House Republicans see a path to keeping their majority on Nov. 5 by picking up seats in the Rust Belt that they contend could help offset potential losses on the coast.
Why it matters: Political strategists have pointed to clusters of seats in New York and California as the key to which party will have a majority next year, but the National Republican Congressional Committee sees a window in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania to keep control or grow their numbers.
Three national polls released Sunday depict a tightening presidential race, with former President Trump erasing recent gains from Vice President Kamala Harris with just 23 days to go.
Why it matters: Harris started to pull away from Trump in several national polls in September, but all three new polls show a neck-and-neck race nationally.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz returned to "Fox News Sunday" for the second consecutive week — fresh off a pheasant hunt — as he courts conservative and rural voters who aren't sold on Donald Trump.
Walz competed for views with his opposite number, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who is a fixture on the Sunday show circuit.
But morning's most viral moment came from Trump himself, who claimed the U.S. military may need to sort out "left-wing radicals" and "the enemy from within."
Democrats are pouring money into taking down former House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry (R-Pa.) — and this time, they just might succeed.
Why it matters: Perry has been a major thorn in the side of GOP leadership, leading the Freedom Caucus as it staged revolts against former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and current Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo) said Sunday she does not trust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to certify the 2024 election if Vice President Harris wins.
Why it matters: It's a harsh assessment by a onetime member of House GOP leadership, now campaigning for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, towards her onetime deputy.
Former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said Sunday he would "absolutely" vote to certify the 2024 election even if former President Trump wins.
Why it matters: The commitment by a longtime House Democratic leader comes as some senior party members are leaving wiggle room on whether they would vote for certification.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday closed the door to Congress returning early to pass funding to respond to Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Why it matters: Lawmakers in both parties who represent areas affected by the storms have pushed to cut the October recess short and reconvene to pass a disaster relief package.
The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index ticked down in October (within the margin of error) after two months of gains. Sentiment is 8% stronger than a year ago, and almost 40% above the trough reached in June 2022.
Why it matters: "While inflation expectations have eased substantially, ... consumers continue to express frustration over high prices," survey director Joanne Hsu said.
The relationship between Kamala Harris' team and Joe Biden's White House has been increasingly fraught in the final weeks before Election Day, 10 people familiar with the situation tell Axios.
Why it matters: Biden's team wants Harris to win the election, but many senior Biden aides remain wounded by the president being pushed out of his re-election bid and are still adjustingto being in a supporting role on the campaign trail.
Presidential candidates eager to reach new audiences in a more relaxed environment are bypassing riskier network interviews and flocking to podcasts.
Why it matters: Cord cutting, the rise of TikTok and the scattering of audiences have made podcasts a more powerful platform for candidates this election cycle compared to last.
Some communities and politicians are pushing back against data centers — vital yet sometimes controversial facilities underpinning our digital lives and the AI explosion.
Why it matters:More than 5,000 of these key tech facilities now dot the American landscape, often requiring massive amounts of energy and land and receiving big government incentives.
