Two earlier PoliTalking posts covered notable Republican midterm ads and notable Democratic midterm ads. This post adds eight more, four from each side, that were not covered there. They include a profane cost-of-living spot, two ads built with AI, a fact-check rating of “Pants on Fire,” a candidate’s brother speaking in her defense, and a … Read more
About eight in ten American voters say the country needs substantial change or complete upheaval in how it is governed, according to a new AP-NORC poll released October 15. The economy and cost of living top voters’ priorities, and more voters prefer Democratic control of Congress than Republican control. Neither major party is viewed favorably … Read more
This briefing reflects reporting and polling available as of October 1, 2026. Candidates, endorsements and polling can change before Election Day on November 3, 2026. Why This Race Matters Minnesota’s Senate seat is open because Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is retiring, and polls now show Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (DFL) and former NBC sideline reporter … Read more
This briefing reflects reporting and polling available as of October 1, 2026. Candidates, endorsements and polling can change before Election Day on November 3, 2026. Why This Race Matters Sen. Pete Ricketts (R) is in a competitive race against independent Dan Osborn, a former union leader who says he will caucus with neither party. Nebraska … Read more
The Senate battlefield has drawn most of the midterm attention, but control of the House, and a wave of open governor’s races, are being shaped by the same underlying dynamics: crowded primaries that left lasting bruises, redistricting fights actively redrawing the map, and, in Florida, an unusually public rivalry within the president’s own party. This … Read more
Republicans held their first-ever midterm convention Sept. 9 to 10 in Dallas, and President Trump used it to make two pledges that dominated national coverage. On opening night, he promised a $5,000 “dividend” check to every adult American citizen if Republicans hold the House and Senate in November. On closing night, he led the crowd … Read more
Race status as of July 26, 2026. Polling and campaign finance figures in this race change frequently. Why this race is on our list California voters approved a mid-decade redistricting measure in November 2025 partly to make this seat winnable for Democrats. Democrats then nominated a 31-year-old school board trustee running on Medicare for All, … Read more
Race status as of July 26, 2026. Polling and campaign finance figures in this race change frequently. Why this race is on our list Kamala Harris won this district in 2024 and Mike Lawler won it on the same ballot. That combination exists in only nine House districts nationally, and NY-17 is the one most … Read more
Race status as of July 26, 2026. Polling and campaign finance figures in this race change frequently. Why this race is on our list Iowa voted for Barack Obama twice and then for Donald Trump three times, most recently by 13 points. It has not elected a Democratic senator since 2008. On paper this open … Read more
Race status as of July 26, 2026. Polling, candidates, and endorsements in this race have changed repeatedly and may change again. Why this race is on our list Maine’s Senate race has had three different Democratic frontrunners in ten months and got a new nominee yesterday, 101 days before the election. It also poses a … Read more
