Midterm Elections Outlook - Democrats are aiming to regain control of Congress in the upcoming midterms, but face significant political challenges [1] - Republicans currently hold 220 seats, while Democrats have 215, meaning Democrats need a net gain of only three seats to take the House [2] - Republican efforts to redraw maps in several states could create a larger advantage for them [2] Historical Comparison - In Trump's first midterm, Democrats gained 40 seats, a "blue wave," but the signs were visible far in advance [3] - In October 2017, Democrats led the generic ballot by nearly eight points, a level maintained throughout 2018 [4] - Currently, Democrats lead the generic ballot by only three points, indicating less certainty compared to 2018 [5] Party Favorability - In October 2017, Republicans had a 27% average favorable score, while Democrats had 39% [6] - Currently, Republicans have a 41% favorable score, while Democrats have 35% [7] - Democrats are currently less popular than Republicans, which could impact their ability to capitalize on anti-White House sentiment in the midterms [8]

From @WSJopinion: Smart Democrats understand that making a 30-something socialist the face of the party could undermine its national ambitions, starting with next year’s midterm elections, writes @jasonrileywsj https://t.co/LlIyTqNRwM ...

Political Analysis - Democrats risk undermining national ambitions by making a 30-something socialist the face of the party [1] - The impact could be felt starting with next year's midterm elections [1]

Political Landscape - The political price for the government shutdown will be paid by one of the parties, with the midterms just months away [1] Media Engagement - Tim O'Brien, Ron Brownstein, and Niala Bikel will discuss the shutdown [1]

Welcome to the weekend. Happy Labor Day weekend. I'm Jackie Alamanny along with Eugene Daniels and Laura Baron Lopez who is in for Jonathan Kart.We begin with the resistance to President Trump's plans to militarize Chicago and a possible looming shutdown showdown between the Trump administration and state and local officials. Late Saturday, President Trump doubled down on warnings to Illinois Governor JB Pritsker, telling him to straighten out Chicago fast or possibly be subjected to a federal law enforceme ...

So, House Republicans have one last holiday weekend before they head back to Washington on Tuesday. But returning to the Capitol may be a relief after getting an earful from constituents at home this week on everything from immigration, healthc care, taxes, and more. Voters speaking out at a ribbon cutting in Maine and at Ohio and Alabama town hall.So, let's take a listen. answer the question in power. >> Trump is doing a great job of securing our citizen and a nonitizen >> false shame.Shame Wow. Megan Haye ...

Political Events - The report indicates that President Trump considered staging a national Republican convention before the midterm elections [1]

Political Landscape - Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs a redistricting bill backed by President Trump [1] - The redistricting effort aims to secure more Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections [1] - Trump called for Texas to redraw its congressional map, seeking five more congressional seats for his party [1] - The new map intends to create 30 congressional districts that Trump carried by a double-digit margin in the last election [1]

Political Landscape - Texas Senate approved a new state congressional map [1] - The plan is seen as boosting Republicans' chances of keeping control of the US House in the 2026 midterm elections [1] - Donald Trump backed the new state congressional map [1]

Political Landscape - Texas House Republicans passed a gerrymandered congressional map at Donald Trump's request with a vote of 88 to 52 [1] - The vote split along party lines, with all 88 yes votes from Republicans and all 52 no votes from Democrats [1] - The map creates five new GOP-leaning districts before the next midterm elections [1] Strategic Implications - The action is characterized as a ploy to retain power [1]