Campaign spending hits record high as U.S. voters head to the polls

The 2026 midterm election features the highest price tag in U.S. history.

A record number of lawmakers are stepping down from their seats. This turnover creates a path for Democrats to potentially regain control of Congress. President Trump’s popularity has fallen to an all-time low. His unpopular policies have impacted the economy and shifted the strategic focus of both parties.

In recent months, the campaign landscape has evolved around economic concerns. Voters have expressed worry over the war in Iran and rising gas prices. States such as Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Iowa have become crucial for deciding House control. Both parties have invested heavily in numerous House races. Republicans asked voters for two more years to fix issues. Democrats argued that they have already had too much time.

Yesterday, President Trump told supporters that a portion of his base could secure a landslide victory. He noted the challenges ahead in a tone that differed from his usual rhetoric. His team is monitoring Republican turnout in Senate races in Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina. These states have earlier polling hours. A strong turnout in these areas could ease concerns for the president. Close results in South Carolina or Florida may signal a difficult night for Republicans.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a last-minute request from the Department of Justice to intervene in a dispute with California over voter rolls. The DOJ sought to stop California from processing ballots for individuals identified as likely noncitizens. In the Middle East, the U.S. conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz last night. These strikes included Qeshm Island, a key launch point for Iranian attacks. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait in two days if the U.S. re-engages in negotiations.

In Massachusetts, Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan is considering a motion to dismiss the case against Lindsay Clancy. He will announce his decision later this month. Clancy’s attorney requested that the judge dismiss the case or initiate a new trial. Clancy faces first-degree murder charges for the 2023 deaths of her three children. The trial ended in a mistrial in September when jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors stated in a recent motion that they aim to pursue justice.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit to stop the construction of a proposed 250-foot-tall triumphal arch. The National Symphony Orchestra is currently without a home while its Kennedy Center venue is involved in a federal court dispute. The organization is using six alternative concert venues in the Washington, D.C., area to maintain its budget.