Tina Smith

A wave of departures from Congress' tax writing committees has intensified competition to fill critical roles in the next Congress. House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees will see multiple members leave, creating openings for new representatives. Both parties are vying for positions on these influential panels, which shape major tax legislation.

Democrats are prioritizing electoral success over past standards by supporting candidates like Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, who faces controversies including a Nazi symbol tattoo, sexting, and allegations of abuse. The party's shift reflects a focus on regaining power amid challenges in the Trump era.

Democrats are supporting Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite controversies including a Nazi symbol tattoo, sexting, and allegations of abusive behavior. The party's focus on winning elections reflects a strategic shift toward prioritizing voter appeal over past standards, with similar examples in Virginia and Michigan.

Polls are open in Maine, North Dakota, Nevada, and South Carolina for the 2026 US primaries. Graham Platner, a Senate candidate in Maine, faces scrutiny over past controversies, including a Nazi tattoo and allegations of abuse, despite support from some Democrats. Others, like Josh Gottheimer, urge him to withdraw from the race.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan criticized the Laken Riley Act at a rally, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Flanagan trails behind Rep. Angie Craig in polling averages for the Democratic senatorial primary. The winner will face the Republican nominee in the general election.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan criticized the Laken Riley Act at a rally, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith, while Rep. Angie Craig regretted her vote for the law. The act is sponsored by Sen. Katie Britt and allows for indefinite detention of immigrants. Flanagan trails behind Craig in the latest polling average for the Democratic senatorial primary.

Michele Tafoya, a GOP Senate candidate in Minnesota, accuses Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of neglecting a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme involving daycare, food aid, and health clinic programs. She argues the scandal could sway the Senate race, which Republicans aim to flip red, while Walz and Ellison defend their anti-fraud efforts.