The Cook Political Report has shifted Texas and Iowa Senate races to toss-ups, seats that have historically been red. MS NOW Congressional Reporter Mychael Schnell, MS NOW White House Reporter Laura Barrón-López and Wall Street Journal Washington Coverage Chief Damian Paletta join Erielle Reshef with more details ahead of the midterms.
Tonight on "Elizabeth Vargas Reports": Democratic socialism and President Donald Trump's influence face another test in primary elections in Alaska, Wyoming and Florida. Will Florida Democrats embrace democratic socialism in key House and Senate races, and how could that affect their chances in November? This episode originally aired on August 18, 2026. Anchor Elizabeth Vargas delivers the biggest stories, without bias or opinion. Watch "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" every weeknight at 7p/6C on NewsNation. #VargasReports NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.
Three primaries for the House and the Senate on Tuesday pose a fresh test for the left, this time in a conservative-leaning state where socialism is often seen as a dirty word.
Democratic Senate nominees in Nebraska, Idaho and South Dakota dropped out, clearing the way for independents. But Alani Bankhead in Montana declined to join them.
AI:Democratic Senate nominees in Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota have officially dropped out of their races, a move that signals a total surrender of these deep-red territories to independent challengers. While Montana's Alani Bankhead has refused to abandon her campaign, the mass exodus across other states highlights the Democratic Party's growing inability to field viable candidates in much of the country, effectively handing momentum to independents as the party establishment concedes ground.Open
Republican attacks have focused on terrorism and illegal immigration, while Democrats have sought to capitalize on the unpopularity of President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid.
These officials oversee or help administer elections in counties across the nation where competitive House and Senate races will determine control of Congress.
Candidates are also vying to replace Gov. Whitmer, who is term-limited.
For Democrats to take control of the U.S. Senate, they have to flip 4 seats currently held by Republicans. Republicans, meanwhile, are playing defense and pickup opportunities are harder to find.
Election analysts are projecting that several seats in Michigan are “toss-ups,” which means either party has a decent chance of winning in the congressional district. Here is a look at some of the candidates vying for those seats.
Democrats are favored to win the House but are slight underdogs in the fight for the Senate with 100 days to go before the midterms.