Campaigns and Elections

Gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell makes his case for the GOP nomination in Duluth, Minnesota, in May 2026.

Is a Trump Endorsement Becoming a Liability? Is a Trump Endorsement Becoming a Liability?

The president’s backing failed to secure a primary win in Minnesota for Mike Lindell. And he’s not the only one.

Aug 13, 2026 / Chris Lehmann

Francesca Hong at a primary election night watch party at Atwood Music Hall in Madison, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Francesca Hong: “Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn’t Done” Francesca Hong: “Our Movement Is Strong, and the Work Isn’t Done”

More than 300,000 Wisconsin voters backed a democratic socialist’s gubernatorial bid. That’s the measure of the strength of a new kind of politics.

Aug 13, 2026 / John Nichols

Abdul El-Sayed during a primary election night watch party.

The Gaping Hole in El-Sayed’s Progressive Agenda The Gaping Hole in El-Sayed’s Progressive Agenda

The Senate nominee has woefully undercooked ideas on Supreme Court reform—and that’s a problem.

Aug 13, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Supporters cheer during an election night event for Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, now the Democratic candidate for Senate, on August 11, 2026, in Minneapolis.

Peggy Flanagan’s Many Crush the Money in the Minnesota Senate Primary Peggy Flanagan’s Many Crush the Money in the Minnesota Senate Primary

Corporate Dem Angie Craig outspent Flanagan by roughly four to one. But Flanagan’s ground game, and her promise to “avenge Minnesota” after ICE’s cruelty, gave her a 20-point win....

Aug 12, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Ken Martin speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, February 21, 2026.

We’re Longtime DNC Members—and We Support Ken Martin We’re Longtime DNC Members—and We Support Ken Martin

Many of those trying to bring the DNC chair down just want the party to continue to act as an ATM machine for their consultancies.

Aug 12, 2026 / Larry Cohen and James Zogby

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong speaks during a campaign rally on August 2, 2026, in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Socialists Have a Proud History in the Democratic Party Wisconsin Socialists Have a Proud History in the Democratic Party

Long before Francesca Hong’s current bid for governor, the party was revitalized when it nominated a Milwaukee “sewer socialist” for governor.

Aug 11, 2026 / John Nichols

“Nobody Is Resting”: Meet the Grassroots Advocates Defending the Right to Vote

“Nobody Is Resting”: Meet the Grassroots Advocates Defending the Right to Vote “Nobody Is Resting”: Meet the Grassroots Advocates Defending the Right to Vote

At a time when the US president is actively interfering in elections, these groups, activists, and officials are protecting their local systems from federal sabotage.

Aug 11, 2026 / Feature / Sasha Abramsky

Is 2026 the Year of the Independent?

Is 2026 the Year of the Independent? Is 2026 the Year of the Independent?

An unprecedented number of candidates in this year’s midterms are running outside of the two-party system. What’s more, a lot of them could win.

Aug 11, 2026 / Feature / John Nichols

Matt Bennett, Jonathan Cowan, and Jim Kessler, three of the five cofounders of Third Way.

Centrist Democrats Are Rolling Up Their Sleeves and Punching Left Centrist Democrats Are Rolling Up Their Sleeves and Punching Left

The Third Way think tank is pouring millions of dollars into combatting not the GOP but the DSA.

Aug 10, 2026 / Chris Lehmann

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

Insurgents Are Revitalizing the Democratic Party Insurgents Are Revitalizing the Democratic Party

And despite all the establishment pushback, voters know it.

Aug 10, 2026 / Katrina vanden Heuvel, John Nichols for The Nation

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