SUMMARY:
With Tuesday’s midterms just past, host Scott Aaron Rogers welcomed Michelle Higgs and Zach Harrison of the Indiana Rural Summit for an extended election-recap show. A short non-election segment covered a cluster of same-day executions set against California’s wholesale death-row commutations, a court block on Afghan deportations, a fresh wave of European protests over cost of living and data centers, renewed U.S. strikes on an Iranian island, and the coalition scramble following Israel’s deadlocked election. The bulk of the show then turned to the midterms themselves: Democrats blunting Republican gerrymanders and answering Texas’s redistricting push with gains of their own, a run of historic U.S. Senate and governor’s-race wins across the country, and extensive Indiana results, from a trailblazing Democratic flip of a U.S. House seat to the state legislature’s broken supermajority and a wave of statewide and down-ballot wins credited to years of grassroots and youth organizing. The panel also covered this year’s ballot measures, including Indiana’s bail-reform question and school-funding referendums alongside national fights over money in politics, before closing with a look at the fallout on both sides: Republicans weighing whether to moderate, and Democrats debating accountability, leadership, and what to do with new power heading into the next legislative session.
Indiana Rural Summit: https://indianaruralsummit.org/
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00:00 - Intro, Housekeeping, and Guest Welcomes
00:02:56 - Capital Punishment: Executions in Three States vs. Newsom’s Death-Row Commutations
00:06:51 - Afghan Deportations Temporarily Blocked by Federal Judge
00:10:04 - Europe: Protests Over Cost of Living and Data Centers Spread
00:14:06 - Iran: Renewed U.S. Strikes on Qeshm Island and the Nuclear-Deterrence Debate
00:19:12 - Israel: Herzog Moves Toward Tapping Eisenkot to Form a Government
00:22:42 - U.S. House: Democrats Survive GOP Gerrymanders in Florida and North Carolina
00:28:31 - U.S. House: Rematch Flips and Swing-District Upsets Nationwide
00:33:43 - Indiana’s J.D. Ford Flips the 5th District, Unseats Victoria Spartz
00:41:00 - U.S. Senate: Historic Firsts in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Alaska, and Michigan
01:02:49 - State Races: Historic Governor Wins, Including Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia
01:09:08 - Democratic Trifectas and the Case for Visible, Functional Government
01:14:11 - Indiana Breaks Its Statehouse Supermajority: A District-by-District Rundown of the Flips
01:23:35 - Rural Summit’s Intern Program and the Margin-Moving Candidates
01:29:01 - Indiana Senate and Statewide: Beau Bayh, Ballard’s Lincoln Party, Jessica Bailey’s Upset
01:36:13 - Straight-Ticket Voting, Accountability, and the Road to the Budget Session
01:42:13 - Municipal Elections: Democratic Socialist Mayoral Wins in LA, D.C., and Beyond
01:43:37 - Indiana’s Ballot Questions: Bail Reform and Judicial Residency
01:48:37 - Indiana School Referendums and the Voucher-Driven Budget Crunch
01:52:47 - National Ballot Measures: Voter ID, LGBTQ Rights, and Money in Politics
02:01:03 - Fallout for Republicans: Resignations, Blame-Shifting, and Doubling Down
02:07:56 - Fallout for Democrats: Accountability, Schumer’s Future, and Krugman’s Agenda
02:18:47 - Congressional Reform and Who Might Succeed Schumer
02:24:43 - Sign-Off: Where to Find the Panelists and What’s Ahead for 2027
NOTES:
Non-Election News
Capital Punishment
Alabama, Florida and Indiana carry out executions on same day (Guardian)
‘In a record-tying 19th execution of the year, Florida executed Jesse Guardado via a three-drug lethal injection. [...] Hours earlier, Indiana executed a man for killing two children in a house fire in 2010. And in Alabama, a man died by injection Thursday evening for his conviction in a fatal home robbery.’
‘It is the second time since August that three states were set to carry out executions on a single day, although it remains unusual. Prior to this year, the last time it happened was 2010.’
‘The death penalty in the US has faced renewed scrutiny since the September failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee, although courts have rejected efforts to halt other executions after she survived two massive doses of pentobarbital.’
Gavin Newsom seeks to clear death row, commutes sentences for hundreds of prisoners (CalMatters)
‘Gov. Gavin Newsom is commuting the death sentences of 548 people, clearing the California death row for the first time since the state conducted hangings in the late 19th century. [...] The prisoners represent more than a quarter of the nation’s condemned inmates.’
‘In 2019, shortly after taking office, he issued a moratorium on executions and then dismantled the execution chamber in San Quentin State Prison. It was just three years after voters rejected a ballot measure to abolish the death penalty and instead approved one to speed them up.’
‘His anticipated decision garnered sharp condemnation in recent weeks from victims’ groups, who argued it flew in the face of juries and judges that had upheld the death sentences, and voters who have upheld the practice.’
‘Most of the decisions Newsom made Thursday will need court approval. For those convicted of multiple felonies — nearly 400 prisoners — four of seven judges on the California Supreme Court will have to sign off on the commutations.’
‘Even before Newsom’s 2019 moratorium, it had been more than a decade since the state performed an execution. [...] California has not executed a prisoner since Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor. Tookie Williams in 2005 and Clarence Ray Allen in 2006 were the last to die by execution at San Quentin.’
Immigration
Judge temporarily blocks deportation of Afghan nationals (ABC)
A federal judge in New York on Tuesday temporarily blocked the administration from deporting Afghan nationals to Afghanistan or Pakistan through the end of the week.’
‘A Justice Department court filing last week indicated that dozens of Afghan immigrants, possibly including relatives of Afghans who worked alongside the U.S. military, were expected to be deported this week.’
‘Advocates and families previously told ABC News that, as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, hundreds of Afghan immigrants are currently being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention in Louisiana, from where many international deportation flights depart.’
US lawmakers ask Trump administration to stop deportation of Afghans (Al Jazeera)
‘A group of 66 lawmakers [...] has written to the administration of President Donald Trump asking it to halt a planned mass deportation of Afghans, including some who worked alongside coalition forces in Afghanistan before the military withdrawal in 2021.’
‘Since taking office, Trump has attempted to put an end to resettlement programmes for Afghans started by former President Joe Biden. More than 120,000 Afghans were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces.’
‘As part of its crackdown on immigration, the Trump administration has made agreements with at least 35 countries to take in third-country nationals, in many cases because it cannot send them back to their home countries for fear they would be tortured, killed, or otherwise persecuted.’
‘The Trump administration has forcibly sent at least 25,000 people to third countries, according to a tally by nonprofits Refugees International and Human Rights First.’
‘A flight carrying some of the Afghans from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Pakistan [was] scheduled for Tuesday.’
‘Pakistan has deported millions of Afghans to Afghanistan in recent years, as relations with the Taliban have deteriorated.’
Europe Protests
Why are Europe’s governments struggling to respond to growing protests? (Al Jazeera)
‘Largely led by young people, demonstrations have swept across at least eight European countries, driven by grievances ranging from school conditions and the cost of diesel to a deeper sense of insecurity about the future – and the feeling that opportunities are increasingly out of reach.’
‘This week, protesters have continued to blockade several high schools and universities in France [...] In Germany, metal and electrical workers have gone on strike while students have demonstrated over fears of the return of conscription. In Belgium, firefighters marched through Brussels, demanding more staff and better equipment. And on Friday in Italy, the USB union brought tens of thousands of people together, calling for a reduction in military spending [...] In Spain, massive protests swept through the country for weeks over a housing crisis, triggered by the eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old pensioner from her lifelong home.’
‘For governments, addressing discontent is proving difficult. Experts say there is no easy fix, and that many have so far struggled to offer answers beyond a show of force.’
‘The growing emphasis on public order has raised concerns among human rights organisations, which warn that European governments risk treating social discontent as a security threat rather than addressing the grievances behind it.’
France: More than 600,000 protest as anger grows over cost of living (DW)
‘Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the streets of French cities on Thursday for a new round of protests over rising cost of living. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the total number of protesters ballooned over the course of the afternoon, from 270,000 to 600,000 by the evening.’
‘Public and private education unions called for staff to walk off the job, as well as unions representing rail workers, public hospitals and postal services. They are demanding an increase in the minimum wage, across-the-board wage raises, tax reforms and better learning conditions for young people.’
Protesters break into Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam (Al Jazeera)
‘Dozens of civil society and grassroots groups have said they will join the “Stop Dirty Data Centres” events on Friday and Saturday in 15 European countries, including Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom, organisers said.’
‘Protesters in the Netherlands have broken into a construction site for a new Microsoft data centre in Amsterdam, the latest action in a growing movement sweeping Europe.’
‘Dutch police said they detained 150-200 people suspected of trespassing during the protest.’
Iran War
U.S. Strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Trump Talks Down War Risks (WSJ)
‘The U.S. attacked Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, U.S. officials said, in the latest of a series of limited strikes Washington has secretly carried out against the country in recent weeks as President Trump touted the possibility of a diplomatic deal.’
‘The U.S. has been engaged in smaller-scale strikes against Iran for several weeks [...] Some of the officials described the assaults as defensive in nature to prevent Iran from having the freedom to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.’
Note: that is interesting use of the world “defensive.”
‘Qeshm is an island at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz and is home to a large underground missile site as well as a naval base and a major desalination plant. The U.S. has previously targeted the island in earlier rounds of the fighting, and officials have discussed seizing it.’
‘The U.S. has already told Gulf nations to prepare for a short and intense operation shortly after the election, the Journal reported.’
Facing Return to War, More Iranians Want a Nuclear Missile (NYT)
‘Iranian clerics and officials are increasingly urging the country’s leaders to reverse their longtime pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons. This demand, once seen as a fringe position held by hard-liners, is moving into mainstream public debate.’
‘For decades, Iran’s officials have publicly endorsed the fatwa, or religious edict, from its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which forbade the development and use of nuclear weapons. [...] Ayatollah Khamenei’s strategy, regional analysts say, had been to keep Iran’s nuclear intentions ambiguous in hopes of deterring attacks on Iran without it actually becoming a nuclear power.’
‘Inside Iran, calls for withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or N.P.T., which prohibits development of a nuclear weapon, have been growing ever since Israel and the United States attacked in 2025.’
‘Raising the nuclear prospect at a time when Iran could be at the cusp of another possible attack by the United States or Israel may itself be a strategy.’
Trump confirms new US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm island (Al Jazeera)
‘Trump said on Friday that US forces had carried “minor strikes” against Iranian air defence systems’ [on Qeshm Island], [...] ‘telling reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, “They knocked out – they built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device, and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five.”’
‘Trump told reporters several times on Friday that his administration was talking to representatives from Tehran. [...] On Saturday, Qatar dismissed reports claiming negotiations between the US and Iran have failed.’
‘Unnamed Pentagon officials and military commanders told The New York Times on Wednesday that thousands of US air and naval forces on more than a dozen ships and at bases around the Middle East and in the US are poised to resume major combat operations against Iran on Trump’s orders.’
Israel
Israeli president to announce choice to form government on Sunday (The Hill)
‘Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will announce Sunday his choice to form the next Israeli government [...] Herzog held back from signaling favoritism toward either Eisenkot or Netanyahu, as the math to build a governing coalition remains fraught.’
‘Herzog added that there are “mutual vetoes between the blocs and within the blocs themselves.” He said he will hold personal talks with party leaders before making an announcement Sunday.
Eisenkot Secures Parliamentary Majority, Paving Clearest Path to Forming Gov’t (Haaretz)
‘Gadi Eisenkot emerged from President Isaac Herzog’s consultations with the backing of 67 of the Knesset’s 120 lawmakers, giving him a parliamentary majority of recommendations and strengthening his chance of receiving the mandate to form Israel’s next government.’
‘Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 46 recommendations, from Likud, Shas, Religious Zionism, Zehut and Otzma Yehudit. United Torah Judaism, traditionally aligned with Netanyahu’s bloc, declined to recommend either candidate and said it was “not committed to any bloc.”’
‘Notably, all Arab-majority parties decided to recommend Eisenkot. The Arab-led Joint List joined Mansour Abbas’ United Arab List in backing him, saying the decision was aimed at replacing Netanyahu’s government. Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen said the party had neither requested cabinet posts nor sought to join the coalition, but was prepared to support an Eisenkot-led government from outside.’
In Election Day Stunt, ‘Serial Liar’ Trump Deceitfully Says US to End Israel Aid (Common Dreams)
‘President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed the United States would end its annual military assistance to Israel by the end of the year, a dubious announcement made on Election Day as Republicans face mounting backlash over their support for the Israeli government’s genocidal assault on Gaza.’
‘The timing of Trump’s announcement raised eyebrows, coming on the morning of the midterm elections. Commentators opined that the announcement appeared aimed at undercutting criticism from progressive Democrats and the president’s own disaffected supporters.’
‘Skepticism is also rooted in the fact that US military assistance to Israel technically cannot end by the end of the year.’
‘First, the current US-Israel military assistance memorandum of understanding [...] runs through September 2028, not December 2026.’
‘Second, Section 219 of the House-passed fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would [...] significantly integrate the two countries’ defense industries and institutionalize cooperation.’
‘Similarly, Section 622 of the separate fiscal year 2027 Intelligence Authorization Act would compel the president to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing” with Israel’
US Election News
House
Republicans tried to gerrymander their way out of big congressional losses. It didn’t work (NPR)
‘Among the sweeping victories by Democrats on Tuesday were wins in a number of congressional districts that Republicans had redrawn explicitly to boost their party ahead of the midterms.’
‘Republicans were bracing for some losses this election cycle, so last year President Trump urged his party to take the extraordinary step of engaging in mid-decade redistricting efforts.’
‘In Florida, multiple Democrats — Kathy Castor, Pia Dandiya and Jared Moskowitz — have so far won in redrawn districts that GOP state leaders were hoping to pick up for the party.’
‘In North Carolina, Democratic Rep. Don Davis held on to his 1st District seat, even though Republicans in the state redrew it to be more competitive for the GOP.’
‘Trump would have won by even more in Alabama’s redrawn 2nd Congressional District, which Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures held on to by more than 7 percentage points.’
‘The GOP appears likely to be more successful in Louisiana and Tennessee, where Republicans enacted new maps after the Supreme Court ruling.’
‘Texas was the first state to redistrict at Trump’s urging, and yet Democrats have won four out of the five House seats Republicans shifted their way’.’
Democrats have now flipped over 40 House seats. Here are all the districts that changed control in the midterms. (CBS)
‘So far, 44 districts have shifted to Democrats and two have shifted to Republicans.’
‘Republicans in the Lone Star State redrew their House maps last year with the goal of picking up as many as five seats that were held by Democrats. Ultimately, one seat flipped to the GOP, and two red districts were captured by Democrats.’
‘Texas’ 15th District: Democratic Tejano music star Bobby Pulido defeated incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz in a heavily Latino part of South Texas that swung hard toward Republicans in 2024 but shifted back to Democrats this year.’
‘Texas’ 23rd District: Democrat Katy Padilla Stout defeated controversial Republican pro-gun personality [The AK Guy] Brandon Herrera.’
‘Voters in California approved their own redistricting plan after Texas redrew its maps, aiming at moving several California seats to the left. Democrats have picked up all five of the seats they had hoped to flip.’
‘California’s 22nd District: GOP Rep. David Valadao lost his reelection bid to Democrat Randy Villegas, making him the last of the House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol to leave office. It was made bluer in redistricting, but was viewed as Democrats’ heaviest lift.’
A handful of House seats in North Carolina changed hands, including some upsets in places that were tilted to the GOP in redistricting a few years ago, part of a wave in the Tar Heel State as Roy Cooper decisively won the state’s Senate race.
Maybe 6? Rep. Virginia Foxx requested election observers to watch counting process of close House race (WXII)
‘According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Democrat Chuck Hubbard is ahead of Rep. Foxx by 99 votes. Officials have ruled this race too close to call with the provisional ballots that have yet to be counted and certified.’
‘A few Democrats won against Republicans who they’d faced before — in one case, multiple times.’
‘Virginia’s 2nd District: Former Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria defeated GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans in a rematch. Luria lost to Kiggans in 2022 after redistricting made the area more favorable to Republicans.’
‘Iowa’s 1st District: Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks lost to Democrat Christine Bohannon in their third consecutive rematch. Miller-Meeks has a history of close races since she was first elected to Congress by a six-vote margin in 2020.’
‘Both parties invested in districts in the Northeast, including seats with a history of swinging from one party to another, and a competitive Pennsylvania seat that was held by an overperforming Republican for a decade.’
‘New Jersey’s 7th District: Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who won the seat in 2022 after redistricting made it more GOP-friendly, lost to Democrat Rebecca Bennett after he was absent from Congress for more than two months earlier this year.’
‘Pennsylvania’s 1st District: Five-term GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate who broke with Mr. Trump on Iran and has a long history of surviving tough reelections, lost to Democrat Bob Harvie in this suburban swing district.’
‘A few Midwestern states will have dramatically different congressional delegations starting next year.’
‘Michigan’s 7th District: Democrat William Lawrence unseated GOP Rep. Tom Barrett in the swingy Lansing-area district. A progressive, Lawrence won the Democratic primary after two moderates split the vote.’
‘Ohio’s 7th District: Embattled GOP Rep. Max Miller lost his bid for reelection to Democrat Brian Poindexter in the northeastern Ohio district long held by Republicans. Miller defied calls over the summer to end his campaign before a deadline that would have allowed Republicans to replace him on the November ballot amid allegations of domestic abuse — which he denied — toward his ex-wife and young daughter.’
‘Iowa’s 3rd District: GOP Rep. Zach Nunn was unseated by Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott. The flips in Iowa mean the state will go from having an all-Republican House delegation to one with three Democrats and a single Republican.’
‘Some Western cities and states elected their first Democrats to the House in years.’
‘Montana’s 1st District: Former smokejumper and union leader Sam Forstag will be the first Democrat to represent Montana in the House in three decades, after defeating Republican Aaron Flint.’
‘Utah’s 1st District: Democrat Ben McAdams won the newly drawn district, which encompasses Salt Lake City and its suburbs. After a lengthy legal battle, court-ordered redistricting produced one Democratic-leaning district in the state, giving the party its best opportunity in nearly a decade to flip one of the state’s four House seats.’
Lauren Boebert loses her Colorado House seat (Alternet)
‘Boebert moved to a safer GOP district and appeared to have a harder time holding on. With more than 95 percent of the votes on Thursday early evening, she was a little over 0.7 percent votes away from overtaking Democrat Eileen Laubacher, the Colorado Times Reported. They noted that it makes it unlikely that she can reach the ballots necessary to win, based on what is outstanding.’
‘As of Thursday evening, Laubacher opened a wider lead from Boebert at 0.9 percent, according to NBC News. Colorado requires a mandatory recount if the race is within 0.5 percent.’
‘In several districts, Democrats ousted GOP lawmakers who won by double digits two years ago.’
‘New Jersey’s 2nd District: Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew lost to Democrat Zack Mullock in a South Jersey district that was widely seen as solid red. Van Drew, who won by 16.9 points in 2024, is known for switching from the Democratic Party during the first Trump impeachment saga in 2019.’
‘Missouri’s 2nd District: Democrat Fred Wellman unseated GOP Rep. Ann Wagner, who won by 12 points in 2024. Republicans tried to make the St. Louis-area seat slightly redder last year, but the new maps were tossed out in the courts. As recently as September, the Cook Political Report viewed it as solid-red.’
‘Kentucky’s 6th District: The race between Democrat Zach Dembo and Republican Ralph Alvarado for the open seat was not expected to be competitive, but the election forecasters moved the GOP-held seat toward Democrats in recent weeks. Outgoing Rep. Andy Barr won it by 26 points two years ago.’
J.D. Ford wins Indiana’s 5th District in a race that saw every county shift to the left (WTHR)
‘For the first time since 1990, a Democrat has won Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. In what became a closely watched, competitive race, State Sen. J.D. Ford unseated three-term Rep. Victoria Spartz, winning 51.7% of the vote, compared to her 48.3%.’
‘Spartz won her last two races by double digits; nearly 19 in 2024 and by 22 points in 2022. Her first election in the 5th in 2020 was much closer, defeating Christina Hale by 4%. But the district was redrawn after that race, taking out portions of Marion County and adding some more rural areas. It was also a district Donald Trump won by double digits — nearly by 17 points — in 2024.’
‘Every county shifted to the left. [...] Hamilton County has shifted to the left by 28 points since 2012, one of the most in the country.’
Longshot JD Ford Elected Indiana’s First Openly Gay Member of Congress, Unseating GOP Incumbent (Advocate)
‘Ford, who is gay, is now the first out member of Congress from Indiana. The state senator had broken barriers before. In [2018], he unseated a 13-year incumbent who campaigned against same-sex marriage and became the first out member of the Indiana General Assembly.’
Senate
Important Firsts
Chris Pappas will be the first out gay man in the U.S. Senate (The 19th)
‘In New Hampshire, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated former Sen. John Sununu, a Republican backed by President Donald Trump, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. Pappas will be the first out gay man to serve in the upper chamber.’
‘Pappas’ win marks only the third time in history that an out LGBTQ+ person has been elected to the Senate. The first was Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, who took office in 2013. The second was former senator Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat-turned independent from Arizona. Laphonza Butler, the country’s first Black lesbian senator, was not elected: California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her to the position in 2023 for a 14-month term.’
Progressive Peggy Flanagan Wins Minnesota’s Senate Race (HuffPost)
‘Flanagan, a progressive, has been Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s second-in-command for the past eight years. She previously served in the state House for four years.’
‘Flanagan, who is Ojibwe and a member of the White Earth Nation, also just made history as the first Indigenous woman elected to the Senate. She may end up sharing her title with Alaska Democratic Senate nominee Mary Peltola, if she also wins her race.’
Peltola narrowly leads Sullivan in tight race (WaPo)
‘Peltola [leads] by less than one percentage point — a difference of just 600-some votes — with about 75 percent of voting counted, according to the Associated Press. Neither candidate has the majority needed to win outright.’
‘The wait for definitive results could take days or even weeks. In Alaska’s voting system, if no one gets a majority of first-choice votes, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and the process repeats until two candidates remain. Alaska will accept eligible mail ballots from inside the country through Nov. 13 and from overseas through Nov. 18. Also slowing the tally are the state’s 131 hand-count precincts, many in rural areas.’
‘Four candidates are on the general election ballot under the state’s ranked-choice voting system. As of Thursday morning, the two other candidates, retired schoolteacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and Gerald Heikes, together drew more than enough votes to make the difference.’
‘Democrats have been under fire following a New York Times report that they recruited Sullivan Jr. as a spoiler to dilute the vote away from Sullivan. Peltola and Alaska Democrats deny it. President Donald Trump on Thursday morning demanded that the senator be declared the winner.’
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race to become first Muslim US senator (Guardian)
‘Abdul El-Sayed, the doctor and progressive insurgent, has made history in winning the closely watched US Senate race in Michigan, defeating the Republican Mike Rogers to become the country’s first Muslim senator.’
‘His opponent and detractors, including Donald Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, led a largely Islamophobic campaign against him, often pointing to his name and faith, including the president alleging he was a “jihadist” and that he would need to walk through a metal detector to get into the Senate.’
‘The race was seen as a test of whether a progressive insurgent could win a swing state.’
Haley Stevens stands by Mike Rogers endorsement: ‘I don’t regret it’ (Washington Examiner)
‘Stevens, who endorsed el Sayed shortly after her Democratic primary loss to the now senator-elect, sparred with el Sayed throughout his general election over his criticisms of the Israeli government and support for Palestinians. Stevens did not campaign with el Sayed during the general election, and their tensions came to a head just days before voters hit the polls, as she flipped and made a last-minute endorsement for Rogers.’
‘Stevens (D-MI) is sticking by her cross-party endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race despite Democrat Abdul el Sayed’s victory in the contest.’
‘Stevens said in her post-election statement that she only regrets her original endorsement of el Sayed:’ “I regret my original endorsement, because I could have spared the country and my family from these past few days and from attempts to find a cause for an action that is consistent with a lifetime of my beliefs. The endorsement was the outlier act. Rescinding it was not.”
Working Class Wins
Democrat Josh Turek wins Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
‘Josh Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson in the U.S. Senate race Tuesday, the Associated Press has projected, becoming the first Iowa Democrat to hold the seat since former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin was in office. [...] It will be the first time more than a decade that Iowa will have a Democrat in seat.”’
‘Before serving in the Iowa House representing Council Bluffs, Turek was a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, winning in 2016 and 2020 as a member of the U.S. wheelchair basketball team. Turek, who was born with spina bifida, became the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature as he won election in 2022 by a margin of 6 votes after a recount. Turek said his story was “truly the American dream.”’
‘Turek also said it was “poetic” that he is filling the seat that was occupied by former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin — the lead author of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.’
Democrat Sherrod Brown defeats Republican Jon Husted in Ohio US Senate race (Ohio Capital Journal)
‘Former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown will again represent Ohioans in the U.S. Senate, after defeating Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted. [...] Brown, 73, was projected the winner Tuesday in a special election. Husted was appointed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to fill Vice President JD Vance’s seat at the start of 2025.’
‘Husted voted in support of unpopular measures such as tax cuts for the rich, cuts to healthcare, against releasing the Epstein files, in support of the Iran war, and to protect Trump’s tariffs, which many economists say made inflation worse. Brown also painted Husted as “the face of data centers,” and Brown highlighted Husted’s involvement in a scandal in which an Akron-based FirstEnergy paid $61 million in bribes to get a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout.’
Brown is widely recognized as a champion of organized labor, received backing from major unions, has frequently joined picket lines, fought for retirement benefits for workers, and opposed “free trade” agreements.
‘We Can’t Eat Road Salt’: Other Maine Takeaways (American Prospect)
‘One hundred and one days after a hastily assembled state convention gave him the nod to do battle with Sen. Susan Collins, Troy Jackson is a U.S. senator. It was a stunning, almost fantastical journey-come-true for the former state Senate president and logger, the fifth generation of his family to work in the Maine woods along the Canadian border.’
‘On the labor affairs front, Jackson, a rank-and-file union member, said that he already has a competition going with former and soon to be again Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown to see who can be the most labor-focused senator. [...] Jackson, who has been a member of five different labor unions, proudly celebrated his working-class Maine roots.’
‘One of [Collins’] campaign surrogates, Bill Green, once a very popular Maine television personality, became her designated attacker. He cut a commercial saying that Jackson “didn’t have the tools” to serve in the Senate. [...] Even though the original ad was roundly panned as a low blow, the Collins campaign decided to go lower with its classist commentaries. In a conversation with a New Yorker staff writer that appeared on Election Day, Green called Jackson “a bumpkin,” adding, “He’s not an intelligent guy.”’
Kansas, Texas, and the Christian Left
The last time a Kansas Democrat was in the Senate, the Wizard of Oz was in cinemas (BBC)
‘Democrat and church pastor Adam Hamilton claimed victory Tuesday night over Republican incumbent and staunch Trump supporter Sen. Roger Marshall, marking the first time a Democrat won the seat since 1932.’
‘The 62-year-old leader of the US’s largest United Methodist congregation - with 24,000 congregants - had promised voters civility, moderate policy stances and and open ear to their concerns.He’d invoked the state’s most famous cultural touchstone on the campaign trail, telling Kansans: “What we need in Washington right now is we need senators with a brain who use it, with a heart who feel with it, and who have courage and speak up because of it.”’
James Talarico defeats Ken Paxton, giving Democrats their first U.S. Senate win in Texas since 1988 (KWTX)
‘Democratic state Rep. James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in Texas’ U.S. Senate race Tuesday, overcoming a deluge of outside money to break the GOP’s three-decade grip on the state.’
‘Talarico’s victory, a political earthquake unseen in Texas this century, delivers his party its first statewide win here since 1994, ending the longest active streak of one-party dominance in any state.’
‘Republicans poured over $280 million into advertising, including over $200 million from Elon Musk, making the race the most expensive U.S. Senate contest on record. But Paxton remained stuck under the weight of his legal and ethical baggage, a sluggish economy marked by high gas and grocery prices and, in Talarico, an opponent who put those two vulnerabilities at the heart of his campaign message: diagnosing voters’ economic malaise as a function of billionaires and corrupt politicians.’
The Christian left is here (Vox)
‘They belong to a rising tide in American politics: the emergence of a religious left that marries moderate or liberal strains of Christianity with Democratic policy and political priorities. Their wins are the first major victories of this movement in the 2026 cycle.’
‘Talarico had emerged victorious from a bitter primary battle, betting that the best way to do Democratic politics in a red state was to expand the base by reclaiming religion, forgiving political rivals, and loving neighbors, even if they voted differently. He basically preached on the campaign stump — even saying in a recent interview that Paxton is a “child of God.” And he was doing this as a pastor-in-training, representing a dying breed of mainline Protestant Christians as a Presbyterian.’
‘He was facing off against an avatar of the dominant brand of American Christianity today. A hard-line conservative evangelical Christian, Paxton represented the kind of religious politics that has made Christianity synonymous with conservative Republicanism in the modern era. [...] It’s a more authoritarian-flavored variety of Christianity — some might call it Christian nationalism — and it created a perfect foil with the more tolerant, inclusive vision of Christianity that Talarico was preaching.’
‘[Hamilton] viewed himself as part of this national movement of pastors, ministers, and religious people squaring off against “Christian nationalism” and showing Christians and non-Christians alike how biblical values and Jesus’ teachings might lead someone to a Democratic policy worldview.’
The (Democratic) South Rises Again
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff wins reelection, defeating Rep. Mike Collins to hold a key Democratic seat (AP)
‘Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff was reelected Tuesday to a second term, holding a key seat for Democrats by defeating Republican Rep. Mike Collins in a race that catapulted the Senate’s youngest member to the forefront of his party’s national stars.’
‘Ossoff, 39, began the cycle as a top Republican target and the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state Trump carried in 2024. But from the start, the senator ran as an aggressive Trump critic, with blistering critiques of “a failed president” that became a staple of voters’ social media feeds across the country.’
‘He became a fundraising juggernaut, pulling in more than $100 million and sparking speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.’
‘It had been a blistering campaign with Ossoff hammering Collins repeatedly as a “bigot,” emphasizing the congressman’s past social media posts, his onetime chief of staff’s communications with white supremacists and white nationalist advocacy from Collins’ son-in-law.’
Roy Cooper flipped North Carolina. Republicans let him do it (USA Today)
‘North Carolina just elected its first Democratic U.S. senator in 18 years, and somehow it wasn’t really a surprise to anybody paying attention to this midterm election. Former Gov. Roy Cooper’s win became official on election night after the Associated Press and NBC called the race for him. He will become the state’s newest senator, defeating former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in a state that voted for President Donald Trump over the last three presidential elections.’
‘For months, the polls showed the potential for a Democratic blowout. In a final East Carolina University survey before Election Day, Cooper led Whatley by 9 percentage points. This is probably because of the Republican strategy in the state – which, by the end, was to give up. The Senate Leadership Fund, a top Republican super PAC, pulled their funds from North Carolina back in October after months of poor polling and outraising from Cooper’s campaign.
From September: NRSC Chair Tim Scott leaves Georgia, North Carolina off his list of top Senate targets (Politico)
‘The National Republican Senatorial Committee is shifting its focus away from the North Carolina and Georgia Senate races as it works to shore up red states like Texas and flip other Democratic-held seats.’
The Unlikeliest Democratic Win of All (Atlantic)
South Carolina, where Donald Trump won by almost 18 points two years ago, sent a Democrat to the Senate. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, flipped a seat held by the Republican Darline Graham, who took office after her brother died in July.’
‘Darline Graham was a surprise pick when President Trump tapped her to fill out her brother’s term soon after his death. Graham then stunned many by announcing she wanted to run to serve a full term. A political novice, she struggled on the trail and made early gaffes that haunted her, including saying “national security is not my thing” in a primary debate against her opponent.’
‘Democratic organizing capacity has surged throughout the state—driven in part by South Carolina becoming the first state in what will be a highly competitive Democratic presidential primary in 2028. An array of Democratic hopefuls has visited the state this cycle—Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, Cory Booker—bringing energy and name recognition. For the first time in decades, all 124 South Carolina state house races had Democratic challengers.’
Mississippians stand on the cusp of Senate history as vote count stretches on (Scripps News)
‘The state is still tallying ballots that could make Colom the first Black senator from this Deep South state since post-Civil War Reconstruction. The possibility of Colom defeating Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith puts many Black voters somewhere between cautious optimism and outright celebration in a state where nearly 40% of the population is Black but the top representation for generations has been white.’
‘It would mark a seismic shift in the state, where white conservatives have dominated the Statehouse and congressional delegation for nearly 150 years. Through Jim Crow segregation and the Civil Rights era, those leaders were nearly all Democrats. After the Civil Rights Movement, they overwhelmingly shifted to Republicans. For Black Mississippians, the result was the same: a lack of proportional representation at the top levels of state government and in Washington.’
‘Colom ended his campaign with an ad set at the Jackson home of Medgar Evers, the civil rights leader who was gunned down in 1963 in his own driveway, dying in front of his wife and children. “It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifice to gain the ballot, and nobody sacrificed more than Medgar Evers and his family,” Colom said Friday. “What was important to me about that ad is we didn’t ask people to vote for me. We just talked about the sacrifice, talked about the story,” he continued. “We just wanted that to be the closing ad because I wanted that to be the last message that the people of Mississippi heard.”’
State-Level
Democrats clinch a majority of governorships for first time in 16 years (NBC)
‘Democrats clinched a majority of governorships for the first time in 16 years in Tuesday’s elections, further punctuating the party’s success across the map.’
‘Republicans had entered Tuesday’s elections with a 26-24 majority in governor’s races.’
‘Seizing on a broadly toxic political climate for Republicans, Democrats flipped control of five governor’s mansions in states President Donald Trump carried in 2024, while maintaining power in several other battleground states.’
‘Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs won re-election over Republican Andy Biggs, casting herself as a moderate in a state Trump won by 5 percentage points in 2024.’
‘In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro won re-election by more than 20 points, while in Michigan, Democrat Jocelyn Benson defeated Republican John James to succeed Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.’
‘In Kansas, Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher was locked in a tight contest with Republican Ty Masterson. Despite Kansas’ history as a solidly Republican state, it has had a Democratic governor for the last eight years.’
‘In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany to succeed two-term Democrat Tony Evers.’
Record number of Black governors elected in Tuesday’s midterms (WaPo)
‘Next year, for the first time in U.S. history, there will be five Black governors serving simultaneously — the most ever.’
‘Until Tuesday’s midterm elections, only three Black politicians had ever been elected by voters to serve as governors, all in different election cycles.’
Ford wins Nevada’s governor race; Lombardo concedes (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
‘Aaron Ford will become the next governor of Nevada. The Democratic attorney general defeated incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, according to The Associated Press, which called the race early Wednesday. Ford was ahead 51.4 percent to Lombardo’s 44.4 percent as of Wednesday night.’
‘Lombardo didn’t shy away from his relationship with the Trump administration, telling the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he’s his own person. Ford has defended his work travel that led to attacks that labeled him “high-flying Ford.”’
Keisha Lance Bottoms leads 8 Black women who won statewide in Georgia (USA Today)
‘Black women in Georgia made history on Nov. 3, and not just because Keisha Lance Bottoms will soon be the nation’s first Black female governor. A record-obliterating eight Black women won statewide office in the Peach State.’
‘In addition to Bottoms, former Fulton County judge and Biden administration USDA official Penny Brown Reynolds was elected as Georgia’s secretary of state, and current Georgia state representative and former prosecutor Tanya Miller will now serve as the state’s attorney general. Lydia Powell was elected as Georgia state schools superintendent; Katherine Juhan-Arnold as agriculture commissioner; Keisha Sean Waites as insurance commissioner; Nikki Porcher as labor commissioner; and Sheila Edwards as a state public service commissioner.’
‘As a result, 10 of Georgia’s 15 top statewide elected officials will soon be Black.’
‘Georgia House Minority Leader Rep. Carolyn Hugley, a Black woman, is also poised to become the state speaker of the House as Democrats will take over for the first time in more than 20 years.’ 📌
Iowa’s next governor Rob Sand, facing GOP legislature, vows “I’m going to veto” culture war bills (CBS)
‘Democrat Rob Sand won Iowa’s governor’s race Tuesday, defeating Republican Zach Lahn. Before the race was decided, he described his approach to governing this way: “Right wing, left wing, same bird.”’
‘Asked whether he would rather be an independent than a Democrat, Sand said, “I would love to do that,” though he said it isn’t realistic. He said his parents were registered independents and that he registered as one himself the first time he registered to vote.’
‘He said he would not spend time on culture war legislation. “I’m going to veto those bills,” Sand said, adding that his focus would be cancer, water quality, the economy and public education.’
Acton: ‘No intention’ of speaking with Ramaswamy after ‘beyond the pale’ ad (The Hill)
‘Ohio Gov.-elect Amy Acton (D) said Friday she does not plan to speak with her former opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, after he ran a controversial attack ad against her in the final weeks of the campaign.’
‘Ramaswamy debuted an ad featuring Acton’s mother, who lost custody of her daughter when Acton was 12, in which she called her daughter a “liar” and encouraged Ohioans not to vote for her. Acton’s stepfather was charged with sexually abusing her, and her mother remained with him until his death.’
‘In a Friday interview on “CBS Mornings,” Acton said she did not take Ramaswamy’s concession phone call because she did not want to “normalize” his behavior.’
Democrat Gina Hinojosa topples Greg Abbott to become first Latina governor of Texas (Texas Tribune)
‘Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday, denying the Republican a record fourth term and triggering a political earthquake in a state that has not seen a Democrat sit in the governor’s mansion this century.’
‘With a populist campaign promise to revitalize public schools and purge state government of undue corporate and billionaire influence, Hinojosa overcame a more than four-to-one spending disparity to topple the three-term Republican incumbent.’
‘Hinojosa, 52, will be Texas’ first Latina governor. The state’s last female chief executive — and the last Democrat to serve in the governor’s mansion — was Ann Richards, who lost reelection to George W. Bush in 1994.’
‘Though Texas maintains a constitutionally weak governor, Abbott consolidated executive control like no other Texas governor had before him. He wielded immense power through appointments in state government, executive orders and vetoes, and he pushed the limits of his constitutionally-defined authority using emergency actions and disaster declarations.
In blue wave, Democrats flipped legislatures, won trifectas and toppled GOP supermajorities (Stateline)
Democrats seize power in Texas, ending decades of GOP dominance (Texas Tribune)
‘Lt. Gov. Vikki Goodwin will oversee the Senate, a role Dan Patrick has wielded with an iron fist. But Republicans are expected to maintain a majority of that chamber, and already, there’s talk of finding ways to curb her authority on crucial roles like deciding what legislation to bring to the floor of the chamber.’
‘As attorney general, [State Sen. Nathan] Johnson could decide to reverse the state’s position on, or drop entirely, controversial lawsuits that Paxton got the state embroiled in. He could also join other blue states — because that’s what Texas is now, by some metrics — in bringing lawsuits against the Trump administration.’
‘Comptroller Sarah Eckhardt will hold the state’s purse strings, overseeing the $1 billion school voucher program she and the rest of the legislative Democrats voted against approving. Agriculture Commissioner Clayton Tucker will be responsible for programs designed to support farmers, and shape policy around data centers and rural Texas.’
Democrats Sweep Supreme Court of Texas, Winning Four of Nine Seats (The Texan)
Every Republican incumbent running for re-election this year to the Supreme Court of Texas (SCOTX) lost his seat on election night. The four Democratic nominees defeated a full slate of justices appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday night.’
‘Democratic candidate Maggie Ellis, a justice on the Austin-based Third Court of Appeals (COA), defeated Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock with over 52 percent of the vote. An avowed originalist, Blacklock was appointed to the court in 2018 and won his first statewide election in November that year. Abbott elevated Blacklock to the role of chief justice in 2025.’
Flipped Chambers
‘[Texas] Democrats entered the night with 62 of the House’s 150 seats, needing to flip 14 to claim the majority. By early Wednesday afternoon, the Associated Press had called 11 Republican-held seats in their favor, and GOP incumbents had conceded in three others. Democrats led in at least seven other GOP districts where all Election Day returns had come in — positioning them to net 21 seats, barring changes from recounts or provisional and mail-in ballots that could still be tallied.’
‘If those results hold, Democrats would enter the next legislative session in January with 83 seats to Republicans’ 67.’
‘With just a handful of races left to be called a day after Tuesday’s midterm elections, Democrats appear poised to take control of the Georgia state House of Representatives, ending more than two decades of Republican control of the chamber.’
‘Democrats needed to flip control of 10 seats to control 91 seats in the 180-member chamber, and party leaders expressed confidence they will narrowly exceed that margin when all the votes are counted.’
‘A historic sweep Tuesday gave New Hampshire Democrats their biggest House majority ever, leaving them just shy of the supermajority in both chambers needed to override any veto from Gov. Kelly Ayotte.’
‘Although the final results aren’t in yet, House Democrats will have well over a 2-to-1 edge in the 400-person House of Representatives and picked up seven state Senate seats to go from a 16-8 deficit to 15-9 in the majority.’
‘Next year, North Carolina Democrats will have more political power than they’ve had since 2010, with a commanding majority in the House and the governorship.’
‘Unofficial results show Democrats winning 71 seats to Republicans’ 48, with one unaffiliated winner. In five districts, the leader appears to have won by less than 1 point, placing those races in recount territory.’
‘Before Democrats take control of the House, Republicans are set to return to Raleigh for a lame duck session. In past lame duck sessions, Republicans stripped power from Democratic governors and other Democratic officials.’
Secured Trifectas
‘Arizona Democrats now have control of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office, giving the party its first trifecta in the state since 1966. Additionally, both the state Senate and House flipped blue, according to the latest election results. Republicans in Arizona had held the House for 60 years and the Senate since the early 1990s.’
‘As of early Wednesday morning, Michigan Democrats have secured 19 seats in the state Senate while the Republicans secured 14 seats, the Associated Press reported. The AP also reported that the Democrats secured 51 seats in the state House, compared to the 43 seats that GOP secured on election night.’
‘Klobuchar’s landslide 12-point win over Republican Lisa Demuth would mark the largest margin of victory for a Minnesota governor since 1994. Minnesota House Democrats are anticipating their biggest majority since the Obama era, Leader Zack Stephenson told reporters.’
‘Unlike in 2023 and 2024, the state is no longer flush with cash, and Klobuchar, a moderate U.S. senator, campaigned on fiscal restraint, fighting fraud and improving the state’s business climate.’
‘Nevada Democrats achieved a trifecta in Carson City by winning both legislative houses and the Governor’s Mansion, according to The Associated Press. The party will hold 28 seats in the Assembly and 13 in the Senate. The vote totals gave Democrats a supermajority in the Assembly, but the latest election results Wednesday night showed that they were one seat short of a two-thirds majority in the Senate.’
‘Pennsylvania is one of few states with a divided government, as Democrats currently control the governor’s mansion and House while Republicans control the Senate. That has stalled many efforts to advance legislation through both chambers of the General Assembly to the governor’s desk. The makeup of the chambers will change in January when the candidates elected Tuesday are sworn in. As of Wednesday morning, Democrats were poised to assume a 26-24 majority in the Senate and had a 111-88 advantage in the House, with four races still undecided.’
‘For the first time in nearly two decades, Democrats will control the Legislature and governor’s seat in Wisconsin, setting the stage for a new era in state politics after years of Republican reign and divided government. In the state Senate, Democrats won races in four key battleground districts and flipped three Republican seats, meaning Democrats will hold an 18-15 majority at the start of the year. In the Assembly, Democrats flipped eight seats, securing a 53-46 majority.’
‘A big part of Democrats’ agenda involves undoing some of Walker’s policies. They aim to overturn Act 10, the controversial law that stripped most public workers of collective bargaining rights. Walker also signed a law in 2015 that restricted abortions in Wisconsin past 20 weeks of pregnancy, something Democrats also want to target.’
Broken Supermajorities
‘Missouri voters ended Republican supermajorities in the Missouri House and Senate on Tuesday night after Democrats picked up several seats across the state. [...] [Cole Co. Democrats Chair Dustin] Bax said Democrats also gained as many as 17 seats in the Missouri House and two seats in the Senate.’
‘The South Carolina Democratic Party flipped 10 seats in the state House on Election Day, breaking the Republican supermajority in the chamber.Democrats launched a historic effort this election cycle to field a candidate in all 124 state House districts. After flipping 10 seats, Democrats now hold 45 seats in the South Carolina House of Representatives, compared with 79 for Republicans.’
‘Ohio Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House, limiting the lawmakers’ ability to override vetos from incoming Democratic governor Amy Acton. Ohio voters elected 42 Democrats and 52 Republicans to the Ohio House, according to unofficial election results. Five of the races were too close to call as of Wednesday afternoon.’
‘Voters in Kansas forced recalculation of partisan math in the Kansas House as Democrats flipped as many as 20 seats and crushed the Republican supermajority that allowed one-party domination of public policy debates for the past 16 years.’
‘Unofficial results from Tuesday indicated Republicans absorbed losses in 15 House districts that voted for President Donald Trump two years ago in the presidential race. If preliminary counts were to hold, Republicans would retain a majority in the House, but the GOP advantage would shrink to 68-57. It would be the smallest working margin for House’ Republicans since 1992.’
Indiana
House
Indiana House Dems flip 16 seats; closest to majority since 2008 (WHAS)
‘Indiana House Republicans had a historic night on Tuesday. Many of them say they didn’t expect this level of success. [...] Before Tuesday night, Republicans had a “super-majority” with a 70-30 advantage in the state house. Now, that lead has been trimmed to 54-46.’
‘Indiana law requires 2/3 of House members to be present to vote. So, technically, the Republicans could have had a quorum of lawmakers with only one party present.’
See a tally of Indiana Statehouse seats that turned blue after the midterms (IndyStar)
‘District 4: In Porter County, Republican Incumbent Ed Soliday lost the battle to retain his seat to Democrat Ryan Kominakis. Kominakis had about 54% of the vote compared to Soliday’s 42%. Libertarian Travis Gearhart received about 4%.
District 5: Democrat Alex Wait, a script writer from Granger, took down Republican Rep. Dale DeVon, 53% to 48%, in northern Indiana’s race.
District 24: Democrat Racheal Bleicher beat Republican incumbent and former NFL player Hunter Smith, 53% to 47%, in a district that includes parts of Hamilton and Boone counties.
District 25: Democrat Tiffany Stoner bested Republican Rep. Becky Cash, 59% to 41%, in a district that includes parts of Boone and Hendricks counties.
District 36: Anderson Housing Authority CEO Kim Townsend, a Democrat, beat Republican incumbent Kyle Pierce in Madison County. Townsend won roughly 55% of the vote to Pierce’s 45%.
District 39: Lindsay Gramlich, a nonprofit CEO, flipped a seat which comprises parts of Carmel and Westfield in Hamilton County, after Gramlich beat Rep. Danny Lopez, 54% to 46%.
District 40: Democrat William Colteryahn defeated Rep. Greg Steuerwald, 55% to 45%, in Hendricks County. Steuerwald was the caucus chair for House Republicans.
District 62: Democrat Amy Huffman Oliver bested incumbent Dave Hall. The district includes all of Brown County and parts of Jackson and Monroe. Oliver, an attorney and Brown County School Corp. board member, finished with 59% of voter support compared to about 41% for Hall.
District 72: In Floyd County, Democrat Michele Henry, an attorney, beat Republican candidate Darrell Neeley, 52.5% to 47.5%. Republican Ed Clare held the seat for two decades but decided not to seek reelection.
District 88: Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, conceded to Democrat Stephanie Jo Yocum on Nov. 4 in a statement on social media. She beat him 54% to 46% in the district that includes parts of Marion, Hamilton, Madison and Hancock counties.
District 90: Rep. Andrew Ireland, R-Indianapolis, conceded to Democrat David Boyd, who captured 51% of voters to Ireland’s 49%, according to complete but unofficial Marion County election results.
District 91: Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, the longtime chairman of the House Education Committee, lost with 46% of the vote, while Democratic challenger Jarren Hurt picked up 54%, according to complete but unofficial Marion County election results.
District 93: Democratic challenger Eva Rosberg ousted Republican Rep. Julie McGuire, picking up 51% of voters to the incumbent’s 49%, according to complete but unofficial Marion County election results.’
District 37: House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, lost to Democrat Lauren Cole. Huston, who has led the House since 2020, received about 48.5% of the vote to Cole’s 51.5%, according to Hamilton County Clerk’s Office unofficial results.
Indiana House Republicans select leadership after former Speaker of House sees reelection bid fail (FOX59)
‘ State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) was selected by the Indiana House Republican caucus members to serve as House Speaker-elect, replacing Huston.’
‘The majority caucus selected State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) to serve as House Majority Leader and State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) to serve as Majority Caucus Chair.’
Senate
Clark County ballot review could cost Garten Senate seat (Indy Politics)
‘Senate Republicans’ choice for president pro tem, Charlestown Republican Chris Garten, could lose his re-election bid. Ballots from two Clark County precincts are under review in the Senate District 45 race, and the county’s Democratic chair says the review could change the outcome.’
‘Unofficial results posted by the Indiana Secretary of State show Garten with 21,817 votes and Democrat Nick Marshall with 21,520, a margin of 297 votes. Libertarian Larry Mahaney was also on the ballot.’
‘The source told Indy Politics the ballots in question come from two precincts that lean heavily Democratic, as much as 70-30.’
Indiana Senate Democrats elect leadership team after gaining 5 new seats in November election (WTHR)
‘Indiana saw significant gains for Democrats, as voters flipped five State Senate seats while retaining representation in Districts29 and 46, leading to a 50% increase in representation in the Senate for Democrats.’
‘Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) was reelected as the Senate minority leader. Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton) was elected assistant Democratic leader and Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis) was elected caucus chair, according to a news release by the Indiana General Assembly.’
‘Seven new members will join the caucus, including five Democrats in elected seats that previously were held by Republicans: Scott Houldieson (District 1), Gabrianna Gratzol (District 11), Julie McGill (District 15), Natasha Baker (District 22) and Kerry Forestal (District 31). Kristina Moorhead (District 29) and Allissa Impink (District 46) were also elected to succeed outgoing Democratic senators.’
State-Wide
Bayh puts Indiana Democrats back in winning column with secretary of state victory (ICC)
‘Beau Bayh prevailed in the secretary of state’s race with about 51.4% of the vote in Tuesday night’s vote tallies over Republican candidate Max Engling’s 43%. About 90% of the vote had been counted statewide.’ [updated numbers: 51.8%-42.6%]
‘The victory by the 30-year-old attorney and Marine Corps veteran is the first statewide win for a Democratic candidate since the 2012 election.’
‘His campaign messaging included topics such as data center regulation and support for tax cuts that are outside the secretary of state office’s responsibilities. That contributed to Republican attacks that Bayh intends using the secretary of state’s office as a stepping stone to a higher position.’’
Greg Ballard lost the secretary of state race but gained ballot access for the Lincoln Party (WTHR)
‘Since Ballard and the Lincoln Party won more than 2% of the vote Tuesday, party candidates are automatically on the ballot for the next four years. That was the new Lincoln Party’s first goal, and now they’re turning their attention to the future of what the party looks like and winning races.’
‘The Lincoln Party wants to focus on putting high-quality independent candidates on the ballot.’
‘[Party Chair Nathan] Gotsch and the Lincoln Party are working now to determine the nominating process and will be gathering feedback from Hoosiers on what that should look like.
As Lincoln Party secures automatic ballot access, Libertarians may fall short (IndyStar)
‘As the final votes are tallied, multiple sources show Libertarian Lauri Shillings has not yet earned 2% of votes yet. The New York Times and Decision Desk HQ reported Shillings had about 1.9% of the vote as of Thursday morning. More than 95% of ballots have been counted.’
‘If she doesn’t cross the threshold, it could jeopardize the Libertarian Party’s automatic access to the ballot and shake up third party competition in future Hoosier elections.’
‘For future Libertarian candidates, if the current election results hold, they may be forced to collect signatures if she doesn’t clear the threshold.’
Indiana Republicans lose 2nd statewide office in comptroller race (ICC)
‘Indiana Republicans lost a second statewide office with Democrat Jessica Bailey defeating incumbent Comptroller Elise Nieshalla.’
‘While Bayh spent millions, Bailey spent only $169,000 this year according to the most recent campaign finance reports. Nieshalla spent about $290,000. These figures don’t include spending by the state parties on the overall ticket.’
‘Bailey’s win could also aid Bayh’s planned audit of the Secretary of State Office because she would control many of the financial records in question.’
‘Bailey’s campaign focused on making the state’s transparency portal more accessible to Hoosiers. She also wants the three-member State Board of Finance — which authorizes loans, appropriations and transfers made between accounts that don’t require legislative approval —to engage in more public discussion.’
Incumbent Republican Daniel Elliott keeps Indiana state treasurer seat (IDS)
‘Incumbent Republican Daniel Elliott will retain his seat as Indiana’s state treasurer after defeating Democratic challenger Coumba Kebe in Tuesday’s midterm election. Elliott held 51% of the vote with over 99% of ballots counted, the Associated Press reported Thursday.’
‘Elliott serves as chair of the Indiana Bond Bank, which helps finance local governments, and the Indiana Education Savings Authority, the governing board of Indiana’s college savings plans. He is the sole trustee of the State Police Pension Trust, which provides retirement benefits to the Indiana State Police.’
Indiana treasurer candidates differ on transparency, state investments (IDS)
‘Kebe questioned whether Indiana’s investments in Israeli state bonds were delivering the best possible returns, arguing that investment decisions should prioritize financial performance over political considerations. Elliott’s office has described the bonds as both strong-performing and a reflection of Indiana’s relationship with Israel.’
‘State investments in Israel total $135 million, including $120 million in Israeli state bonds and $15 million for Iron Nation-Indiana, Kebe said.’
Municipal
Democratic socialist Nithya Raman defeats Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayor’s race (NBC)
‘City Council member Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race, NBC News projected Thursday, capping off a rapid political ascent for a progressive challenger who railed against the “broken status quo” in the country’s second-largest metropolis.’
‘Raman, 45, who is part of the Democratic Socialists of America, unseated Bass, a former six-term congresswoman and a fixture of California’s political scene for decades. The result means the country’s two largest cities will be led by democratic socialists, with Raman joining New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.’
‘Bass leaves office after a tumultuous term. She faced intense scrutiny over her response to a January 2025 wildfire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, the most destructive in Los Angeles history.’
‘Raman, a former urban planner and activist, accused Bass of mismanaging the city’s homelessness problem and rising housing prices. She blasted City Hall for what she characterized as “a reluctance to move forward with the transformative policy change that this city needs right now.”’
D.C. elected its first democratic socialist mayor. What does it mean for the city? (WaPo)
‘[Janeese] Lewis George’s ascendance is especially noteworthy in a city where voters over the past generation have elected mainstream Democrats as mayor, nonideological leaders who have promoted development, modernized schools and sought to improve government services as D.C. emerged from near bankruptcy in the mid-1990s.’
‘During her campaign, Lewis George catered to unions and tenants. Her promises included universal affordable child care, an effort to lower utility bills and the construction of 72,000 housing units, all aligned with DSA’s focus of cutting costs for blue-collar and middle-class families.’
‘Ron Lester, a veteran pollster whose clients have included former D.C. mayors as well as congressional candidates, said voters are gravitating toward democratic socialists like Lewis George not for ideological reasons but because they are “addressing affordability, income inequality and the price of health care.”’
DSA Candidates Win Mayor’s Races in L.A., D.C., Ann Arbor and Providence (Democracy Now)
‘Providence, Rhode Island, elected democratic socialist David Morales as mayor. At 28 years old, he is also the youngest mayor in Providence’s history. Morales has vowed to fight for working people and immigrants.’
‘And DSA candidate Yousef Rabhi has claimed victory in the mayoral race in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rabhi campaigned on building more city-subsidized affordable housing, labor rights and proposing a moratorium on data centers.’
Ballot Measures/Referendums
Indiana
Projections indicate majority of Hoosiers voted ‘yes’ on public questions on Indiana ballots (FOX59)
‘The majority of Hoosiers opted to vote “yes” on the two public questions on Indiana’s ballots this election, according to projections from The Associated Press.’
Question 1: ‘Once formally in effect, the rule will allow the State to deny bail for individuals charged with offenses other than murder or treason.’
‘Opponents of the question, like the Indiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), believe amending the state’s bail rules will over-expand the government’s ability to jail suspects before their trials.’
‘Other opponents of the bill have argued that the State would shoulder increased costs to house those denied bail.’
‘Jail overcrowding is also an issue the amendment’s detractors have brought up.’
‘Proponents of the question argue that it will help keep repeat offenders off the streets and behind bars, thus improving public safety.’
‘[State Senator Aaron] Freeman also contends that the rules established in the amendment will likely be used sparingly by judges.’
The second public question has not been scrutinized to the degree the first has. Nor has the second public question received as much media attention. A “yes” vote for the question would allow [city or town] judges to live in the county bordering the one they work in.
Majority of Indiana school referendums pass (ICC)
‘The Indiana School Boards Association found voters supported 27 of the 39 referendums on the ballot this year, or about 70% passage rate.’
‘ISBA Director Terry Spradlin described it as a paradox: In an election dominated by angst about the cost of living, many Hoosiers were still willing to pay more in property taxes to support their public schools.’
‘The ISBA intends to push for a 6% minimum increase in state tuition support for public K-12 schools in the next biennial budget, which would restore K-12 funding to 2024 levels at a time when state revenues have outperformed forecasts, Spradlin said.’
‘Lawmakers increased K-12 tuition support by 5% in the 2026-27 budget [...] Still, Spradlin said the cost of non-discretionary expenses like fuel, utilities, bus replacements and employee health insurance has far exceeded inflation, with many districts reporting health insurance increases in excess of 10%.
School districts that lost Indiana tax referendums confront a tough question: What should we cut? (WFYI)
‘12 [...] failed to pass their referendums for more funding in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results. Those districts’ leaders must now fill budget holes driven by several factors — including Indiana’s property tax reforms enacted last year that will leave districts with less of a significant source of local funding. There could be a range of consequences, from reduced bus service to school closures.’
‘To plug about $700,000 of its roughly $2 million deficit, Mississinewa plans to cut transportation for about 1,200 students next year and reduce its preschool program, in addition to eliminating the sole remaining school resource officer next school year. In the meantime, it will immediately begin charging fees for any groups that use school facilities.’
‘Sheridan Community Schools also lost its referendum. [...] Referendums in Madison County benefitting Anderson and Elwood schools appear to have failed.’
Where voters stand on state ballot measures, from abortion to LGBTQ rights to guns (NPR)
Voting
‘Election results show Alaskans opting to keep ranked choice voting, open primaries and certain campaign finance rules aimed at unmasking donors.’
‘Other states — including Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio — passed measures toughening identification requirements for voters, while California voted against such an effort.’
‘Several states — including Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota and West Virginia — approved measures reinforcing that U.S. citizenship is required to vote in their elections.’
‘Missouri voters rejected a Republican-friendly congressional map, while Maryland voters passed a redistricting amendment that could pave the way for a Democrat-leaning map in 2028.’
‘Virginians passed a measure automatically restoring voting rights to anyone convicted of a felony once they have completed their sentence.’
LGBTQ Rights
‘Virginians also passed a constitutional amendment officially repealing its ban on gay marriage and adding language confirming that the commonwealth will recognize marriage between two adults regardless of their sex, gender or race.’
‘Virginia’s ban has been moot since the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal nationwide in 2015, but this measure is seen as a safeguard in case Obergefell v. Hodges gets reversed’
‘Vermont overwhelmingly voted to add an amendment to its constitution guaranteeing equal protection under the law “race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.”’
‘A number of states considered measures restricting transgender kids’ access to school sports teams and gender-affirming care.’
Taxes
‘One of the most high-profile ballot measures asked Floridians to weigh cutting property taxes for homeowners, which critics say would take billions of dollars in local government revenue away from much-needed public services like food banks, libraries, transportation and infrastructure. Voters overwhelmingly passed the amendment.’
‘Tennessee voters approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting its government from levying a statewide property tax.’
Gun Laws
‘Massachusetts voted to keep a 2024 law tightening firearm regulations. The law made Massachusetts gun control measures among the strictest in the nation.’
‘Meanwhile, in Idaho, a ballot measure asked voters for help choosing the official state gun.’
Data Centers
At least 38 jurisdictions voted on the sprawling facilities needed to power AI. [...] Of these, at least 12 localities voted to restrict the size of data centers, while six others voted to halt development and ban construction of all facilities.’
Voters in Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia Opt to Protect Reproductive Rights (State Court Report)
‘Missouri’s Amendment 3 struck a significant blow to the antiabortion movement. [...] In 2024, Missouri voters narrowly passed a measure establishing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom that encompassed abortion. Republican lawmakers responded by referring this year’s Amendment 3 to voters, which would have repealed the 2024 amendment. [...] Ultimately, voters in Missouri comfortably rejected the proposal.’
‘The vote in Nevada shored up existing reproductive-rights protections against potential future partisan change. Nevada’s ballot measure, Question 6, establishes a right to abortion in the Nevada Constitution until viability, and permits later procedures “to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”’
‘Virginia’s Question 1 similarly strengthens protections already enshrined in state law. The measure establishes a right to reproductive freedom. [...] Under Question 1, the state may regulate abortion in the third trimester, but patients maintain a right to abortion care after that where a pregnancy is not viable or where a physician determines an abortion is necessary to protect the life, mental health, or physical health of the patient.’
‘A study conducted in January by Boise State University showed Idahoans to be generally supportive of a ballot measure protecting reproductive rights. But opponents of Proposition 1 seem to have turned the tide this fall, after Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador (R) published an opinion establishing that churches were allowed to donate money to political campaigns without disclosing the identity of individual church tithers or donors. [...] The moves seem to have made a difference: Idahoans rejected Proposition 1 by a meaningful margin.’
Montana, Michigan and More U.S. States Vote to Kick Big Money Out of Politics (Triple Pundit)
‘Montana took the biggest step on this year’s ballot by banning any “artificial persons,” such as corporations, unions and nonprofits including dark money groups, from contributing to elections.’
‘First inspired by The Montana Plan, state legislators in Hawaii created their own law to prohibit campaign spending by corporations and other private groups, and they actually beat Montana to enacting it. Signed into law in June, the Hawaii measure also uses the “artificial persons” classification.’
‘Meanwhile, a California ballot initiative aiming to move toward public campaign financing for state and local elections was behind by around 49 percent to 51 percent on Friday with about two-thirds of ballots counted.’
‘Also called the ‘Money out of Politics’ proposal, [Michigan’s] Prop 2 bans utility and electric companies and any company that receives more than $250,000 in government contracts from contributing to campaigns in the state.
DTE, Consumers sue to block ‘money out of politics’ proposal approved by voters (AP)
‘Two days after Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved Proposal 2, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy on Thursday sued to stop implementation of new restrictions on their political giving.’
‘The state’s largest utilities argue that the new law — approved by more than 80% of voters in Tuesday’s election — will violate their free speech rights and other provisions of the US Constitution.’
California billionaire tax appears headed for defeat (CalMatters)
‘Proposition 40, a high-profile proposal to tax billionaires based on their wealth, appeared headed for defeat early Wednesday with a little more than half the vote counted. Election returns showed Prop. 40 trailing by 55.6% with 60% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press.’
‘Billionaire opponents and business interests poured $316.7 million into the campaign to stop Prop. 40. [...] Google co-founder Sergey Brin led the opposition, publicly moving out of state and donating $102 million to [...] a political committee he founded to oppose the tax.
California billionaires faced down a tax and won new protections for their wealth (CalMatters)
‘The proponents of a California billionaire tax didn’t just lose their campaign to impose a first-in-the-nation tax on wealthy people’s assets. They also appear to have lost a campaign that will make it harder for them to try again in the future.’
‘Proposition 42, which prohibits new taxes on personal property such as business holdings, intellectual property and financial assets, is leading by a wide margin. [...] It was one of two measures that tech billionaires placed on the ballot in an effort to cancel out the wealth tax.’
Fallout
For Republicans
Vance blames Iran war for GOP’s midterm losses (Politico)
‘Vice President JD Vance blamed Republicans’ sweeping midterm losses on the war with Iran on Wednesday, arguing that voters who backed President Donald Trump in 2024 turned against the Republican Party over the conflict.’
‘“I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term,” Trump said of Vance’s claims. “But at the same time, if I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again because long term, it’s the only answer.”’
Trump stands by Hegseth as GOP criticism mounts and he pushes to restart the Iran war (Yahoo!)
‘Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense political backlash over the United States’ costly and unpopular war with Iran following the historic drubbing Republicans took from Democrats in this week’s midterm elections. But President Trump has said he is not considering replacing his Pentagon chief, at least not yet.’
‘The president also said he was unaware of a report that Hegseth has been quietly angling to fill the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Tennessee GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who was elected as the state’s next governor this week.’
‘According to CBS News, though, Trump “has been asking advisers” whether Hegseth should stay or go.’
Rubio Weighs Leaving Administration After GOP’s Midterm Loss (Bloomberg)
‘Secretary of State Marco Rubio is weighing whether to leave the Trump administration, people familiar with the matter said, as he considers his next moves following Republicans’ midterm elections wipeout this week.’
‘Rubio and his advisers are going over options for his future, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal deliberations.’
‘Rubio has spoken to officials at the White House about stepping down, and has been asked to stay, some of the people said.’
White House denies Hegseth and Rubio to leave jobs after Republican election losses (BBC via Yahoo!)
‘The White House has denied rumours that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio might leave their jobs in a post-election shakeup of the Trump administration.’
‘In a telephone interview with ABC News, Trump said that he had received “calls about” Hegseth, but added that he had “every intention” of keeping him.’
‘The White House and US State Department also shut down reports that Rubio might be leaving after this week’s midterm losses, with both calling it “fake news”.’
‘In his early analysis of the results, Vance also appeared to anticipate and try to preempt an internal Republican fight over how the party should respond to its losses, particularly on the administration’s hardline immigration stance and use of ICE. “I’m open to the idea that we should change enforcement — by focusing more on businesses that hire illegal labor, for instance. But anyone pushing amnesty is lying to you.”’
Mullin says deportations will continue (The Hill)
‘Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, “Deportations will continue,” in a social media post Wednesday.’
‘Democrats campaigned against President Trump’s immigration crackdown, with some using the call to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a slogan on the campaign trail.’
‘Democrats have vowed to use their power in Congress to restrain ICE, potentially withholding future funding and becoming an authority to conduct oversight on the agency. But they will likely face resistance from Republican lawmakers, and any attempts made at the legislative level could face a presidential veto, with Trump pledging this week to become “Mr. Veto” if Democrats regain control of Congress.’
Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff (Politico)
‘President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post Friday that longtime aide Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, elevating the immigration hardliner to one of the most important roles in the White House.’
‘A person close to the White House, granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, said Wiles likely wouldn’t have been ousted if Republicans had done much better on Tuesday night, but added “it’s important to get some fresh blood” into the White House.’
‘“I know for a fact that the president was frustrated that Susie acted as a restraining bull,” said another person familiar with the relationship between Wiles and the president.’
‘A longtime Republican with significant roots in Florida politics, Wiles became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff when Trump returned to office in January 2025.’
White House Staffers Leak Trump Team’s Secret Plan to Govern Without Congress When They Get Destroyed On Tuesday (Dean Blundell)
‘A White House official and two other people familiar with the plans told Reuters that Stephen Miller, Russell Vought and the White House Counsel’s Office have spent seven months identifying every executive action Trump can take on immigration, tariffs, housing and federal spending without a single vote in Congress.’
‘They’re looking at what Trump can do on his own, where he can push the limits of his authority, and how to defend those decisions in court. Three things. What’s legal, what’s probably not, and how to argue it anyway.’
‘New tariffs on critical minerals and wind turbines. Tighter visa rules for international students and temporary foreign workers. A package of housing and construction measures they can do by fiat. Federal agencies have already sent in their proposals along with legal reviews of what each one can pull off unilaterally.’
‘Then there’s Vought. The Office of Management and Budget director is going line by line through money Congress already appropriated to figure out which Trump priorities can run on it regardless of what the next Congress wants.’
House Speaker Mike Johnson won’t stay on as Republican leader after GOP losses (NBC)
‘A day after Democrats captured the House majority, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told his staff Wednesday morning he will not stay on as Republican leader in the new Congress, according to four sources on the phone call.’
‘Johnson’s departure will leave open the position of House minority leader. Republicans are scheduled to hold an internal election to select their candidate for the position Nov. 10.’
‘Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who is the No. 2 GOP leader, a close Johnson ally and a fellow Louisiana Republican, announced his bid for minority leader in a letter to GOP colleagues Wednesday.’
‘Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a conservative leader in the House and staunch defender of President Donald Trump, is also running for GOP leader, he told colleagues in a letter Wednesday.’
‘“We need a complete reset of all leadership,” said one senior GOP lawmaker. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., made similar remarks, saying House GOP leadership alienated conservatives. “You have been embarrassingly weak and more afraid of governing conservatively than of disappointing the voters who put us in office,” Steube said on X.’
Thune to run for minority leader (Roll Call)
‘Senate Republicans are preparing to make the transition from the majority to the minority — and their top leaders will seek to retain their positions in the 120th Congress, even after the political drubbing they endured Tuesday night. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., will run for minority leader during next week’s GOP leadership elections, a spokesperson for his office said.’
‘Thune, 65, has served as the majority leader for nearly two years since winning a three-way race to succeed Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as the chamber’s top Republican.’
‘Thune at times had a tumultuous relationship with the president as Trump pushed legislation, like the voter-ID related bill known as the SAVE America Act, that never had a chance of passing the chamber.’
For Democrats
Incoming Democratic senators don’t want Chuck Schumer as majority leader (Guardian)
‘Annie Andrews, the Democratic senator-elect from South Carolina, told Fox News’s Bret Baier on Thursday that the Democratic party needs new leadership.’
‘Adam Hamilton, the senator-elect from Kansas, told CNN on the campaign trail that he would not support Schumer as the party’s leader.’
‘Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan, again declined to support Schumer as the majority leader on CNN on Thursday and said he wanted to consider other options.’
‘Other incoming Democrats have also declined to support Schumer, including James Talarico, the senator-elect from Texas; Juliana Stratton, the senator-elect of Illinois; Chris Pappas, the senator-elect of New Hampshire; Peggy Flanagan, the senator-elect of Minnesota; and Troy Jackson, the senator-elect of Maine’
The Base Wants Someone Else. Schumer Has the Votes (Time)
‘In the run up to the election, a handful of Senators—Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Brian Schaatz of Hawaii, Cory Booker of New Jersey—were seen as potential contenders to replace Schumer as majority leader. But in the days that followed, none raised their hand.’
‘Many owe him favors related to his running Senate Democrats’ campaign arm with a vise-like grip for the last two decades. Raising billions for party candidates—either directly or indirectly through campaign committees and an aligned super PAC—gives him plenty of chits to call in.’
‘Indivisible, the liberal group that emerged from the ashes of Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 presidential bid, became one of the first organizations this week to openly call for Schumer to step aside or be deposed.’
‘”The issue is not me,” Schumer said Wednesday. “I’ll be re-elected as Majority Leader, but the issue is focusing on the American people and what they want.”’
Hakeem Jeffries Says Impeachment and Getting Even Aren’t Priorities (TNR)
‘House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries isn’t interested in seeking impeachment charges against President Donald Trump. [...] “The American people don’t want us to get even. They want us to get things done on their behalf because life is way too expensive,” Jeffries said [on Morning Joe Wednesday].’
After sweeping midterm wins, here’s what Democrats hope to get done in the majority (NPR)
‘The next likely House Speaker, Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters on Wednesday that Democrats will usher in “bold, dramatic change.”’
‘Democrats say that in the first hundred hours, they want to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts Republicans passed last year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that are about to take effect.’
‘They also want to reassert Congress’ authority over tariffs and try to force an end to the Iran war by bringing new votes on war powers resolutions. These are priorities on which Democrats have near-total agreement.’
‘Investigations will also be a major focus for Democrats now emboldened by subpoena power. The top Democrat on the House Oversight committee, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., released a two-word statement on election night directed at Trump and his orbit: “Lawyer up.”’
‘Number three Senate Democrat Brian Schatz of Hawaii, told CNN, “If we want to be more aspirational, if we want to make more bold policy changes … that’s for 2028. Right now it’s about stabilizing the country itself.”’
What Democrats Can Do (Paul Krugman)
‘Everyone paying attention knows that Trump and his cronies have been stealing billions, but many Americans probably don’t grasp the full extent of the corruption. Gaining the ability to bring this corruption into the sunlight is critical to rebuild Americans’ faith in the integrity of government.’
‘With Trump still wielding the veto pen, what should they do in the remaining two years of his term? I think I know the answer to that question: Pass highly popular legislation that would clearly benefit ordinary Americans and not the oligarchs, knowing full well that Trump will veto the legislation. Emphatically, the Democrats should not try to make deals with Trump, a man who never agreed to a deal that he didn’t subsequently try to break.’
‘Democrats should craft an expansive menu of legislation to address the issues plaguing ordinary Americans. When Trump vetoes a bill, they should attempt to override that veto, forcing each and every Republican to either to uphold Trump’s obstruction.’
‘They shouldn’t shy away from really ambitious plans, like Medicare-for-All, even though they have no chance of becoming law for now: Democrats need to be clear that they stand for real change.’
‘On foreign policy, they should pass legislation strengthening sanctions on Russia and restoring aid to Ukraine. A significant number of Republicans might even join them in overriding Trump’s veto.’
‘Other obvious examples are:
Refusal to spend more billions of dollars on a failed war with Iran
Ending the Trump tariffs
· Policies to safeguard Americans against the dangers of AI and data center hegemony
· Reforming tax policy so that it no longer benefits the wealthy and enables corporate tax evasion
· Ending ICE abuses
· Ending self-harming immigration policies
· Reconstituting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and giving it enforcement powers
· Levying a windfall profits tax on oil companies
· Policies that benefit cost-effective green energy, like solar and wind farms
· Legislation that eliminates the ability of politicians and their family members to benefit financially from their offices
‘On all these issues and more, the Democrats should force Trump to use his veto power, making it clear to the country that he is the reason Americans are suffering under destructive policies that benefit the oligarchs, Trump and his cronies.’
