On 2026-08-19, Democratic socialist state representative Angie Nixon pulled off a major upset in Florida's U.S. Senate Democratic primary, defeating former National Security Council aide Alex Vindman. By 2026-08-21, Nixon clarified she is not a traditional socialist despite joining the Democratic Socialists of America, as she prepares to face a heavily favored Republican incumbent in November.
On August 19, 2026, the House Ethics Committee confirmed it is investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California, with an accuser telling the committee she was sexually harassed and assaulted. By August 20, bipartisan female lawmakers called for the investigation to be expedited ahead of midterm elections.
‘They call us extreme, they call us radical,’ the progressive candidate said. ‘But I think people see through that’ US politics live – latest updates It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated Governor Dan McKee in Rhode Island's Democratic gubernatorial primary on September 9, 2026, ending McKee's bid for a second full term. On September 10, democratic socialist state lawmaker David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary for mayor.
Wisconsin state representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is running for governor in the purple battleground state. If elected, she would be the first democratic socialist governor in U.S. history.
Nurse N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a democratic socialist, won the Oklahoma Democratic Senate primary runoff on August 26, 2026, defeating a more moderate opponent. She will face Republican nominee Representative Kevin Hern in the general election.
Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative and democratic socialist, won Florida's Democratic Senate primary on August 19, 2026, unexpectedly defeating better-funded opponent Alexander Vindman. She will face incumbent Republican Senator Ashley Moody in the November general election.
Early in-person voting has begun in swing state Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor between a democratic socialist candidate and the incumbent governor's preferred choice. The primary is characterised as chaotic.
President Trump has approved a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that permits uranium enrichment study without traditional international safeguards against weapons development. Critics warn the deal could accelerate Saudi Arabia's path to nuclear weapons capability.
Trump ally Laura Loomer, a right-wing blogger and conspiracy theorist, faced widespread criticism on August 31–September 1, 2026, after posting racist comments on X/Twitter attacking Black politicians including Democratic socialist Angie Nixon, described as "ghetto, black, communist." The comments prompted fresh condemnation following previous similar remarks.
As of August 18–19, 2026, profiles emerged of two Democratic Senate candidates in Florida: Alex Vindman, who testified in Trump's first impeachment trial and whose twin brother Eugene is in Congress, and Angie Nixon, a democratic socialist backing universal health care and a $25 minimum wage.
On September 8–9, 2026, former Republican Senator John Sununu and Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won their respective primary races in New Hampshire. The results set up a competitive Senate race to replace retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, with both candidates fielding familiar establishment-backed campaigns.
Madison State Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is gaining prominence in Wisconsin's crowded Democratic primary for governor, forcing the party to decide between an establishment candidate and a leftward option. Her campaign has garnered voter excitement and defined the primary debate.