Republican Party

Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, won the South Carolina Republican Senate primary runoff on August 25, 2026, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52% to 48%. Appointed after Lindsey Graham’s sudden death from an aortic tear, Graham faced criticism for admitting she was uninformed on national security but secured President Trump’s endorsement and nearly $1 million in MAGA Inc. support. She will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November for a full six-year term in the safely Republican seat.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 26, 04:17 AM UTC

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, in New York to discuss housing, immigration, and affordability. The meeting, confirmed by sources and first reported by The New York Times, suggests Trump’s inner circle is preparing for a possible Democratic House majority after the November midterms. Jeffries, likely to become Speaker if Democrats win, left the door open for bipartisan cooperation but criticized Republican policies. Critics within the Democratic party condemned the meeting as undermining accountability.

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 25, 10:58 AM UTC

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump held last-minute negotiations to avoid 50% U.S. tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian exports, including hockey sticks and liquor, set for a Wednesday deadline. The tariffs, invoked under the rarely-used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, were paused for three days after progress toward a deal. The dispute stems from U.S. allegations of Canadian trade discrimination in alcohol, autos, and dairy. Existing tariffs already cover Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.

137 reports · 39 sources · Updated Aug 31, 04:45 AM UTC

Ten candidates, including Darline Graham (Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim appointee), Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch, are vying in a special Republican primary on August 10, 2026, to fill the late senator’s seat. Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump and backed by the NRSC, is the front-runner, but a crowded field makes a runoff likely. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

24 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 24, 02:08 PM UTC

Republican Rep. Cory Mills lost Florida's 7th Congressional District primary to Ryan Elijah after facing multiple scandals, including a House ethics probe and DOJ investigation into sexual misconduct, harassment, campaign finance violations, and dating a 19-year-old. President Trump, who endorsed Mills in February, later claimed he advised Mills to drop out and endorsed Elijah after the loss. Mills' defeat by a 13-point margin in a district Trump carried by 12 points signals potential weakening of Trump's influence among Florida Republicans.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 31, 07:50 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced on August 12, 2026, that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will resign by the end of the month to spend more time with her two young children, including a daughter born in May. Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history at age 28, will become a top external advisor to Trump and work with the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. Her successor has not been named.

29 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 25, 06:50 AM UTC

On August 11-12, 2026, primary elections in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Carolina set the stage for the November midterms. In Minnesota, progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic Senate primary, while Sen. Amy Klobuchar secured the gubernatorial nod. Trump-endorsed Mike Lindell lost the GOP gubernatorial primary. In Wisconsin, progressive Francesca Hong narrowly lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary to establishment candidate David Crowley. The results highlight ongoing intra-party divisions ahead of the general election.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 12, 02:37 PM UTC

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno faces backlash after cursing at Dr. Anthony Fauci during a July 2026 Senate hearing, while remaining silent on domestic abuse allegations against his daughter's ex-husband, Representative Max Miller. Miller is accused of throwing boiling water, holding a gun to Emily Moreno's head, and fracturing their toddler's collarbone. Miller denies the claims, alleging Emily is lying and has bipolar disorder. Moreno's office dismisses the allegations as baseless, citing active litigation. The Ohio GOP delegation has largely stayed silent.

51 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 11, 01:08 PM UTC

President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

On July 30, 2026, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to defeat a Democratic amendment that would have blocked the IRS from granting tax audit immunity to a sitting president, their family, or related entities. The amendment aimed to nullify President Trump’s existing $1.8 billion settlement, which includes a fund for victims of alleged political weaponization. Republicans argued the amendment would jeopardize a bipartisan IRS modernization bill, which advanced 26-1.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 30, 05:26 PM UTC

Senate Republicans have indicated that a budget framework passed by the House last week, which includes $73 billion in new defense spending and funding for reforms under the SAVE America Act, is not ready for Senate consideration despite President Trump's demand for passage before the August recess. The House-passed proposal faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where GOP members expressed skepticism about its readiness on Wednesday. The disagreement highlights a growing rift between the House and Senate over legislative priorities and timing, with Senate Republicans pushing back against the accelerated timeline set by the White House.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:00 AM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem successfully defeated a primary runoff challenge from a Republican opponent, a businessman and Bitcoin evangelist. The runoff election was closely watched as a test of Noem's political strength within the state's GOP. Multiple news outlets, including The Hill, Fox News, USA Today, The Washington Post, and KELOLAND.com, reported on the outcome, with the Associated Press calling the race for Noem. The challenger, who campaigned on a pro-cryptocurrency platform, failed to unseat the incumbent governor. The result solidifies Noem's position as the Republican nominee for the upcoming general election, where she will face a Democratic challenger. The race highlighted internal party dynamics and the influence of single-issue candidates in state-level politics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:19 AM UTC

Republican voters in South Dakota are returning to the polls on Tuesday for a heated gubernatorial primary runoff. Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden is seeking a full term against Republican businessman Toby Doeden. The runoff was triggered after neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the June 2 primary. The outcome will determine the Republican nominee for the general election in the Mount Rushmore State.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:00 PM UTC

A new Gallup poll released Tuesday shows confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court has fallen to 33 percent, a record low in 26 years and a 6-point decrease since 2025. The decline is driven by a drop in Republican support following the completion of the court's 2025-2026 term. The poll marks the lowest approval rating for the court in over two decades, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:42 PM UTC

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump’s “patience is running out” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to secure votes themselves amid a 50-50 Senate. The dispute highlights intra-party tensions as the bill faces a 60-vote threshold, with a potential government shutdown looming in September. Trump has tied the bill’s passage to other legislation, causing a broader legislative stalemate.

24 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 31, 03:16 PM UTC

Former President Donald Trump is visiting a General Motors facility in Milford, Michigan, as early voting begins for the state's August 4 primary. The visit underscores a growing dilemma for the Republican Party: while Trump remains a powerful force in GOP primaries, his polarizing presence may hurt the party's chances in the November general election. The article, published by Fortune on July 27, 2026, analyzes how Trump's continued influence could alienate swing voters in key battleground states like Michigan. The visit comes amid broader midterm election dynamics, with control of Congress potentially hinging on a handful of competitive House races. The piece highlights the tension between Trump's base appeal and the need to attract moderate voters in a closely divided political landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:03 PM UTC

Senate conservatives, led by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), are pressing Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to cancel the August recess so the chamber can debate the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election reform bill that President Trump has designated as his top legislative priority. Lee publicly urged Thune on social media, warning that the recess should not proceed until the bill is addressed. The move highlights internal Republican pressure to advance Trump's agenda and signals a potential clash over Senate scheduling and legislative priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:29 PM UTC

On July 26, 2026, Republicans released a revised Crypto Clarity Act draft, drawing support from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, who broke with other Wall Street leaders to back the bill. Solomon argued it creates a level playing field and market stability. However, seven Senate Democrats, including Cory Booker and Mark Warner, issued a joint statement saying the bill 'falls short' on ethics, consumer protection, and market integrity. Senator Elizabeth Warren declared the bill 'dead on arrival,' claiming it allows President Trump to profit from crypto. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a key negotiator, was notably absent from the Democratic statement. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong urged a full Senate vote, while banking trade groups remain opposed, warning the bill risks local lending. Senator Cynthia Lummis defended the bill as legitimate, citing Trump's agreement to ethics standards.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 05:30 PM UTC

In a July 24 episode of The Daily Blast podcast, host Greg Sargent and voting rights reporter Ari Berman analyze Donald Trump's public outburst at Senate GOP leader John Thune, demanding immediate passage of voter suppression measures. The House recently passed a $95 billion budget containing $10 billion in grants to incentivize states to adopt SAVE Act provisions, including proof of citizenship for voter registration, voter ID requirements, and a ban on mail-in voting. This comes amid new polls showing the GOP's midterm election position deteriorating, including a Fox News survey. Trump believes voter suppression can save the party. The White House unusually blasted video of Trump's remarks, escalating pressure on Senate Republicans. Berman describes the House strategy as 'paying states to do voter suppression' through a backdoor reconciliation process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:29 AM UTC

Former U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) announced on Thursday morning his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sanford cited the nation's fiscal crisis as his primary motivation, stating that the country is at a 'financial tipping point' and that he cannot remain idle while the federal government adds a trillion dollars to the national debt every 100 days. The announcement marks Sanford's return to electoral politics after his previous tenure in the House of Representatives. The race is expected to draw significant attention in South Carolina's Republican primary.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:11 PM UTC

Six Democratic House members crossed party lines on Wednesday to join a majority of Republicans in passing the nearly $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027. The defectors, known for breaking with their party on key issues, include several lawmakers running for reelection. The bill, a massive annual defense policy package, passed with bipartisan support despite most Democrats opposing it. The move highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic caucus on defense spending and policy priorities, as well as the political calculations of vulnerable incumbents seeking to appeal to moderate or military-focused constituencies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:17 PM UTC

House Republicans on Wednesday approved a $95 billion framework for a third budget reconciliation package, marking a significant victory for Speaker Mike Johnson. The framework includes increased funding for the Pentagon, agricultural aid, and provisions to incentivize states to adopt voting restrictions. The vote was a challenge for Johnson due to his party's razor-thin majority, requiring him to win over skeptical lawmakers. The reconciliation process allows the package to bypass the Senate filibuster, though the framework still requires detailed legislative drafting and further votes in both chambers. The proposal reflects key Republican priorities on defense spending and election integrity, while Democrats have criticized the voting restriction incentives as voter suppression.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:00 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Republican-led Stop Insider Trading Act, which bans members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying new stocks but allows them to retain existing holdings. Democrats opposed the bill as too weak, arguing it should also cover the president and executive branch, and objected to an added voter ID requirement. A previous bipartisan consensus bill requiring full divestment stalled. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:53 PM UTC

House Republicans released a fiscal 2027 budget resolution on July 15, 2026, allocating up to $95 billion over 10 years—$73 billion for defense and intelligence funding for the Iran war (Operation Epic Fury), $12 billion for farm aid, and $10 billion for voter ID measures under the SAVE America Act. The reconciliation package bypasses Democratic opposition but lacks spending offsets, drawing criticism from fiscal hawks. The House Budget Committee approved it 20-14 along party lines, but the floor vote faces uncertainty due to narrow GOP margins and united Democratic opposition.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:38 PM UTC

The article reports on Democratic lawmakers' strategy to end the ongoing Iran war under President Trump. Currently in the minority, Democrats admit they have limited legislative options to stop the conflict. Their plan involves pushing oversight amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Republicans have rejected, and focusing on messaging to voters about high gas prices and war costs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that the war has cost $37.5 billion to date. Two U.S. service members were recently killed in Jordan by an Iranian strike. Democrats hope to win the House in the November 2026 elections, after which they pledge to pass a bill on 'day one' to end the war. Key figures quoted include Reps. Adam Smith, Pat Ryan, Pete Aguilar, Ro Khanna, and Ted Lieu.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:56 PM UTC

The escalating U.S.-Iran conflict is severely damaging Republican electoral prospects ahead of the November midterm elections. Continued strikes have killed four more American service members and driven up gas prices, inflaming economic hardship. Once-safe Republican districts in Iowa, Alaska, and Ohio are now battlegrounds. A GOP operative told Politico they are 'preparing for the bottom to fall out.' While the White House publicly defends Trump's record, an unnamed source close to the administration admitted there is no plan and that the conflict is driven by Trump's refusal to accept defeat. The source warned a ground invasion could ruin Trump's second term. The article also details alleged U.S. war crimes, including bombing a nuclear plant, a school, and threats to target civilian infrastructure, which are prohibited by international law.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:38 PM UTC

In Arizona’s July 2026 Republican primaries, Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Biggs won the gubernatorial nomination with 73% of the vote, defeating Rep. David Schweikert. Biggs, a former House Freedom Caucus chair and election denier, will face Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in November. In the 5th Congressional District, former sheriff Mark Lamb won despite a sexual misconduct scandal. The primaries set up competitive general elections in this key battleground state, with Republicans eyeing a comeback.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:58 AM UTC

Republicans are expressing reluctance to support President Trump's newly announced 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, viewing them as a typical Trump negotiating tactic but fearing they could raise everyday consumer costs at a politically sensitive time. The tariffs, announced on Monday, aim to pressure Canada on trade issues, but GOP lawmakers worry about the economic and political fallout, especially with key elections approaching. The article highlights internal party divisions and the potential impact on US-Canada trade relations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:00 AM UTC

Democratic lawmakers Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the 'Get Foreign Money out of U.S. Elections Act' on Wednesday, aiming to close loopholes from the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision that they say allow foreign entities to influence U.S. elections. The bill would establish foreign ownership thresholds—such as banning contributions from U.S.-based companies where a single foreign national owns 1% of voting shares—to bar foreign-owned or influenced corporations from making political contributions. The legislation comes amid rising foreign equity in U.S. companies and follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down limits on political party spending. While the bill has over 65 House and 11 Senate Democratic cosponsors, it faces an unlikely path to passage with Republicans controlling both chambers. A nearly identical bill in the previous Congress did not receive a vote.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:00 AM UTC