U.S. Senate
Coverage of U.S. Senate in the Nexus archive.
- Maine Democrats navigating uncharted waters as Graham Platner says he will step down
Maine is a key state in the Democratic Party's plan to win back the U.S. Senate. The plan is in trouble as Democrats scramble to replace nominee Graham Platner, who is not going quietly.
- Maine Senate race debacle muddies Democrats’ future
Graham Platner's scandal-plagued campaign for a US Senate seat in Maine caused a rift within the Democratic party, undermining efforts to oppose President Donald Trump's agenda. Platner's departure without unifying support for a replacement threatens Democrats' chances of gaining Senate control in the midterms, according to the article.
- Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging Tuberville’s eligibility to run for Alabama governor
A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's eligibility to run for Alabama governor. The lawsuit alleged Tuberville does not meet the residency requirement for the position.
- Fmr. Gov. Roy Cooper speaks in Wadesboro while campaigning for US Senate
Roy Cooper is speaking in Wadesboro as part of his Make Stuff Cost Less tour. He is campaigning for the U.S. Senate.
- Who will replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot? These Democrats are raising their hand
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's U.S. Senate race following a sexual assault allegation, prompting Democrats to select a replacement by July 27. Candidates including Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Dan Kleban, Shenna Bellows, and Jordan Wood have announced or expressed interest in the nomination.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts as they struggle to pass legislation before the November midterm elections. Disputes over the SAVE America Act and other bills like government funding, defense policy, and a farm bill have stalled progress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune working to address the challenges.
- James Talarico raises over $30 million in second quarter, campaign says, more than triple Ken Paxton’s sum
James Talarico raised over $30 million in the second quarter, a record for a U.S. Senate candidate in an election year's second quarter, and nearly tripled Beto O’Rourke's 2018 fundraising amount in the same period.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by July 11 whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill that would lower costs by expanding supply and adjusting federal loan programs. The bill, supported by diverse housing groups, could become law automatically if not signed due to a constitutional provision requiring a 10-day consideration period. Trump has stated he will not sign the bill to pressure Congress on an unrelated election security measure.
- Graham Platner ends Senate bid. And, why Nolan Wells' death captured national attention
Graham Platner ended his bid for U.S. Senate. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is assisting in the investigation of Nolan Wells' death.
- Graham Platner ends Senate bid. And, why Nolan Wells' death captured national attention
Graham Platner ended his bid for U.S. Senate. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is assisting in the investigation of Nolan Wells' death. The article references an image credit to Laura Brett.
- US midterms: Democrat exits key Senate race after rape claim
Graham Platner, a Democrat and oysterman running for the US Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign after being accused of sexual assault. The development impacts a key 2026 midterms race.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 11, whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress. The bill, called the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, aims to lower housing costs by expanding supply and streamlining regulations. Trump has refused to sign it to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure, but the bill will automatically become law if he does not act.
- Graham Platner's downfall threatens Democrats' chances of winning US Senate
Graham Platner's downfall is threatening Democrats' chances of winning the US Senate. He was a Democratic US Senate candidate at a campaign rally in Blue Hill, Maine, on June 9, 2026.
- Anti-Israel Democrat in Maine ends US Senate campaign after rape accusation
Graham Platner, an anti-Israel candidate in Maine, ends his US Senate campaign following a rape accusation. He denies guilt and had previously concealed a Nazi tattoo while campaigning with anti-AIPAC rhetoric.
- Miranda Devine: Slimy Dems — the party of Me Too — show their true colors in Graham Platner scandal
A liberal woman has credibly accused Graham Platner of rape, leading to his withdrawal from the US Senate race in Maine. The article criticizes the 'Dem' party for its response to the scandal.
- US Senate nominee Platner halts campaign after assault allegations
US Senate nominee Platner has halted his campaign following sexual assault allegations. Several high-profile Democrats have withdrawn their support for Platner.
- Graham Platner ends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. He accused the Democratic establishment and corporate media of undermining his campaign in an 11-minute video.
- Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race after sexual assault claim
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announced his withdrawal from the race following a sexual assault allegation. The incident has sparked internal party conflict and threatens Democrats' efforts to regain control of the Senate.
- Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for US Senate, exits race after rape allegation
Graham Platner, a U.S. Senate candidate, exits his race following a rape allegation. The incident is cited as the reason for his withdrawal.
- Maine Democrat Graham Platner suspends U.S. Senate campaign
Maine Democrat Graham Platner has suspended his U.S. Senate campaign following accusations of assault. He continues to assert his innocence, according to a CBS News report by Caitlin Huey-Burns.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by July 11 whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill that would lower costs by expanding construction. If he does not act, the bill will automatically become law due to a constitutional provision, as Congress is not adjourned during the July Fourth recess. Trump is withholding signature to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure.
- Actor Patrick Dempsey pours cold water on possible Senate bid in Maine
Patrick Dempsey, a native of Lewiston, Maine, announced he will not run for U.S. Senate in his home state. He is best known for his role on ABC’s 'Grey’s Anatomy.'
- Republicans see their grip on Senate tighten amid Democrats' dysfunction in Maine
Republicans are optimistic about maintaining Senate control as Democrats struggle with internal issues in Maine. A sexual assault accusation against Democratic candidate Graham Platner has weakened his campaign, with potential replacements seen as less threatening to Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The National Republican Senatorial Committee suggests Democrats now lack a viable path to a Senate majority without Maine.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by July 11, 2026, whether to sign or veto a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs. If unsigned, the bill becomes law automatically under the Constitution's 10-day rule. Trump has refused to sign it to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 11, whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs by increasing supply. If he does not sign, the bill will automatically become law due to a constitutional provision, as Congress is not adjourned during the July Fourth recess. Trump has stated he will withhold signature to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 11, whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs. The bill will automatically become law if not signed, as Congress is not adjourned under the constitutional 10-day rule. Trump has refused to sign it to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure.
- Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package
President Donald Trump must decide by 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 11, whether to sign a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs. If he does not act, the bill will become law automatically due to a constitutional provision, as Congress is not adjourned. Trump has refused to sign the measure to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security issue.
- Bernie-backed socialist who allied with Platner could supplant him on ballot
Graham Platner faces pressure to end his Senate campaign after rape allegations, prompting Troy Jackson to file paperwork for a potential Senate run if Platner withdraws. Prominent Democrats and progressive groups have shifted support to Jackson, who previously ran for governor and has ties to Bernie Sanders.
- Is McDreamy eyeing a Senate run in Maine? Patrick Dempsey reveals decision
Patrick Dempsey, a Maine native, announced he will not run for U.S. Senate in Maine, despite being considered a potential candidate due to uncertainty in Graham Platner's campaign. Dempsey expressed concern about the country's direction but decided against seeking office, stating he can contribute more through his current life. Platner faces allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is asking Sen. Mitch McConnell to provide a public update on his health after three weeks of silence following his June 14 hospitalization. The article notes Kentucky's Senate succession law changes in 2024 regarding potential replacement if McConnell's seat becomes vacant.
- Morning 4: Michigan Cyclosporiasis outbreak tops 700 cases as health officials search for source — and more news
Michigan reports over 700 cases of cyclosporiasis with 36 hospitalizations as health officials investigate the source. A man was fatally shot in northwest Detroit, and two people were detained. Democratic Senate candidates Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed debated in Grand Rapids, and Downriver neighborhoods continue to experience power outages following severe storms.
- Democrats accuse Graham Platner of trying to put ‘thumb on the scale’ of process to replace him
Graham Platner, Maine's US Senate nominee, faces accusations of attempting to influence the process to replace him amid calls for his withdrawal following a sexual assault allegation he denies. Platner has stated he is reflecting on his next steps.
- With control of US Senate in play, national Dems rush to dump Maine’s Platner
High-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders, urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race following allegations of sexual assault by an ex-girlfriend. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and key groups like Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club revoked endorsements, while Platner denied the accusations and considered stepping down by July 13.
- Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes
Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, received over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing 261 votes (nearly 60% of his participation) between January 2026 and May 2026. His absences coincided with campaign fundraising trips, including events in Southern California and Washington, D.C., during which he missed votes on key bills.
- Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes
Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, received over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing more than half of his 2026 votes, with absences linked to campaign events and lower fundraising compared to other candidates.
- Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows
Republican leaders are addressing speculation about Mitch McConnell's health after he was hospitalized on June 14. John Thune confirmed speaking with McConnell, but his office has not disclosed the reason for the hospitalization, leading to backlash from MAGA supporters. McConnell, who led Senate Republicans for the longest period before stepping down last year, is 84 years old.
- Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows
Republican leaders are addressing speculation about Mitch McConnell's health, with John Thune speaking to him as secrecy around the 84-year-old's hospitalization sparks MAGA backlash. The office has not disclosed details about his treatment.
- Federal bill would open the door for Ohio housing reform
The U.S. House passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing housing supply through regulatory changes and zoning reforms, but President Donald Trump refuses to sign it. Ohio faces rising housing costs and restrictive zoning laws that limit duplexes, a historically affordable housing option, with 79% of central Ohio parcels prohibiting them.
- Platner may be finished, but voters’ hunger for change and willingness to take risks will remain
Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, faces a sexual assault allegation that could end his campaign, despite earlier support as an outsider candidate. The article highlights a broader trend of anti-establishment candidates emerging in U.S. politics, even as their campaigns face controversies.
- Fact check: Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens clash over cash in US Senate debate
Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, Michigan Democratic US Senate candidates, debated in Grand Rapids. The debate was their first since Mallory McMorrow exited the race.