Axios

Democrats' midterm gains extended deep into the machinery of state government: They swept every statewide executive office on the ballot in Texas, Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin and Arizona.

Why it matters: These low-profile victories will shape what millions of Americans pay for electricity, what their kids read in class and which party runs the 2028 presidential election in key states.

Vice President Vance has spent the past two weeks personally involved in indirect talks with Iran aimed at reaching a new ceasefire and resuming nuclear negotiations, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.

Why it matters: Vance's heavy involvement shows he's taking it upon himself to extract the U.S. from a conflict he blamed for the GOP's staggering losses in this week's election. It also elevates the latest round of indirect talks to the highest levels of the administration.

Angered over his midterm losses, President Trump announced Friday he was replacing Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff with longtime adviser Stephen Miller.

Why it matters: Trump is trading one of his few moderating forces with one of the most maximalist champions of his agenda, a striking signal that the president may double down on the hardline policies that helped Republicans lose control of Congress on Tuesday.