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2026 Midterm Election Ballot Measures: What Races We’re Watching

More than 140 statewide ballot measures will go before voters during the midterms. Here are the races we’re watching.

Β© John Tully for The New York Times

Voters casting their ballots in Franconia, N.H., in the state’s primary earlier this year.
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Third-Party Spoilers, Long Fueled by Both Parties, Could Matter This Year

The other Dan Sullivan in Alaska has drawn the most attention, but both parties are quietly trying to use little-known candidates in other battlegrounds to siphon votes, too.

Β© Becky Bohrer/Associated Press

Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher in Alaska, was recruited by Democratic operatives to join the race against Senator Dan S. Sullivan, a Republican, whose allies have been left worrying that voters will be confused.
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Four Scenarios for How the Midterms Could Go

Expectations are cresting for Democrats, and some kind of wave seems likely, but so much will depend on a few close Senate races.

Β© The New York Times

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U.S. GDP Increased 3.4% in Third Quarter

The economy grew 3.4 percent in the third quarter, the fastest pace in a year. Strong spending and growth contrast with the poor marks many voters are giving the economy.

Β© The New York Times

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The Fed Risks Falling Behind in its Inflation Fight

Federal Reserve officials are expected to restart rate increases in December, but the cadence of additional moves will depend on the data.

Β© Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Kevin Warsh speaking on Wednesday.
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Nvidia Chief, Jensen Huang, Is Seen as Target of Chinese Spy Plot

A Chinese businesswoman who had a close relationship with Jensen Huang was found to be passing intelligence to Beijing. President Trump was briefed and took no action.

Β© Manuel Orbegozo for The New York Times

Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, is influential at the White House on technology policy and has developed a close relationship with President Trump.
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The Red States That Could Decide the Senate

Democrats need to flip four Republican-held Senate seats to regain the majority, but some of their targets are in states President Trump won by double digits in 2024. Our election data reporter Evan Reynolds explains just how difficult that might be.
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Alaska Governor Orders Criminal Investigation Into Peltola Campaign

President Trump had lashed out at Mary Peltola after The New York Times reported that her campaign and national Democrats helped recruit spoiler candidates to the race. He offered no explanation of what crime may have been committed.

Β© Doug Mills/The New York Times

President Trump campaigned this month for Senator Dan S. Sullivan of Alaska, a Republican running for re-election this year against Mary Peltola, a Democrat and former congresswoman.
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Judge Rejects Trump Officials’ Bid to Set Aside California Ballots

The judge ruled that no immediate action was necessary, dealing another setback to the administration as it moves to target voting by noncitizens.

Β© Mike Blake/Reuters

Election workers process mail-in ballots in San Diego.
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Vance Proposes Restarting Peace Talks in Outreach to Iranian Official

In his letter, the vice president suggested an immediate resumption of comprehensive talks, including about Iran’s nuclear program.

Β© Tierney L. Cross for The New York Times

Vice President JD Vance is said to have made the outreach in a letter sent last week via Qatari meditators and delivered Sunday to an Iranian official, Gen. Mohsen Rezaei.
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Cabinet Officials on the Campaign Trail? Ethics Experts Say Some Are Breaking the Law.

As Trump officials stump for Republican candidates facing difficult races, ethics experts say they are being lax about complying with the Hatch Act, a federal anti-corruption law.

Β© Doug Mills/The New York Times

President Trump with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at a campaign rally in North Carolina this month.
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As Trump Faces Down the Midterms, a Grim Mood Takes Over the White House

The White House has been rocked by turnover and anxiety over the midterms. The president, who is tightening his inner circle, has lashed out at critics, held meandering rallies and feasted on a diet of news clips and β€œA.I. slop,” as one aide put it.

Β© Doug Mills/The New York Times

President Trump after a campaign rally in Mississippi on Monday.
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CNN, MS Now and Politico Update Lawsuit Against Trump Over White House Access

The news outlets argued in an updated lawsuit that they should be granted access to the White House reporting pools.

Β© Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Betsy Klein, a CNN reporter, in the White House in September.
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