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Senate Primary in Massachusetts Is a Generational Fight, With a Twist

In Massachusetts, the octogenarian senator Ed Markey faces a challenge from a much younger centrist, Representative Seth Moulton.

© Mel Musto for The New York Times

Senator Ed Markey is running as a progressive in one of the country’s most liberal states.
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‘The Least Transparent Midterm’: How Dark Money Is Washing Over the 2026 Election

At least $1 billion from anonymous donors is flowing into the midterm elections. Dark money is not new, but it now permeates nearly every major contest.

Nonprofits or super PACs have aired dozens of ads this year in House and Senate races using dark money, which is political spending by groups that hide the names of their donors.
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Ed Markey Defends Transgender Athletes in Massachusetts Senate Race

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has emerged as a vocal defender of transgender rights as he tries to fend off a primary challenge from Representative Seth Moulton.

© Mel Musto for The New York Times

“Trans athletes should be able to play,” Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said in an interview this past week with The New York Times.
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El-Sayed Apologizes for March Comment About Michigan Synagogue Attack

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan, faced criticism from Jewish Democrats after remarking, “hurt people hurt people.”

© Emily Elconin for The New York Times

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic nominee for Senate, speaking to the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus on Saturday.
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Progressives Condemn Pick of Pro-Israel Democrat Atop House Panel

Outrage over making Representative Jared Moskowitz, who is vocally pro-Israel, the top Democrat on a Middle East policy subcommittee reflected the party’s rift over Israel.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

On Tuesday, Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida, a vocally pro-Israel Democrat, was chosen to serve as the ranking member on a key subcommittee with jurisdiction over Middle East policy.
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Obama to Headline Fund-Raiser With Jeffries in New York

The top Democrats will gather party donors on Sept. 10, just as Republicans converge in Texas for their unusual midterm convention.

© The New York Times, left, Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Representative Hakeem Jeffries and former President Barack Obama will aim to give Democrats a financial boost at a time when money is a concern for the party heading into the midterm elections.
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Trump’s Strength in Primaries is Clear. The Midterms Pose a Different Test.

The president’s pull with the party base has been clear and his resources are vast. But his low approval ratings make him a liability with swing voters.

© Bryan Anselm for The New York Times

President Trump campaigning with Representative Mike Lawler of New York in May. Republicans have to weigh Mr. Trump’s approval ratings against his popularity among his base.
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