Axios

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) made a stunning last-minute endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday, two days before Michigan's closely watched Senate election.

Why it matters: Her endorsement gives Rogers a striking photo op as his party tries to peel away Black and Jewish voters in a tight race that could determine control of the Senate.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's chances of being a presidential contender in 2028 are riding on his winning reelection in a landslide Tuesday.

• New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's future hinges on whether a fellow progressive can carry a swing state, for once.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom has to show that his congressional redistricting gambit worked for Democrats — and he needs to beat back a state wealth tax proposal supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Driving the news: Democrats eyeing White House runs have spent the past year preparing to emerge from Tuesday's midterms with momentum, and an argument for a 2028 candidacy. They want Democrats to do well — but to each, some races are especially important.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) had a stroke Saturday and is being treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, his office said Sunday.

The big picture: Murphy is one of the Senate's more visible Democrats and has been traveling the country campaigning ahead of Tuesday's midterms.