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    Former GOP Senator Jumps Into Race In Battleground State

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu officially entered the 2026 race in New Hampshire, campaigning to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. In his launch video, Sununu told voters: “Congress just seems loud, dysfunctional, even angry. I want to return to the Senate to help calm the waters.”

    Sununu served three terms in the House before defeating then-Governor Shaheen in 2002 to win the New Hampshire Senate seat; he lost the rematch in 2008. His return comes nearly two decades after leaving public office for the private sector.

    For Republicans, this is a golden opportunity. New Hampshire is the region’s only true swing state, and with Shaheen stepping aside, the seat opens up in a cycle where the GOP seeks not just to defend but expand its Senate majority. National Republicans believe Sununu brings strong name recognition and credibility in the Granite State.

    Still, the path is not automatic. Sununu must first secure the GOP nomination. His strongest competition comes from former Senator and Ambassador Scott Brown. Brown has leaned into the Trump-era base, emphasizing his alignment with President Trump’s agenda and fundraising heavily. He’s already called out Sununu’s past independent streak, pointing to his backing of John Kasich in 2016 and Nikki Haley in 2024, as well as his published op-ed branding Trump a “loser.”

    President Trump has remained officially neutral so far. While that leaves Sununu without an immediate endorsement booster, it also leaves room for maneuver. Reports suggest national Republican strategists view Sununu as the strongest candidate to flip the seat — a flip that would not only return it to the GOP column, but help lock in and expand the Senate majority Republicans are aiming for.

    Sununu emphasized the campaign will focus on Granite State issues such as healthcare affordability, energy costs, housing and border security, rather than Washington partisan squabbling. He said: “Maybe you’re surprised that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself. Why would anyone subject themselves to everything going on right now? Well, somebody has to step up and lower the temperature. Somebody has to get things done.”

    In short: the Republican field now features a heavy-hitter with deep state roots, strong ties to New Hampshire, and a credible path to winning in 2026. The GOP has the chance to turn this open seat into a win — but Sununu will have to navigate primary politics, reconcile his past positions with today’s Republican base, and secure key endorsements to prevail.

    Sununu & Trump: A Complicated Relationship

    Understanding Sununu’s past interaction with Trump helps clarify the dynamics at play in this race.

    Background of Sununu’s past opposition

    • In 2016, John E. Sununu served as a national co-chair for John Kasich’s presidential campaign. He did not support Trump’s 2016 bid.
    • In the 2024 Republican primaries, Sununu backed Nikki Haley rather than Trump.
    • He authored an op-ed published just ahead of the New Hampshire presidential primary with the blunt headline “Donald Trump is a loser.”

    Why this history matters

    • That record means Sununu begins the 2026 Senate contest with baggage in the Trump-aligned wing of the party. Some voters will view him skeptically if they believe loyalty to Trump is a key litmus test.
    • On the other hand, his independence also offers advantages: he can appeal to moderate Republicans, independents and swing voters in New Hampshire who may have turned off by raw partisan rhetoric. Because New Hampshire is a swing state, that broader appeal could be a strategic asset.

    Where Trump stands (so far)

    • Trump has not yet endorsed in the New Hampshire GOP Senate primary, leaving the field open.
    • While Trump once publicly signaled support for Sununu’s brother (former Governor Chris Sununu) in a possible Senate run, John E. Sununu must still make his case to the President and his base.
    • Some Republican strategists believe that Trump may be pragmatic — if Sununu emerges as the strongest candidate to flip the seat, the president could be willing to support him despite the earlier friction. As one adviser put it: “President Trump appreciates winners … and understands that John E. Sununu puts this race on the map for Republicans.”

    What Sununu must do

    • He needs to demonstrate to GOP primary voters that, despite his past, he is committed to key Republican priorities (border security, low taxes, energy independence, etc.).
    • He may need to secure Trump’s endorsement — or at least neutralize opposition from the pro-Trump base.
    • He needs to keep the campaign message centered on winning the seat back for Republicans, rather than internal Republican feuds.

    Why a Sununu Win Matters for Republicans

    • Seat flip potential. With Sen. Shaheen retiring, this is a rare open seat — and Republicans have a strong opportunity to convert it. Flipping a Democratic seat in a swing state is a direct path to expanding the GOP Senate majority.
    • Midterm dynamics favoring Republicans. Holding a 53-47 majority after the next election would give Republicans greater flexibility on legislation, confirmations, and oversight. A successful 2026 campaign in New Hampshire would contribute meaningfully to that goal.
    • Messaging advantage. A win in a northern swing state helps buck the narrative that Republicans can only win in deep red states. Demonstrating competitiveness in a place like New Hampshire strengthens the GOP’s appeal to independent and moderate voters.
    • National momentum. Winning this seat could provide momentum going into 2028 and reinforce the party’s strategy of targeting vulnerable Democratic seats. It also signals to donors and activists that the GOP has a winning blueprint beyond the usual battlegrounds.

    Bottom Line

    John E. Sununu’s entry into the 2026 Senate race is a major development for Republicans. He brings name recognition, prior Senate experience, and a base in a state that is both competitive and critical to national Senate math. The complications with his past stance toward Trump are real — but not necessarily insurmountable

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    Trump-Endorsed Candidate Launches Primary Challenge Against Massie

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    Veteran Navy SEAL and businessman Ed Gallrein officially launched his campaign Tuesday to challenge Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s strongly Republican 4th Congressional District. With President Trump’s full endorsement, Gallrein declared:

    “This district is Trump Country. The President doesn’t need obstacles in Congress – he needs backup. I’ll defeat Thomas Massie, stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump, and deliver the America First results Kentuckians voted for.”

    Indeed, Trump had already thrown his weight behind Gallrein in a Truth Social post on Friday:

    “I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie, who is now polling at about 9% because the Great People of Kentucky are wise to him — He only votes against the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left.”
    “Unlike ‘lightweight’ Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”

    Trump’s endorsement is the latest chapter in a bitter intra-party battle. Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has diverged repeatedly from Trump’s agenda — most notably by breaking with the former president on major policy items, including the massive reconciliation package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and by teaming with progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D–Calif.) to demand the release of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The split has sharpened over time into an explicit effort by Trump and his allies to unseat Massie.

    Massie responded to Trump’s move by slamming Gallrein:

    “After having been rejected by every elected official in the 4th District, Trump’s consultants clearly pushed the panic button with their choice of failed candidate and establishment hack Ed Gallrein.”

    Massie enters the race with more than $2 million cash on hand for his reelection bid and reported contributions of $768,000 from July to September. That level of fundraising shows he is not backing down.

    Kentucky’s 4th District is reliably Republican, meaning the winner of the GOP primary is extremely likely to win the general election. With President Trump’s base still the backbone of the party, his move to back Gallrein is a clear signal: he wants reliable allies in Congress who will advance the “America First” agenda without dissent.
    Massie’s independent streak—once an asset to those who prize policy purity—has now become a liability in the Trump era of the party. For Republicans concerned about unified action and legislative wins, the message is simple: stand with Trump or be replaced.

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    Pardoned Capitol Rioter Charged With Threatening To Kill Hakeem Jeffries

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    6

    Authorities arrested a pardoned Capitol rioter last weekend for allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

    Court documents obtained by CBS News said Christopher Moynihan was arrested Sunday after saying in text messages that he planned to “eliminate” Jeffries when the top House Democrat spoke at an event in New York City on Monday. 

    The House Minority Leader spoke at the Economic Club of New York on Monday. 

    CBS News reports:

    According to a court filing by prosecutors in the New York state criminal case, Moynihan wrote, “Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live.”

    Moynihan also allegedly stated: “Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated, I will kill him for the future,” the filing said.

    Moynihan faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat, according to court filings.

    Moynihan was among the large group of Capitol riot defendants pardoned by President Trump nine months ago. In a shocking move only hours after returning to the White House, President Trump granted clemency to more than 1,500 other Capitol riot defendants.

    Moynihan was found guilty in August 2022 of obstructing an official proceeding, and pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced in February 2023 to 21 months in prison.

    Elvert Barnes, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    Moynihan’s arrest for allegedly threatening Jeffries was made by New York State Police, according to a statement by the agency that was confirmed by a state official. The investigation was initiated by the FBI, according to state police.

    A state police statement said Moynihan was arraigned in local court in Clinton, a town in New York’s Hudson Valley region. He was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center “in lieu of $10,000 cash bail, a $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond.” 

    The alleged threat against Jeffries is only the latest threat in part of a rapidly growing wave of threats against legislators and political figures. In a statement last month, Capitol Police said the number of threat investigations in 2025 had already eclipsed 14,000, more than the number of cases in all of 2024.  

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    Democrats In Disarray: Pennsylvania Party Turns on Fetterman Ahead of 2028

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2

    Top Democrats in Pennsylvania are already maneuvering to challenge Sen. John Fetterman in a 2028 primary — a political civil war brewing in one of the most important battleground states in America.

    Why It Matters

    Fetterman was once the Democrats’ golden boy after flipping a Republican Senate seat in 2022. But now, even as voters in Pennsylvania continue to view him relatively favorably, many in his own party are turning on him for showing a softer tone toward President Donald Trump and rejecting the far-left orthodoxy of Washington Democrats.

    The result: A full-blown Democratic power struggle years before the next Senate race.

    The Democrats Lining Up Against Fetterman

    Party insiders say several prominent Pennsylvania Democrats are preparing possible primary challenges or leaving the door open if Fetterman decides to retire:

    1️⃣ Rep. Brendan Boyle — a Philadelphia liberal and loud Fetterman critic — has called him “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and accused him of visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago to “kiss the ring.”

    2️⃣ Rep. Chris Deluzio, a freshman from western Pennsylvania, is trying to craft a populist brand in the Rust Belt, holding rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders and courting national progressive support.

    3️⃣ Former Rep. Conor Lamb, who Fetterman defeated in the 2022 Democratic primary, has resurfaced with praise from left-wing figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for repeatedly taking swipes at Fetterman.

    When Axios reached out, Fetterman dismissed the story as “clickbait” and pointed to his actual voting record, showing he has sided with Trump just 6% of the time — less than Boyle, who aligned with the president nearly 14% of the time. “Actual numbers. Less clicks,” Fetterman said.

    Behind the Scenes

    Sources close to the senator say Fetterman has long harbored presidential ambitions, though he’s offered no clarity about whether he’ll seek reelection or run for higher office in 2028. Former aides suggest he’s grown weary of Washington’s political games and may not want to stay in the Senate.

    Polls show his support slipping among Democrats — a recent Quinnipiac survey found a majority of Democratic voters in Pennsylvania disapprove of how he’s handling his job. That’s fueling speculation he might bow out or even consider switching parties (a rumor he’s repeatedly denied).

    Democrats’ Infighting Spills Into Public

    The feud is already turning nasty. Boyle has accused Fetterman of harming Democrats’ image by publicly criticizing the party. Deluzio shot back, saying he prefers working with the senior senator rather than “taking opportunistic shots” — a not-so-subtle dig at Boyle.

    Lamb, meanwhile, stayed mum, saying he was “in the middle of a trial” but didn’t deny future political ambitions.

    A Philadelphia-based strategist summed it up bluntly: “There’s a possibility of an opening in 2028, certainly, given the trajectory he’s on with Democrats.”

    How GOP Could Benefit

    For Republicans, the Democrats’ internal brawl is a gift. A drawn-out, bitter 2028 primary would drain resources, fracture the Democratic base, and push the party further left — all while Republicans focus on uniting around a single candidate. If Fetterman continues alienating the progressive wing and fighting off challengers, Pennsylvania Democrats could head into both the 2026 midterms and 2028 election cycle divided and demoralized.

    Fetterman’s high-profile feuds also give the GOP fresh opportunities to court working-class voters in western Pennsylvania who once backed Trump — the same blue-collar bloc that helped Fetterman win in 2022 but now may be up for grabs.

    The Bottom Line

    Democrats’ biggest success story of 2022 has become a lightning rod within his own party. As Boyle, Deluzio, and Lamb sharpen their knives, Republicans are watching closely — and smiling — at the spectacle of Democrats turning on one of their own.

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    House Democrat Says House GOP is Plotting Epstein Revolt Against Trump

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    By Ralph Alswang, White House photographer - https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/clinton-epstein-maxwell/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143417695

    Are the tides turning against Trump?

    A House Democrat claims that a large swath of House Republicans are planning to go against President Trump to push a vote on sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein’s files.

    Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) claimed that multiple House Republican colleagues informed him that they’re planning a “jail break” revolt of over 100 lawmakers against President Donald Trump if there’s a discharge petition to force a vote on the Jeffrey Epstein files release.

    The long-awaited vote, pushed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), has been delayed as the House remains in recess amid a government shutdown, but it reportedly has enough signatures to force action once the chamber reconvenes.

    Trump, who urged the release of the Epstein files on the campaign trail, has since dismissed the case as “a hoax” and told supporters not to “waste time” on the matter. This comes amid renewed scrutiny of his association with Epstein after newly released documents included a purported birthday note to the disgraced financier, which he denied writing.

    In a post to X on Wednesday, Swalwell gleefully shared that “Trump’s movement/support is fading” among Republicans and that one GOP lawmaker told him “no [one] wants to defend a pedo-protector.”

    House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing growing bipartisan criticism for the voting delay, with critics accusing him of extending the recess to avoid the politically explosive issue.

    “Johnson and the House Republicans care more about protecting the Epstein files than protecting the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

    Johnson dismissed the charge as “totally absurd,” telling NBC’s Meet the Press on Monday that he supports full transparency: “I want every page of this out.”

    Massie lashed out at the recess on Sunday, warning he had “218 votes for the discharge petition.”

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    Ex-Congressman Madison Cawthorn Launches Bid For Florida House Seat

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    He’s back…

    Former North Carolina Congressman Madison Cawthorn is jumping back into politics, this time launching a bid in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.

    Cawthorn pointed to the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a core reason behind his return to the political scene, though the 30-year-old former congressman said he had been “juggling” the idea of running for Congress since Florida’s 19th District Representative Byron Donalds announced he would be vacating the seat to run for governor. 

    “After Charlie Kirk’s assassination, I knew that there was really no option. I’ve decided to run for Congress again,” Cawthorn told Fox News. “I want to make sure [the people of Florida] have amazing representation in Washington, D.C., because I know exactly what happens in the swamp.”

    The former Congressman also said his experience with hurricane relief in the district, which includes Naples, Cape Coral, Ft. Myers and Marco Island, as well as seeing the community come together also played a part in his decision to run. 

    Cawthorn burst onto the national stage in 2020 as one of the youngest Republicans ever elected to Congress, winning his North Carolina seat at just 25 years old. He quickly became a symbol of youthful conservative energy and unapologetic defiance of the Washington establishment.

    But his meteoric rise ran into turbulence during his lone term. In early 2022, he alleged that some D.C. elites had invited him to a cocaine-fueled “orgy,” a claim that drew sharp criticism from GOP leadership. Weeks later, police body camera footage showed him being pulled over while driving a car he mistakenly believed he owned, and he was also cited for bringing a firearm through airport security — his second such incident in less than a year.

    Republican leadership, once supportive, gradually distanced themselves. The controversies overshadowed his legislative work and contributed to his loss in the 2022 Republican primary.

    As for the scandals and legal trouble Cawthorn faced during his term, he told Fox News he was “railroaded out of Washington, D.C., by the radical left and members of [his] own party” for telling “the truth” about the city. 

    “You can start looking at things that happened months after I left, and I think it proves the things I was talking about,” Cawthorn told Fox. “There’s a lot of people in Washington, D.C., who enjoy just having talking points” that members have used for “decades and decades.”

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    Media Personality Claims Tucker Carlson Is Frontrunner to Succeed Trump

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    6
    Tucker Carlson via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Swisher and Galloway were discussing the decline of television in the wake of Kimmel’s suspension from ABC when the conversation turned to podcasters.

    “I think, look, we got to just burn those ships and move on. That’s the thing, because this is how Trump lives. He lives in the 80s in his head, so CBS, ABC, and NBC are the be-all and end-all,” Swisher argued.

    “But they’re not. They’re not influential anymore. We should just move along and make our stuff. We should grow and conservative outlets should grow, whatever it happens to be. I was, although I think Tucker Carlson’s really– something’s going on with him. When he’s articulated, it was absolutely right,” Swisher added.

    “We both have our issues with Tucker. I think Tucker right now is the most likely nominee for the Republican nomination. I think he has been very good lately,” Galloway replied — referring to Carlson’s warning against any kind of free speech crackdown following Kirk’s murder.

    “Well, he’s consistent at least,” Swisher agreed.

    “About housing, for young people, he comes across as intellectually honest. He comes across as courageous, not afraid to go against his own party. And I realize I’m talking our own book here,” Galloway continued, adding:

    Our downloads are up 10 percent in the last 30 days. And guess what? Everyone from Megyn Kelly to Joe Rogan, you’re going to see a lot, increasingly people turn to podcasts like The Daily, because The New York Times is fearless and does the work.

    You’re just going to see media that is not scared of Brendan Carr, or can’t be controlled by Brendan Carr. Boom, because people are really interested in what’s going on, and they like fearless. You know, I’ll give you an example, Don Lemon.

    Watch:

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    Georgia Official Who Broke With Trump In 2020 Announces Gubernatorial Bid

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Georgia National Guard from United States, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) has officially entered the race for governor, setting the stage for a competitive Republican primary to succeed outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp (R), who is term-limited. In a two-minute campaign launch ad released Wednesday, Raffensperger portrayed himself as a principled conservative willing to take tough stands, vowing to uphold the Constitution and defend Georgia values.

    “I’m a conservative Republican, and I’m prepared to make the tough decisions,” Raffensperger declared in the ad. “I follow the law and the Constitution, and I always do the right thing for Georgia, no matter what.”

    Watch:

    The announcement pits Raffensperger against prominent GOP contenders including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, and Attorney General Chris Carr, both of whom have strong support among grassroots conservatives. The winner of the GOP primary will likely face a high-profile Democratic opponent next November.

    Revisiting the 2020 Election Clash With Trump

    Raffensperger became a household name during the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, when Georgia became a critical battleground. After President Trump narrowly lost the state to Joe Biden by just under 12,000 votes, Trump and his allies raised concerns about election irregularities and widespread allegations of voter fraud. Raffensperger, as the state’s chief elections officer, found himself at the center of the storm.

    Despite mounting pressure from Trump and many Georgia Republicans to challenge or overturn the results, Raffensperger maintained that his office’s audits and recounts showed no evidence of widespread fraud that would change the outcome. In a now-famous phone call, Trump urged Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to change the result — a conversation that later became a flashpoint in national debates over election integrity and presidential power.

    While Raffensperger’s stance drew praise from Democrats and corporate media, it also alienated many in the Republican base, who felt he failed to investigate potential irregularities aggressively enough. That divide has lingered within Georgia GOP politics and is certain to shadow his gubernatorial campaign. Many grassroots conservatives remain skeptical of Raffensperger, while others credit him for adhering to the letter of the law during an unprecedented political firestorm.

    A Crowded Field on Both Sides

    The Republican primary is shaping up to be one of the most watched in the nation. With Raffensperger, Jones, and Carr already in the race, GOP voters will have a clear choice between different brands of Republican leadership — from establishment-minded governance to more populist, Trump-aligned approaches.

    On the Democratic side, the field is also taking shape. Declared candidates include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former GOP Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, and former pastor Olu Brown. There is also persistent speculation that Stacey Abrams could enter the race again, potentially setting up a dramatic rematch after her narrow 2018 and 2022 defeats.

    Georgia has transformed into a true political battleground over the last decade, with Republicans still holding most statewide offices but Democrats making steady gains. The 2026 gubernatorial race will be pivotal in determining whether Georgia remains under GOP control or flips blue.

    The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Kemp’s seat a “toss up.”

    Can Raffensperger manage to make peace with Trump and secure his endorsement? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

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    Police Arrest Man For Disturbing Act At Charlie Kirk Memorial

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Arrest image via Pixabay

    A sick individual…

    Law enforcement authorities arrested a man for desecrating a memorial honoring the late political activist Charlie Kirk over the weekend.

    Fox News cameras were rolling as the man walked through the memorial, kicking over items including flowers, vases and flags. A mourner gathered at the memorial stepped in to stop the man’s sick actions. A man in a blue polo shirt is seen yanking the man out of the memorial and throwing him to the ground. 

    Phoenix police identified the alleged vandal as 19-year-old Ryder Corral. In video of Corral’s arrest, he appears to be wearing a shirt similar to the one worn by the man suspected of assassinating Kirk. 

    Watch:

    Corral was wearing a black shirt featuring an American flag and an eagle. The shirt resembles the shirt worn by Tyler Robinson when he allegedly shot and killed Kirk while he was speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. 

    Police also reported that neither Corral nor any of the witnesses who held him on the scene had sustained any injuries — and that the 19-year-old would face multiple charges, including “criminal damage and disorderly conduct.”

    Local law enforcement then escorted Corral away from the area. He is now in custody at the Maricopa County Jail on one count of criminal damage and one count of disorderly conduct, according to Phoenix Police Department Public Information Sergeant Philip Krynsky.

    On Friday, law enforcement officials arrested the man accused of shooting and killing Kirk, in Utah after a frantic 33-hour manhunt. 

    Kirk, a husband and father, was fatally struck by a single bullet Wednesday while speaking at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was 31 years old.

    President Donald Trump said the young man who shot and killed Kirk had been “totally radicalized” and made “crazy” by liberal ideology, and also expressed sympathy for the suspect assassin’s parents, saying they seemed like “very nice people.”

    The president’s comments were made while addressing a small crowd at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey on Saturday evening.

    “So many things have been learned about [the shooter] so quickly,” Trump. said. “He’s become totally radicalized and crazy and it must have been traumatic. Because the parents are conservative people, supposed to be very nice people living in Utah.”

    Trump continued: “The father turns in the son. Boy, that’s a tough deal.”

    Additional information about Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspected killer, has been reported over the weekend.

    Fox News and other outlets on Saturday reported Robinson was living with his trans partner at the time of the slaying, and that partner is now “fully cooperating” with the FBI on its investigation. The New York Times reported Robinson had scrawled the phrases “hey fascist! CATCH!” and “Bella Ciao,” which it said was “popularized as an antifascist anthem,” on bullet casings. And in a video clip that has went viral on X and elsewhere, a young man who said he was a former classmate of Robinson’s said he was a “Reddit kid” who had his brain warped by the social platform.

    President Trump has said that he will attend Kirk’s funeral in Arizona this week, saying he has an “obligation” to do so.

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    Republican Congressman To Retire After 20 Years On Capitol Hill

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2

    On Sunday, Republican Rep. Michael McCaul (Texas) announced he will not seek another term.

    McCaul, 63, has represented Texas’ 10th Congressional District, which spans from the Houston suburbs to Austin, since 2005. He also chaired the House Homeland Security and House Foreign Affairs Committees from January 2013 to January 2019 and from January 2023 to January of this year, respectively. 

    “It’s been an honor to serve for over two decades in the Congress,” McCaul told Martha Raddatz on ABC News’ This Week. “I’m looking now for a new challenge. I’m going to serve the remainder of my term. But I’m looking for a new challenge in the same space that would be national security, foreign policy, but just in a different realm.”

    McCaul was elected to the House for the first time in 2004. He went on to be re-elected to his seat 10 times, with his narrowest victory occurring in 2018, when he garnered 51.1 percent of the vote to Democratic candidate Mike Siegel’s 46.8 percent. 

    McCaul did not specify what his next steps would be after his term ends. 

    “It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of central Texas and to chair the prestigious Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees,” McCaul said in a post on X. “My father’s service in World War II inspired me to pursue a life of public service, with a focus on defending our great nation against global threats, and I have been proud to carry out that mission in Congress for more than two decades.”

    A fair number of House Republicans have announced they will not run again (or retire early) heading into the 2026 elections. For example, Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) recently announced an early retirement, stepping down after the passage of a major budget/tax bill and citing a private sector opportunity.

    In some cases, Republicans are leaving not because they want to retire entirely but because they are running for other offices (governor or Senate) or want to vacate for private sector roles. According to Ballotpedia, as of mid-2025, there are thirteen Republicans in the U.S. House who announced they will not seek re-election in 2026.

    On the Democratic side, there are also retirements (or folks not seeking re-election) but somewhat fewer, or in less vulnerable districts. For example, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) has announced he will not seek re-election. Some retirements are strategic for Democrats as well, but the key point is that many open seats will be up for grabs, and Republicans appear to be making more moves in this space.

    The GOP has a narrow majority in the House now, so even a small number of seat losses could flip control. That means each retirement — especially in competitive or swing districts — matters a lot. Analysts are pointing out that Democrats will challenge many of those open seats, and that Republicans will need to defend not just incumbents but maintain strength in districts where GOP retirements create open seats.

    To preserve control, Republicans will likely lean on a few advantages: favorable redistricting in some states, maintaining strong turnout in rural and suburban areas, and messaging that emphasizes border security, inflation, or other issues where GOP polling tends to do well. But there are headwinds: historically, the party in control of the White House tends to lose seats in midterms, public dissatisfaction with national issues could tilt momentum the other way, and some of the retirements are in districts where Democrats showed strength already.

    Given all that, Republican control of the House is not guaranteed but is plausible — if the party runs good campaigns, holds together its coalition, and defends seats well, especially in light of several vulnerable open seats caused by retirements. If you like, I can pull up a list of those Republican districts most at risk and what the forecasts are showing.

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