Archive

Colorado 8: Centennial State Showdown

by Jacob Rubashkin March 20, 2025 · 2:30 PM EDT

Colorado’s 8th District is one of America’s newest House seats but it has already established itself as one of the most competitive. Just one of two districts where the winning candidate’s margin of victory was less than 1 percent in both 2022 and 2024, the 8th is a crucial step in Democrats’ path…

Iowa 1: Third Time’s a Charm?

by Jacob Rubashkin March 20, 2025 · 2:29 PM EDT

In their quest to flip three seats and reclaim the House majority, Democrats are primarily focused on GOP incumbents in seats where Kamala Harris finished ahead of Donald Trump and seats where Trump won narrowly.

But one of the party’s top targets is neither of those things. Iowa’s 1st District…

Report Shorts (March 20, 2025)

March 20, 2025 · 2:28 PM EDT

Arizona’s 7th District Special. Gov. Katie Hobbs scheduled a July 15 primary and September 23 special election to replace the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva. No major candidates have announced their intention to run yet, but state Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is considering a bid. Grijalva’s daughter,…

Podcast Episode 42: House Ratings + Sleeper Races w/ James Downs of the Hotline

March 13, 2025 · 1:22 PM EDT

Nathan Gonzales, Jacob Rubashkin, and James Downs of National Journal’s Hotline analyze the fight for the House majority, the 10 key Toss-up races, and some potential surprise races in places that haven’t been competitive for years. The episode also includes Jacob’s recent purchase of a political…

New Hampshire Senate: Shaheen Retirement Creates Open Seat

by Jacob Rubashkin March 13, 2025 · 10:58 AM EDT

New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen will not run for a fourth term, complicating her party’s already difficult path back to the Senate majority next year.

While New Hampshire was already on the Senate battleground, Shaheen’s decision could set off a prolonged and difficult primary between…

2026 House Overview (March 7, 2025): The Fight of the Cycle

March 7, 2025 · 2:30 PM EST

By Nathan L. Gonzales & Jacob Rubashkin

The GOP majority in the House is at risk and will likely be the most consequential battle in 2026, while Senate Republicans might be insulated from a midterm backlash.

Typically, midterm elections go poorly for the president’s party, particularly in the…

2026 House Overview (March 7, 2025): Alabama - Iowa

by Jacob Rubashkin March 7, 2025 · 2:29 PM EST

Alabama. 
2nd District (Mobile, Montgomery, and eastern Black Belt), Shomari Figures, D, elected 55%. Harris 54%.
There’s little appetite among Republicans to take on Figures unless court decisions allow Alabama to redraw its congressional map. Solid Democratic.

Alaska.
At-Large, Nick Begich, R,…

2026 House Overview (March 7, 2025): Kansas - New York

March 7, 2025 · 2:28 PM EST

Kansas.
3rd District (Kansas City suburbs) Sharice Davids, D, re-elected 53%. Harris 51%.
Davids has earned a reputation as a tough competitor and extracts a grudging respect from Republicans, who don’t see her as a serious target this cycle. Solid Democratic.

Kentucky.
6th District (Greater…

2026 House Overview (March 7, 2025): North Carolina - Wisconsin

March 7, 2025 · 2:27 PM EST

North Carolina.
1st District (Inland northeastern North Carolina) Don Davis, D, re-elected 49.5%. Trump 51%.
Laurie Buckhout, the 2024 nominee who lost to Davis by less than 2 points, could run again though GOP strategists are skeptical she will take the plunge. Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson,…

Report Shorts (March 7, 2025)

March 7, 2025 · 2:26 PM EST

Alabama Senate. GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville is telling colleagues that he is interested in running for governor, according to Punchbowl News. That would set off a competitive GOP race to replace him in the Senate. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, state Attorney General Steve Marshall, state House Speaker…