Primaries on the West Coast have been completed, with four toss-up races in Western states as identified by the Cook Political Report. The report lists these races among 18 nationwide toss-up contests.
- Will Lawrence emerges as victor in MI-7 Democratic Primary
William Lawrence won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Bridget Brink and Matt Maasdam. He will face Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in the November general election. The district is rated a 'toss-up' by Cook Political Report, and Lawrence’s victory reflects a split between progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party.
- Bouchard claims nomination in 10th Congressional District GOP primary, Dem race too close to call
Michael Bouchard Jr. secured the Republican nomination for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, while the Democratic primary remains undecided. The district is rated as a 'lean Republican' by Cook Political Report, with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee listing it as a target district for 2026.
- Dems select their candidate to face longtime GOP lawmaker who balked at Virginia redistricting
Shannon Taylor won the Democratic primary in Virginia's 1st Congressional District, setting up a November race against Republican Rep. Rob Wittman. The redistricting map proposed by Democrats was struck down, leaving the district as a lean Republican area. The primary featured seven candidates.
- Dems select their candidate to face longtime GOP lawmaker who balked at Virginia redistricting
Shannon Taylor won the Democratic primary in Virginia's 1st Congressional District, setting up a November election against Republican Rep. Rob Wittman. The district remains 'lean Republican' despite Democratic efforts to redraw congressional maps, which were struck down before this year's election.
- Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Democrats not playing it safe
NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report discuss the Michigan Senate primary, Democrats' midterm strategy, and prosecutors dropping charges related to Reflecting Pool vandalism. President Trump's response to these developments is also highlighted.
- In crowded primaries for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, what separates the candidates?
Tennessee's newly redrawn 9th Congressional District, shaped by Republican-led redistricting, has triggered competitive primaries. Republican candidates include Trump-endorsed Brent Taylor and others like Todd Warner and Charlotte Bergmann, while Democrats face Justin Pearson and London Lamar. The district, now spanning rural and suburban areas, is seen as a potential Republican stronghold.
- Two North Carolina US House races are now toss-ups, top forecaster says
North Carolina's 1st and 11th congressional districts are now rated as toss-ups by Sabato’s Crystal Ball, reflecting Democratic progress in races previously favoring Republicans. Analysts note Trump's unpopularity and strong small-dollar fundraising for Democrats as key factors, while Republican candidates face challenges including scandals and fundraising struggles.
- State of the Race: Michigan’s competitive congressional primaries will draw November battle lines
Michigan voters will vote in the Aug. 4 primary election to select candidates for the November general election. The 7th Congressional District is a competitive race with three Democratic candidates—Bridget Brink, Matt Maasdam, and William Lawrence—competing for the nomination against unopposed Republican incumbent Barrett. The district is considered a 'toss up' by Cook Political Report.
- Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on midterm voter enthusiasm
NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report discuss midterm election preparations as both parties anticipate a competitive and costly battle for congressional control with under 100 days until the election and the 2028 primary schedule.
- 100 days out from Election Day, our insider shares his intel
The midterm elections are 100 days away, with Democrats optimistic about House races due to favorable polls and inflation concerns linked to gas prices, while Republicans see structural advantages in redistricting and Senate maps. Key battlegrounds include Iowa for the House and Maine for the Senate, with both parties highlighting strategic challenges and opportunities.
- Vulnerable Republican wins GOP primary in Arizona toss-up district Dems aim to flip blue
Rep. Juan Ciscomani won the GOP primary in a competitive Arizona House district, positioning him for a November rematch against Democrat JoAnna Mendoza. Mendoza faces scrutiny over campaign account content and past remarks on decriminalizing prostitution, but Democrats consider her a strong candidate. The race is rated a 'toss-up' by Cook Political Report, with both candidates lacking primary opposition.
- Vulnerable Republican wins GOP primary in Arizona toss-up district Dems aim to flip blue
Rep. Juan Ciscomani secured the GOP primary in Arizona’s competitive district, while Marine veteran JoAnna Mendoza faces scandals ahead of the November election. The district, a key target for Democrats to flip, is rated a 'toss-up' by Cook Political Report.
- Democrats, Republicans ramp up fight over Colorado's 8th District seat
The race for Colorado's 8th Congressional District between Democrat Manny Rutinel and Republican Gabe Evans is a closely watched contest. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has endorsed Rutinel as part of its 'Red to Blue' initiative, while Republicans claim voters will reject his platform. Political analysts rate the race as a toss-up.
- Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Lindsey Graham's passing
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discuss the implications of Sen. Lindsey Graham's passing for South Carolina and the Senate, as well as Sen. Mitch McConnell's health and the Democratic efforts to replace Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
- Four months to midterms: 12 races that will determine the Senate majority
The article discusses the competitive Senate races likely to determine the majority in the upcoming midterms, with Republicans and Democrats expressing confidence in their chances despite challenges like inflation and unpopular party brands. Key races include North Carolina and Maine, where candidates and political dynamics are shaping the outcomes.
- Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump's focus on the SAVE Act
The Supreme Court expanded presidential authority while rejecting President Trump's effort to restrict mail-in voting. Trump is focusing on the SAVE Act, and progressive candidates are winning Democratic primaries.
- Ahead of midterms, North Carolina Democrats lead the fundraising race. Does it matter?
North Carolina Democrats, led by Roy Cooper's Senate campaign, have raised $26 million as of March 2026, significantly outpacing his Republican opponent Michael Whatley, who raised $8 million. The Senate race is no longer considered a toss-up, with Cooper's campaign receiving national support and small-dollar donations.
- Republican moves closer to replacing Nancy Mace as GOP looks to hold coastal South Carolina seat
Jenny Costa Honeycutt won the Republican runoff in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, advancing to the general election against the Democratic winner. The district has been held by Republicans for most of the past four and a half decades, though the Cook Political Report recently downgraded its race rating to 'Likely Republican'.
- Republican moves closer to replacing Nancy Mace as GOP looks to hold coastal South Carolina seat
Jenny Costa Honeycutt won the Republican runoff in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, advancing to the general election to succeed Nancy Mace. The district, which has been held by Republicans for most of the past 45 years, will see Honeycutt face the winner of the Democratic runoff.
- Cait Conley wins Democratic primary to face Rep. Mike Lawler
Cait Conley, an Army veteran and former National Security Council director for counterterrorism, won the Democratic primary in New York’s 17th Congressional District. She will face Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in the general election, with the district considered a key target for Democrats due to a larger Democratic voter registration base. Lawler’s attempts to influence the primary through legal and covert tactics failed, and his fundraising advantage may not offset Conley’s military background and campaign focus.
- Lawler to face combat veteran in key toss-up House race in New York
Cait Conley, a combat veteran, is projected to advance from the Democratic primary to challenge Rep. Mike Lawler in a key House race in New York. The contest will determine the sole toss-up seat in the state, according to nonpartisan analysis.
- Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on GOP’s new rifts over Iran
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discuss growing divisions within the GOP over Iran policy and internal Democratic conflicts in New York primaries. The article highlights tensions between Trump and GOP leaders on Capitol Hill and progressive versus moderate clashes in Democratic primaries.
- Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief
The Michigan Farm Bureau endorsed Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate, while Democratic groups endorsed candidates including Mallory McMorrow, Haley Stevens, and Sean McCann. Multiple labor and advocacy organizations supported various Democratic and Republican candidates for congressional and state positions, including Bridget Brink, Matt Maasdam, and John James. Cook Political Report reclassified Michigan’s 4th Congressional District as 'Lean Republican'.
- Republican congressman will end months-long absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. will return to Washington after a 100-day absence due to a personal health issue, having missed 135 roll call votes since March. He faces a competitive reelection challenge from Rebecca Bennett in a toss-up district rated by the Cook Political Report.
- Republican congressman will end months-long absence from DC after missing 135 roll call votes
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. will return to Washington, D.C., after missing 135 roll call votes due to a personal health issue. He faces a reelection challenge from Rebecca Bennett in a competitive New Jersey district, with the race rated a 'toss-up' by Cook Political Report. Kean, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, has not disclosed details of his health issue but pledged transparency.