US Senate
Coverage of US Senate in the Nexus archive.
- Is he Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump? Protest vote complicates Graham Platner’s victory
Graham Platner, a marine veteran and oyster farmer, secured the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Maine after receiving an endorsement from Stephen King. He will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November election.
- Graham Platner, anti-establishment candidate dogged by controversies, wins Democratic primary for US Senate in Maine
Graham Platner, an anti-establishment candidate with controversies, won the Democratic primary for US Senate in Maine. He and his wife Amy Gertner waved to supporters at an event in Blue Hill, Maine on June 9, 2026.
- Graham Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary
Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary despite facing negative headlines. He will contest the Senate seat against Susan Collins in the midterm election. Platner is a Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive activist.
- Israel looms large as Maine votes in Graham Platner’s US Senate primary
Graham Platner, an anti-Israel candidate in Maine's US Senate primary, faces criticism over abuse allegations and a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo. He concludes his campaign by attacking AIPAC, as he did at its start.
- Trump picks ally Todd Blanche as attorney general, teeing up US Senate fight
US President Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, to a permanent role, anticipating a Senate confirmation challenge due to his controversial actions. Blanche previously served as one of Trump’s personal lawyers before being selected for the position.
- Maine voters head to polls on Tuesday for closely watched primary election
Maine voters are casting ballots in a primary election for the US Senate. Graham Platner is set to advance as the Democratic nominee after his rival, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her campaign. The race will pit Platner against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
- Anti-Israel US Senate candidate draws support despite Nazi tattoo, allegations of abuse
Graham Platner, an anti-Israel US Senate candidate in Maine, faces allegations of past violence against women and has a Nazi tattoo. He denies the abuse claims and is expected to win the Democratic primary, raising concerns among some Democrats.
- US Senate passes $70bn ICE funding bill: What comes next?
The US Senate passed a $70bn funding bill for ICE, a key Trump initiative, following a marathon vote-a-rama. The bill avoids a provision that would have barred the controversial 'anti-weaponisation' fund.
- Warrantless spying extension stalls in US Senate
A Republican-led effort to extend warrantless spying powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act failed in the US Senate after seven GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in opposition. Privacy advocates celebrated the stalled vote, which marked another setback for Section 702 renewal supporters.
- US judge rules against Trump policies targeting immigrants from 39 travel-ban countries
A US federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's policies unlawfully barred applicants from 39 travel-ban countries from receiving decisions on asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications. The decision occurred on the same day the US Senate voted to pass legislation to fund Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
- US Senate passes $70 billion funding for ICE, Border Patrol
The US Senate approved a $70 billion funding bill for ICE and Border Patrol with a 52-47 vote. The funds will cover three years through the remainder of Donald Trump's term, pending House approval expected next week.
- US Senate passes US$70 billion ICE funding; fails to ban ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund
The US Senate passed a bill providing the Department of Homeland Security with an additional US$70 billion for immigration enforcement, with a 52-47 vote and no Democratic support. The bill does not include a provision to ban a US$1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund that could compensate Trump's political allies for allegations.
- US Senate passes $70bn immigration bill after clashes over settlement fund
The US Senate passed a $70bn immigration bill to fund ICE and border patrol for three years, overcoming clashes over a $1.776bn settlement fund. The 52-47 vote sends the legislation to the House of Representatives after Democrats had blocked funding for months.
- The US in Brief: Senate passes $70bn immigration bill
The US Senate passed a $70bn immigration bill as part of a daily political update highlighting key stories.
- Bondi distances herself from 'botched' release of Epstein files | First Thing
Pam Bondi, former attorney general, stated that Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's potential replacement, oversaw the US Department of Justice's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case records. Bondi acknowledged redaction errors in the released files but emphasized the department's commitment to accountability. Survivors and lawmakers criticized the DOJ's actions and redactions.
- US Senate passes $70 billion immigration crackdown bill
The US Senate passed a $70 billion immigration crackdown bill. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was observed guarding Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey.
- Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner rejects new allegations of abusive behavior
Graham Platner, a candidate for the US Senate in Maine, rejects allegations of abusive behavior detailed in a New York Times article. The article includes claims from a Republican operative accusing Platner of physical misconduct and offensive remarks about rape. Platner describes the allegations as 'politically motivated'.
- Mallory McMorrow backs Supreme Court age limits, corporate PAC spending ban
Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan US Senate candidate, supports imposing age limits on the Supreme Court and banning corporate PAC spending. She also expresses openness to expanding the Supreme Court.
- Trump news at a glance: rare rebuke for president as four House Republicans side with Democrats to pass war powers resolution
The US House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution requiring President Donald Trump to seek Congressional approval or withdraw US forces from Iran, with four Republicans joining Democrats in a 215-208 vote. The resolution moves to the US Senate for prompt consideration under law. Dissenting Republicans included Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Warren Davidson, and Tom Barrett.
- US primary voters choose midterm candidates as Democrats look to flip key seats
Democrats seek to challenge Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while California's redrawn maps favor Democrats. Key races for US House and Senate seats remain uncertain.
- US primary voters choose midterm candidates as Democrats look to flip key seats
US primary voters selected candidates for key midterm races, with Democrats aiming to flip seats in New Jersey, Iowa, and California. The outcomes could influence the balance of power in the US House and Senate, as Democrats seek to capitalize on redrawn maps and challenge Republican incumbents.
- First Thing: Defense department bars reporters from Pentagon press room
Defense department bans journalists from entering Pentagon's press office, which is now classified. Journalists refused to comply and turned in press passes, leading to a new press corps favoring far-right outlets. The New York Times sued over policies labeling journalists as security risks, winning a federal judge's ruling in March. A controversial fund does not require disclosure of payments, with Chuck Schumer calling it a corrupt scheme.
- Debate on CLARITY Act continues this week as US Senate returns
The debate on the CLARITY Act continues as the US Senate returns this week. Democratic lawmakers have stated they will not support any version of a crypto market structure bill without ethics provisions to address potential conflicts of interest by elected officials.
- Sexting scandal involving Graham Platner threatens Democratic hopes for US midterm elections
Graham Platner, a US Senate candidate from Maine, faces a sexting scandal that could impact Democratic prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. The incident threatens his campaign ahead of a scheduled rally in Portland, Maine.
- Democrats vow to challenge Trump’s $1.8bn ‘Maga slush fund’ in US Senate
Democrats in the US Senate plan to force a vote on a $1.8bn 'MAGA slush fund' linked to President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. Trump described the fund as supporting victims of politicized prosecutions, but his party members expressed alarm.
- Democrats vow to challenge Trump’s $1.8bn ‘Maga slush fund’ in US Senate
Democrats in the US Senate plan to force a vote on Trump's $1.8bn 'MAGA slush fund' established via his lawsuit against the IRS. Trump describes the fund as supporting victims of politicized prosecutions, but some Republicans are alarmed.
- Cory Booker has ‘concerns’ with Graham Platner’s Senate bid after leaked texts
US Senator Cory Booker has expressed concerns about Graham Platner's Maine US Senate campaign following reports that Platner sent sexually explicit messages to other women while married. Booker stated that Platner has 'questions to answer' regarding the allegations.
- Cory Booker has ‘concerns’ with Graham Platner’s Senate bid after leaked texts
Cory Booker expressed concerns about Graham Platner's Senate campaign after reports of explicit messages sent to other women during his marriage. Booker stated Platner has 'questions to answer' regarding the revelations.
- Graham Platner sent explicit texts to other women during marriage, wife confirms
Graham Platner, a Senate candidate in Maine, sent sexually explicit texts to other women during his marriage, as confirmed by his wife Amy Gertner. The revelation, shared with his campaign last year, is reported by the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and adds to controversies surrounding his campaign.
- Democrats have fresh hope to win back Senate – could they really pull it off?
Democrats are optimistic about winning back the Senate, focusing on North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska. Ken Paxton, a Republican with a history of impeachment and fraud charges, won Texas's Senate primary against John Cornyn. He will face James Talarico, a Democratic state lawmaker and pastor, in November.
- Republicans brace for money problems in Texas after Ken Paxton’s win
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and Republican US Senate candidate, is set to face a runoff against US Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary for the US Senate in Texas. The projected runoff, based on DDHQ projections, highlights potential financial challenges for Republicans following Paxton's primary victory.
- Republicans race to back Ken Paxton as runoff sets up closely watched US Senate battle in Texas
Republicans are rallying behind Ken Paxton after his primary victory over US Senator John Cornyn in Texas, with Donald Trump publicly supporting Paxton despite concerns within the party about his general election prospects. The runoff sets up a closely watched Senate race ahead of November's midterm elections.
- Republicans race to back Ken Paxton as runoff sets up closely watched US Senate battle in Texas
Republican leaders are rallying behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after his primary victory over Senator John Cornyn, despite concerns about his general election prospects. Donald Trump endorsed Paxton on Truth Social, targeting Democratic rival in the midterm elections.
- Attorney General Ken Paxton routs veteran incumbent Cornyn in Texas Senate primary
Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary. The outcome could influence whether Democrats regain control of the US Senate during the final half of Donald Trump's presidency.
- Trump-backed Paxton wins Texas Senate runoff
Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General and Trump-backed Republican candidate, won the US Senate primary runoff election on May 26, 2026, securing the Republican nomination. The victory was celebrated by supporters at an event in Plano, Texas.
- US Senate confirms veteran naval officer Frank Garcia as top Africa envoy
The US Senate confirmed veteran naval officer Frank Garcia as the top Africa envoy, ending a prolonged vacancy. The appointment signals a strategic shift in US policy towards Africa, emphasizing trade-focused initiatives.
- Year-round ethanol blend bill passed by US House faces uncertain Senate path
The US House passed a bill to allow year-round sales of E15 (15% ethanol blend), but its Senate passage remains uncertain due to opposition from environmental advocates and oil-producing states. The White House supports the measure, which aims to provide cheaper fuel alternatives and boost agricultural interests, though the EPA's temporary waivers for extended E15 sales were linked to the Iran war's impact on gas prices.
- Year-round ethanol blend bill passed by US House faces uncertain Senate path
The US House passed a bill to allow year-round sales of E15 ethanol blend, but its Senate approval remains uncertain due to opposition from environmental advocates and lawmakers in oil-producing states. The White House supports the measure, which aims to provide cheaper fuel options and boost agricultural interests, though Senate leaders express skepticism about securing 60 votes for passage.
- Year-round ethanol blend bill passed by US House faces uncertain Senate path
The US House passed a bill to allow year-round sales of E15 ethanol blend, but its future in the Senate is uncertain due to opposition from environmental advocates and lawmakers from oil-producing states. The White House supports the legislation, which aims to provide consumers a cheaper fuel alternative and boost agricultural interests, though Senate approval requires 60 votes.
- US tech firms share Dutch regulator officials' names with Senate
US tech firms have provided the names of Dutch regulator officials to the US Senate, potentially related to regulatory investigations. The action highlights collaboration between American companies and lawmakers concerning Dutch regulatory bodies.