As the midterms approach, Donald Trump rallied supporters in South Carolina on Wednesday while a flurry of new national polling and political controversies reshaped the final days of the campaign. CNN polls released ahead of the election show Democrats leading in Senate races in Texas and Michigan, while contests in states like South Carolina, Maine, and Kansas remain tightly contested.
Midterm Senate Polls Show Tightening Races
The political landscape has shifted dramatically in several traditionally safe states. In Texas, Democratic nominee James Talarico drew 49% of likely voter support compared to 43% for Republican Ken Paxton. Meanwhile, in Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed holds 49% over Republican Mike Rogers at 42%.
However, in South Carolina, a New York Times/Siena poll revealed a dead heat between Republican incumbent Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews, both sitting at 48%. Graham was appointed to the seat following the July death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.
Trump Calls for Prosecution Over Alaska Ballot Controversy
During his South Carolina appearance in Rock Hill, Trump addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Alaska Senate race and Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. Trump reiterated his demand that Peltola face criminal prosecution and disqualification from the ballot.
"This is voter fraud at the highest level," Trump told the crowd regarding allegations that Peltola’s campaign recruited a man sharing the name of Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan to run and split the vote. Vice President JD Vance echoed similar sentiments to reporters on a tarmac en route to Texas, stating that officials should look into whether Peltola committed election fraud.
Key Facts From the Campaign Trail
- New Mexico Governor Race: Former congresswoman and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland holds a comfortable lead, poised to become the first female Native American governor in US history.
- Flávio Bolsonaro Flight: The New York Times reported that the Trump administration assisted right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in clandestinely fleeing Brazil for Miami on temporary parole after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- Ilhan Omar Investigation: An Obama-era federal investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar's 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi found some evidence suggesting a fraudulent marriage to obtain a green card, though the case stalled due to the statute of limitations.
- Tariff Relief for Automakers: The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration offered tariff relief promises through the Department of Commerce to lure companies like Volkswagen into building domestic plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Senate polls in Texas and Michigan?
According to a CNN poll, Democrat James Talarico leads in Texas with 49% over Ken Paxton's 43%, and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leads in Michigan with 49% over Mike Rogers's 42%.
Why is Darline Graham facing a close race in South Carolina?
Graham was appointed to the Senate seat after her brother Lindsey Graham died in July, and her lack of prior elected experience has played a central role in her dead-heat race against Democrat Annie Andrews.
What did Donald Trump propose regarding bodies of water?
During his South Carolina rally, Trump mused about renaming the Hudson River and the Mississippi River, following previous attempts during his second term to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario.