The Cook Political Report shifted its ratings for both Texas and Iowa Senate races to "toss-ups" on August 20, 2026, as Republicans faced challenges in the two traditionally Republican states. The nonpartisan handicapper also moved both states' gubernatorial races in Democrats' favor.
On September 25–27, the Cook Political Report shifted 15 House seat ratings toward Democrats and declared retaking the House a "done deal" following Democratic gains in key Senate races. Founder Charlie Cook stated on September 27 that reclaiming the Senate is "very realistic" for Democrats ahead of the November midterm election.
As of 2026-09-25, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report reclassified Senate races in Kansas, Georgia, and South Carolina toward Democrats, downgrading South Carolina from "solid Republican" to "likely Republican" despite incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham. The shift comes with just over a month before the general election.
Cook Political Report downgraded Alaska's gubernatorial race from Republican lean to toss-up on September 17, citing new AARP polling showing Democratic momentum. The race was previously favored to lean Republican.
CBS News covered political expectations for the US midterm elections on September 13, 2026, featuring election director Anthony Salvanto and Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Discussion focused on what voters could anticipate on the campaign trail as the election approached with fewer than 60 days remaining.
Cook Political Report Founder and Contributor Charlie Cook says the midterm landscape has deteriorated sharply for Republicans in the past month as energy costs, tariffs and affordability concerns hit voters.
On 2026-09-18, President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds, accusing them of reporting "fake news." As of 2026-09-28, major TV networks are continuing pool coverage despite the ban, and legal challenges are ongoing, with the standoff creating uncertainty about access.
com/@thecookpoli... After months of uncertainty about whether GOP groups would pony up the dollars needed for Republican Ken Paxton to compete against fundraising juggernaut Democrat James Talarico, the cavalry is coming...
By September 20, 2026, Vice President JD Vance was campaigning ahead of November's midterm elections, appealing to voters to grant Republicans another opportunity in office. The pitch came as the party faced challenging electoral dynamics.
As of August 24, 2026, NPR analysts Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed Trump's central role in the midterm campaign, including the South Carolina Senate runoff and his stated intention to make the 2026 midterms a referendum on his leadership. Trump's presence as a campaign force dominated political news.
On September 28–29, 2026, NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed a controversy over U.S. government funding being used for television advertisements promoting Donald Trump. The report highlighted concerns about misuse of public money for partisan political promotion.