Republican Party

Graham Platner's exit from Maine's Senate race removes a perceived advantage for Sen. Susan Collins' reelection bid, as his personal controversies were expected to help offset challenges in a blue state. Collins' team now faces the prospect of a more conventional general election with a Democratic candidate having a 'cleaner record.'

Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race following allegations of sexual assault and other controversies, complicating Democrats' efforts to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner's resignation leaves the party with a challenge to find a replacement candidate while retaining his grassroots support.

Republicans are optimistic about maintaining Senate control as Democrats struggle with internal issues in Maine. A sexual assault accusation against Democratic candidate Graham Platner has weakened his campaign, with potential replacements seen as less threatening to Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The National Republican Senatorial Committee suggests Democrats now lack a viable path to a Senate majority without Maine.

Republicans are gaining confidence in their Senate majority prospects due to Democratic infighting in Maine, where candidate Graham Platner faces a credible sexual assault allegation. The controversy has shifted Maine's Senate race from a Democratic advantage to a chaotic situation with no clear nominee, reducing Democrats' chances of flipping the seat.

Rahm Emanuel warned Israel has become a 'territorial pariah' due to its leadership's policies, urging a new path to peace and economic ties with Arab states. He criticized U.S. subsidies to Israel's defense and called for sanctions against Israelis involved in attacks on Palestinians, reflecting shifting Democratic Party support for Israel.

Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized with undisclosed health issues, prompting speculation about his condition and ability to return to the Senate. Senate leaders John Thune and John Barrasso have spoken to McConnell, who is retiring in January, discussing Senate matters and politics. His office has provided limited updates, stating he is recovering and working on legislative issues.

Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to drop out of Maine’s U.S. Senate race after a sexual assault allegation. Platner denies the claim but has not resigned, while a woman alleges he assaulted her in 2021. Supporters express divided reactions, with some calling for his resignation and others defending his campaign.

Lori Rook, a Springfield attorney, challenges state Sen. Curtis Trent in the Missouri Senate District 20 GOP primary. Trent seeks reelection and a leadership role as majority floor leader, while Rook leverages campaign experience and a team previously involved in GOP primary upsets. The race’s outcome could influence Missouri Senate leadership and legislative priorities in 2027.

A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s pardons for supporters involved in the Jan. 6 riot do not apply to a Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs near the national headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties before the riot.

Hakeem Jeffries is avoiding taking a firm stance on Israel as the Democratic Party debates cutting U.S. aid, opting instead to let members discuss the issue in internal meetings. House Democrats held intense caucus sessions without leadership guidance, with some members appreciating the open dialogue but others warning of challenges if the party regains the House.

Mallory McMorrow suspended her U.S. Senate campaign, leaving the Democratic primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. She expressed gratitude for supporters and pledged to back the eventual nominee while advocating for Democratic Party unity.

A POLITICO Poll reveals right-wing populist parties in Western democracies are increasingly associated with national pride compared to centrist or left-leaning parties. Examples include Reform UK, Rassemblement National, AfD, and Vox, while U.S. respondents more often link American pride to Republicans. Despite this, majorities across countries report being proud of their nation regardless of political affiliation.

New York Times opinion writer Michelle Cottle criticized the Democratic Party's fundraising emails for appearing insecure and ineffective, comparing them to contrite boyfriend messages. She argued that Republican fundraising messaging, while fear-based, offers a sense of pride and belonging, which Democrats need to counter with confidence.

High-profile conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's split with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party will jeopardize the party's prospects in the US midterm elections and intensify internal disputes over its identity and direction, according to an official Chinese think tank. Carlson has criticized the administration's decision to go to war with Iran.

Ohio Democratic candidates for statewide offices raised more funds than Republicans in the second 2026 campaign finance period but remain behind in cash reserves. Republican primary races for treasurer and attorney general saw high spending, with Jay Edwards and Keith Faber securing key positions despite competitive challenges.

The Congressional Black Caucus faces potential challenges to its political influence due to a Supreme Court ruling narrowing the Voting Rights Act and Republican-led redistricting. Over 20 members may be at risk of losing their seats, prompting the CBC and NAACP to pressure universities in states like Alabama and Georgia to reconsider support from Black athletes.

Trump and Republicans are labeling Democrats as communists ahead of the midterms, citing recent democratic socialist primary victories. GOP leaders like Trump, Vance, and Johnson criticize left-wing candidates as Marxists, while democratic socialists gain traction in New York and Denver. The strategy aims to contrast 'common sense' with 'extreme liberalism' as Republicans seek to maintain congressional majorities.

North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget cleared initial legislative votes but faced opposition from two Republican senators over new ferry tolls. The budget includes teacher raises, tax relief, and controversial policies like DEI cuts, with Republicans emphasizing fiscal responsibility and Democrats criticizing delays and policies.

Colorado Democrats secured Phil Weiser as their governor candidate with 56% of the primary vote. Republicans remain divided, with state Senator Barb Kirkmeyer narrowly leading Victor Marx of All Things Possible Ministries by 0.29% in the primary. Marx, a controversial figure with endorsements from Lauren Boebut and Ted Nugent, claimed to have united the GOP against him.

Jessica Killin, a former Army captain and chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, won the Democratic primary in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Joe Reagan. She will face incumbent Rep. Jeff Crank in the November general election for a district that has shown increased competitiveness. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee supports her campaign as a potential pickup opportunity.

President Trump announced a Republican 'midterm convention' to be held in Dallas, Texas later this year. He described the event as 'fantastic' and noted it would be the first of its kind.

Rep. Jeff Hurd secured the GOP nomination in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District primary against Ron Hanks, after President Trump initially revoked and later reissued his endorsement. Hanks, a former state Rep., accused Hurd of insufficient loyalty to Trump and attended the Jan. 6 riots without entering the Capitol. Democrats aim to unseat Hurd in November.

Trump announced the Republican Party will hold its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas. He shared the news on Truth Social, calling Dallas 'one of my favorite places in the World.'

The North Carolina House passed House Bill 958, an elections bill criticized by Democrats for enabling ballot challenges, audits, and voter registration removals. The bill cleared the House in a party-line 66-47 vote and will now move to the Senate. Key provisions include granting the Republican auditor authority to conduct post-election audits and allowing the Board of Elections to hire private attorneys.

Donald Trump announced the Republican Party's first national convention ahead of the midterm elections, breaking the tradition of holding such events only during presidential election years. The two-day event will take place in Dallas on 9 and 10 September, with Trump describing Dallas as 'One of my favorite places in the World'.

Donald Trump announced that Republicans will hold their first national convention ahead of the midterm elections, breaking tradition by staging it in Dallas on 9 and 10 September. The event is intended to energize voters as the party aims to maintain congressional majorities.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the Republican Party will host its first 'Midterm Convention' in Dallas, Texas, on September 9-10 to highlight policy achievements. The event, approved by the Republican National Committee, aims to showcase the administration's accomplishments ahead of the midterms, despite Trump's low approval ratings and criticism from the Democratic National Committee.

President Donald Trump announced the Republican Party's first 'Midterm Convention' in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for September 9-10 to highlight policy achievements. The Democratic National Committee criticized the event as a 'multi-million dollar televised celebration' amid Trump's low approval ratings.

Trump has announced a 2026 Republican midterm convention, described as 'a rally like none other.' The Republican Party aims to maintain control of both chambers of Congress in the upcoming US midterm elections.

Pennsylvania's state budget will not be passed on time for the fifth consecutive year as the Republican-controlled Senate adjourned without a spending plan. Democratic leaders expressed frustration over Republicans' refusal to share their proposal, while House Democrats pledged to continue negotiations. The Senate's recess delayed a resolution until next week.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on political parties' spending on federal candidates, allowing unlimited coordination between parties and candidates. The decision is seen as a Republican advantage in the 2026 Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins in Georgia, with Republican committees holding significantly more funds than Democratic counterparts.

President Trump announced a Republican national convention in Dallas on September 9-10, the first-ever for midterms, to boost voter turnout. The event aims to focus attention on congressional races, including a competitive Senate race in Texas between James Talarico and Ken Paxton, and follows Republican procedural changes to enable the gathering.

President Donald Trump announced a Republican national convention in Dallas on Sept. 9-10 to boost midterm election turnout, a first for the party. The event aims to focus on congressional races that could determine control of Congress, with Texas’s Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico highlighted as a key contest. The Republican National Committee amended procedures in January to enable the convention, which follows Trump’s push for redistricting in Texas.

Bronx elected officials have endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for re-election, highlighting investments in affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure projects like the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment. Hochul faces Republican Bruce Blakeman and other candidates in November.

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that a man with the same name and party affiliation as U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible for Alaska's August primary and ordered his inclusion on the ballot.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states can count mail ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive late, rejecting a Republican-led challenge. The decision, led by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, upholds laws in over half the states and the District of Columbia, allowing such ballots, including in Mississippi where a state law allowing five business days for receipt was at issue. The ruling counters President Donald Trump's claims of mail-in voting fraud.

The Supreme Court ruled that states can count mailed ballots arriving after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day, rejecting a Republican-led challenge. The decision preserves laws in over half the states and the District of Columbia, which allow such ballots under specific deadlines. The case originated in Mississippi and involved Trump’s administration and political parties disputing federal election timing rules.

Colorado's state primary will determine Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees, with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser competing for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face a Republican candidate, likely Victor Marx, who leads in fundraising. Bennet's potential victory could impact the U.S. Senate seat, as he would need to vacate it if elected governor.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow won the Republican Senate runoff in Louisiana with a Trump endorsement, securing a November general election against Jamie Davis. John Fleming, the state treasurer, lost the GOP primary to Letlow.

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana's Republican primary for U.S. Senate, defeating state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff. She was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who sought to replace Sen. Bill Cassidy, a critic of Trump during the 2021 impeachment.