Democrats have fresh hope to win back Senate – could they really pull it off? North Carolina, Ohio, Maine and Alaska are key targets for a party bullish after a bruising Republican primary in Texas The Guardian - US · May 30
Trump is hemorrhaging key parts of his 2024 coalition. But they aren’t sold on Democrats, either ANALYSIS: Young men and Latinos who sent Trump to the White House are souring on him. But, Eric Garcia writes, Democrats have a lot of work to do to win them over The Independent UK · May 29
Seeing Springsteen in DC gave me hope The Boss took Washington back to a time when dissent mattered Salon · May 29
Trump drives Texas GOP transformation Struggles between Bush Republicans and hardline conservatives predate Trump. But he has tried to tip the scales Salon · May 29
From Cornyn to Paxton: How Trump helped accelerate the Texas GOP’s transformation The power struggle between old-school Bush Republicans and hardline conservatives predates President Donald Trump. But he has used his clout to help tip the scales. The Texas Tribune · May 28
At the Races: Incumbents on the line Welcome to At the Races! Each week we bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call campaign team. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here. By Mary Ellen McIntire and Daniela Altimari Our friend Nathan L. Gonzales has cautioned against calling 2026 an “anti-incumbent election.” The… Roll Call · May 28
Donald Trump Is Living In 'MAGA Mirage' Blinded By His Own Core Faithful, Political Analyst Says Political analyst David Rothkopf says Donald Trump is trapped in a 'MAGA mirage,' relying on loyal voters despite rising disapproval, as the White House shrugs off warnings ahead of November. International Business Times UK · May 28
Nineteen states have conformed to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s No Tax on Tips deduction Welcome to the Thursday, May 28, 2026, Brew. Ballotpedia · May 28
Trump says he can outwait Iran, dismisses midterm election pressure President Donald Trump expressed no concern over a prolonged conflict with Iran. He believes Iranian leaders wrongly assumed the November midterm elections would compel him to reach a deal. Trump dismissed the idea of being pressured by the midterms. He also highlighted a recent primary election win as a preview… The Economic Times · May 28
Trump news at a glance: president lobs accusation at Iran and threat at Oman with peace talks in limbo Trump claims Iran intends to wait until US midterm elections in the hope of getting better deal – key US politics stories from Wednesday, 27 May The Guardian - US · May 28
Ken Paxton's Primary Victory Shows How Trump's Grudges Undermine His Party's Interests The president's last-minute endorsement of Paxton was driven by his petty grievances against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, who was clearly the safer bet to retain the seat. Reason · May 27
‘Culture wars vs real wars’: Experts say Trump just made Texas Senate race a battle the GOP didn’t need to fight ANALYSIS: Trump getting involved in the Senate primary in Texas saddled Republicans with a scandal-ridden nominee. But, Eric Garcia and Andrew Feinberg write, turning Texas blue still requires a lot of work The Independent UK · May 27
Tala-freak-o vs. Ken the Criminal: Texas candidates sharpen attacks as U.S. Senate race locks in Texas' Ken Paxton and James Talarico focus their energies — and attack ads — on each other as the fight for U.S. Senate narrows to two. The Texas Tribune · May 27
Trump expresses lack of interest in midterms in latest blow to Republicans IN FULL The Independent UK · May 27
The Texas Tribune · May 27 Senate GOP leaders spent months trashing Paxton. Can they turn the page and unify against Talarico? Paxton’s blowout win on Tuesday compelled an alliance by necessity, if not natural synergy, between the attorney general and the Washington groups that spent months trying to elect John Cornyn.
Ballotpedia · May 27 Ken Paxton (R) defeated incumbent John Cornyn (R) in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in Texas on May 26, 2026 Ken Paxton (R) defeated incumbent John Cornyn (R) in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in Texas on May 26, 2026.
Texas Observer · May 27 Did Texas Republicans’ Restive Runoffs Imperil Their November Ballot? In almost all cases, the most problematic, extremist, unqualified, and Trumpian candidate won the day.
Reason · May 27 James Talarico's Fake Olive Branch to Republicans The Democratic candidate dresses up a negative, partisan appeal as genuine moderation.
The Independent UK · May 27 Trump sends crushing message to Republicans: ‘I don’t care about the midterms’ President’s comments came less than a day after scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton knocked off incumbent Republican senator John Cornyn in a costly primary battle
International Business Times UK · May 27 Trump Seals Bitter Month of Political Revenge as Ken Paxton Topples Senator John Cornyn in Texas Runoff Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican Senate nomination, defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn in another primary victory for candidates backed by President Trump.
The Guardian - US · May 27 Trump’s grip on the Republican party has never been tighter. Will Democrats take Texas from its grasp? The US president’s backing of Maga extremists turns off the very voters Republicans need to win over in the midterms
Texas Observer · May 27 They’re Mostly Anglo. They’re Largely from Austin. And They Just Might Have a Shot. Led by James Talarico, a relatively well-qualified Democratic slate—one that poorly reflects the state's demography and geography—might have gotten its most important boost from the Republican side on Tuesday.
The Guardian - US · May 27 Trump ramps up attacks on Talarico after Paxton’s Texas Senate runoff win Donald Trump moves quickly to unite Republicans behind the Texas attorney general as Democrats eye rare opening
The Conversation · May 27 Trump’s primary challenges to his Republican foes make GOP nervous in run up to midterms Two days before registered Republicans voted in the party’s primary election in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on May 20, Donald Trump called the incumbent representative, Thomas Massie, “the worst Republican congressman in history”.
International Business Times UK · May 27 Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn: How Ousted Senator Could Exact Revenge on Donald Trump Ken Paxton's victory over John Cornyn in Texas, backed by Trump's endorsement, highlights a shift in GOP dynamics, raising questions about Cornyn's future role and potential dissent in the Senate.