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Parties are on the hunt for moderate Tarrant County Republicans
The Fort Worth area, no longer solidly red, is a midterm election wild card as Democrats and Republicans jockey for supremacy.
Cook Political Report shifts 12 more House races toward Democrats
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, on Friday shifted a dozen more House races toward Democrats in the final stretch of the midterm cycle.
Trump's Justice Department pushes a spate of politically sensitive cases as midterm elections near
Defense lawyers and Democrats say a blitz of headline-making actions and cases is no coincidence and reeks of politics — in both the timing and the targets.
Which political party is better for your pocketbook?
Personal income grew 2.8% when Republicans controlled the White House vs. 3.1% when Democrats were in charge.
With dueling Trump-Talarico rallies, Lubbock became the center of the political universe
Lubbock, the most populous city in West Texas, has been a reliable Republican stronghold. Democrats, like Talarico, hope to close yawning gaps in rural areas that have kept them out of power.
Meet the 'Socialist' Progressive Democrats Likely on Their Way to Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — There's been a lot of talk this midterm election season about socialism, but only a handful of candidates running for Congress actually align with the far-left wing of the party or consider themselves part of the Democratic Socialists of America. Most of these candidates come from ...
How could Democrats win the Senate?
CNN’s Harry Enten breaks down what it would take for Democrats to take control of the Senate.
Chicago sports owners split on political giving
Half of the biggest owners give to Republicans and half give to Democrats.
Data centers turn sleepy utility races into political battlegrounds
Democrats are using voter anger over rising power bills and data center growth to try and undercut Republican control of obscure but influential utility boards.
Mike Haridopolos, Jennifer Jenkins argue who can rocket CD 8 to new heights
The incumbent hopes his space-friendly record satisfies voters. Democrats see the potential for a redistricting backfire.
What to expect in Iowa on Election Day
Control of both chambers of Congress hangs in the balance Tuesday as Iowa voters decide competitive House and Senate races. Voters in the Hawkeye State are electing a new governor as well, giving Democrats hopes of ending a 16-year drought for the state's highest office.
A new report confirms Democrats were behind the Dan Sullivan spoiler candidacy. Will it matter?
An October surprise has surfaced in a Senate race that could well determine who wins a majority in next week’s midterm elections.
After voting Trump, an RGV official mulls moving to the left
Dr. Ivan Melendez aligned with Democrats for years before moving to the right in recent elections. Ahead of the midterms, he’s weighing his options.
Which party cares about passing down their politics? New survey finds answer
An American Family Survey of over 2,000 people revealed Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to say passing on political beliefs is important.
Cook Political Report shifts predictions in CD 7, CD 9 in Democrats direction
And Decision Desk now sees the race between Dan Green and Darren Soto as a tossup.
Connect to the Capitol Extra: Katrina Shealy on women in SC politics, endorsing Democrats
The top 11 Senate seats most likely to flip, the day before the midterms
On the eve of the election, Democrats appear within striking distance of winning the Senate majority, but many seats in play are in toss-up territory in deep-red states that could still break in either party’s direction.
James Talarico faces off against Trump in dueling Texas rallies in election’s final days
Voter enthusiasm in a city of fewer than 300,000 underscored the high stakes of a close Senate race in what Democrats call their best chance in a generation.
OPB Politics Now: A handful of elections could determine Oregon Democrats’ supermajority
Voters on the coast, in Southern Oregon and in the Columbia River Gorge could determine how much power Democrats will hold in Salem.
Trump's Republicans scramble to stop Democratic midterms wave
Republicans made a final push Sunday to prevent a predicted thumping in US midterm elections where Democrats are gunning to win Congress and impose a first political check on President Donald Trump's ...
'Defund Musk': Former Clinton Cabinet official urges Democrats to target SpaceX founder
Former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich called on Democrats to target Elon Musk if they regain control of Congress, while pushing for government ownership of SpaceX and Starlink.
Meet the 'socialist' progressive Democrats likely on their way to Congress
There’s been a lot of talk this midterm election season about socialism.
From the pulpit to politics, a record number of candidates of the cloth seek office as Democrats
With dueling Trump-Talarico rallies, Lubbock became the center of the political universe
Lubbock, the most populous city in West Texas, has been a reliable Republican stronghold. Democrats, like Talarico, hope to close yawning gaps in rural areas that have kept them out of power.
How to think about the midterms — and the political moment the country is in
Polls show Democrats with an advantage in the midterm election but there are potential limitations and results may take a while to roll in.
Minnesota becomes battleground as political clashes shape Senate race
Minnesota has become a flashpoint in the political dispute between President Trump and Democrats. Clashes over immigration and recent accusations of voter fraud are spilling into the U.S. Senate race.
Which Dan? Alaskans on the double Sullivan ballot for senate
The Justice Department has dramatically accelerated a criminal probe into whether Alaska Democrats sought to confuse voters by recruiting a Senate candidate intended to siphon votes from the Republican, according to people familiar with the investigation. CNN’s Kyung Lah talked to early voters.
The push to impeach Hegseth will gain momentum if Democrats win the House
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s political future could be on the line if Democrats win the House majority in next week’s midterm elections.
Midwestern retirees helped turn Florida red. Now they could turn it blue.
Like voters still in the Midwest, many Midwesterners who moved to Florida to retire in the sun are preparing to vote for Democrats on Nov. 3.
Alaska Sen. Sullivan accuses Democrats of same-name voter deceit
CNN’s Jake Tapper sits down with Republican Senator Dan Sullivan ahead of the midterms where he’s seeking a third term. He discusses the “double Dan Sullivan” controversy, involving two candidates with the same name running for the same seat. Watch the full interview on CNN at 9a ET.
Michigan Democrats’ unity push falters as Stevens is asked to skip event with El-Sayed
Haley Stevens is no longer expected to join fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed at a Detroit church event as renewed tensions between the former party rivals in the Michigan Senate race threatened to overshadow the appearance.
Vote Republican, or else: how Trump is dangling government help on the campaign trail
President Donald Trump is signaling to states that his administration may be far less likely to help if their voters put Democrats in power on Election Day.
The midterms could open a new chapter for Republicans and an old fight for Democrats
The midterm elections might be the final nail in the coffin of the Trump era of the Republican Party, while Democrats will likely continue battling under roughly the same Hillary Clinton-versus-Bernie Sanders construct they have been operating under for the past 11 years.
Cook Political Report shifts 14 races toward Dems ahead of midterms
Democrats need at least 218 seats to win the House. The latest projections from a noted election forecaster should give them a reason for optimism.
Outside groups spend millions on Georgia legislative races
Most of the spending is concentrated in suburban districts held by Republican incumbents — the kind of seats Democrats need to flip to win control of the state House.
Meet the 'socialist' progressive Democrats likely on their way to Congress
There’s been a lot of talk this midterm election season about socialism.
Justice Department’s Dan Sullivan criminal probe accelerates after Alaska campaign revelations
The Justice Department has dramatically accelerated a criminal probe into whether Alaska Democrats sought to confuse voters by recruiting a Senate candidate intended to siphon votes from the Republican, issuing
Alaska governor orders investigation into ‘Dan Sullivan’ ballot controversy
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into claims Democrats recruited a namesake candidate in a key Senate race. (
Chicago sports owners split on political giving
Half of the biggest owners give to Republicans and half give to Democrats.
Can Democrats win Maha voters after Trump let them down?
The party is hoping they can integrate the public health message with grassroots concern, but leave behind conspiracy theories
Meet the 'socialist' progressive Democrats likely on their way to Congress
There's been a lot of talk this midterm election season about socialism.
For Democrats Eyeing 2028, the First Test Is ‘Money, Money, Money’
As soon as the midterms are over, presidential contenders are going to need to raise millions, quickly.
4 million votes and counting in Florida
Florida is approaching 4 million votes cast ahead of Tuesday’s midterm election, with registered Republicans slightly ahead of Democrats in ballots cast by mail or at in-person early voting sites.
Democrats, Trump hold final rallies before midterm elections
Democrats teed up final get-out-the-vote rallies Monday on the eve of midterm elections where they expect to win at least partial control of Congress and impose political constraints on President Dona...
http://democrats-energycommerce.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-and-wyden-hail-court-victory-against-republican-effort-take-health
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) released the following statement today applauding a court ruling that the Trump Administration violated the law by limiting access to Medicaid for people with serious health conditions:
These midterms could effectively end the Trump era – but neither side is yet ready for what comes next
Despite the US president’s ratings being at rock bottom, undoing his legacy will be difficult, not least because the Democrats are in disarray, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
Meet the \'socialist\' progressive Democrats likely on their way to Congress
There’s been a lot of talk this midterm election season about socialism. But only a handful of candidates running for Congress actually align with the far-left wing of the party
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Wisconsin on Election Day
Democrats in midterm races nationwide are seeking to capitalize on President Donald Trump's declining approval ratings to gain seats and win control of Congress. One of the most competitive House
Meet the Democrats trying to flip the script on gun rights: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the big decision awaiting Trump after the midterms.
Can I trust the polls? And other questions from listeners about the 2026 midterms
Ahead of Election Day, listeners send in questions about whether debates are dead, if polls are reliable for election coverage and how Trump might work with Democrats if they win control of Congress.
Harris rallies Democrats in Georgia in final push before midterms
Kamala Harris appeared in Georgia for Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) and Keisha Lance Bottoms, who could be the first Black female governor.
Alaska election officials oppose Trump DOJ’s involvement in Senate race
Alaska officials said new revelations in The New York Times about efforts by Democrats to recruit a Senate candidate with the same name as GOP incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan do not change the state’s opposition to a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to potentially delay certification of the election.
Monroe County became Trump country. Rising costs could test that loyalty
Once a battleground, the working-class southern Michigan county has become a reliable vote for Republicans since 2016. Tariffs, high costs and general fatigue give Democrats some hope next week.
Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed clash over Israel ad ahead of planned rally together
The tensions between the former Democratic primary candidates have drawn in other Michigan Democrats as the party hopes to secure a Senate seat in a battleground state.
The Israel debate reshaping Jewish American politics
“There are plenty of people who believe, as I do, that Israel has a right to protect itself,” says David to Lauren, both pictured below, over the dinner table. Subscribe “How does starving children protect Israel?” she replies. “I don’t think Israel is intentionally starving children.” “It’s a little bit absurd to be sitting here talking about all of these very specific things,” Lauren says, “as opposed to looking at the totality of him as a candidate, and the 90% of things that you agree with him on.” This is a snapshot from a conversation between a Jewish father and daughter in Michigan ahead of the crucial Senate race. Lauren supports the Democratic candidate, Abdul El-Sayed. Her father is undecided. That is mainly because of El-Sayed’s stance on Israel, one that mirrors a growing wing of the party that has become critical of the US-Israel relationship following the war in Gaza. You’re reading FourSight, a newsletter from Channel 4 News’ expert journalists explaining the complexities of the biggest global stories Could that alienate Jewish American voters who have a strong connection to Israel - and the majority of whom have voted Democratic? A shifting stance on Israel “An ally that takes your money to push you into wars you shouldn’t be fighting is not an ally,” El-Sayed recently told ABC News, referring to the Iran war and how some Americans believe that Israel pushed President Trump into the conflict. Foreign policy has become an economic issue that’s hitting Americans’ pockets, with the soaring cost of petrol and diesel. El-Sayed, pictured below, has opposed military aid for Israel and accused the nation of genocide in Gaza. That led to the pro-Israel lobby group, AIPAC, funding his opponent, Hayley Stevens, to the tune of $30m during the Democratic primary here. “I frequently criticise AIPAC because I think the way that they are pouring dollars into defeating Abdul and others around the country… is really corrosive to American democracy,” Brad Lander says at a canvassing event in Detroit. Lander, a Jewish Democratic congressional candidate in New York, is an ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has come to campaign for El-Sayed. “Democrats and Americans don’t want to keep paying for Netanyahu’s wars,” he says. “They want a reset in the US relationship with Israel.” The 2026 election has clearly been a bruising one for AIPAC; the Wall Street Journal reported that, in an unpublished letter, the group described the cycle as one of the “most challenging environments in recent memory”. Share And significantly, after the midterms, the group will stop direct contributions to candidates through one of its political action committees. Voters’ concerns We followed a group of Jewish canvassers around one suburb in Detroit. They think that among the 130,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, between 20 and 30,000 are undecided. In a swing state where El-Sayed beat his primary rival by just 13,000, that could prove pivotal. We meet one voter, Jen Friedman, pictured below, who has a “Democrats for Rogers” sign, referring to the Republican candidate. The issue of Israel is very important to her because “having a safe haven is crucial”, she tells me. “What I see is one candidate, Mike Rogers, who is associating himself with people who are very proudly American,” says Jen. “Abdul, on the other hand, is associating with people who say they are anti-American.” Friedman raises two issues. Firstly, Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer who has campaigned alongside El-Sayed and has been criticised for his comments on the US and Israel. [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) [ Why Hasan Piker thinks the US needs a socialist Trump ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) Anushka Asthana · Aug 19 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/who-is-hasan-piker-the-socialist) The other concern regards an attack on a Michigan synagogue back in March. The FBI said the man was inspired by Hezbollah and had lost relatives in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon. El-Sayed condemned the antisemitic attack, but also said “hurt people hurt people”. That upset many here, with El-Sayed apologising numerous times for his choice of language. Jews for Abdul As we follow the canvassers, there are still plenty of lawn signs supporting El-Sayed. Elissa Driker, pictured below, runs out of her house wearing a “Jews for Abdul” t-shirt. “I feel like the values that Abdul has align with how I live my Judaism,” she tells me. She says “Abdul is not Hasan Piker, so I don’t conflate them”. I ask why Piker keeps coming up. “It gets weaponised. I don’t know if you watched the debate the other night, but talk about… weaponising fear and weaponising anxiety and all that Islamophobic dog-whistling that was coming towards Abdul.” I also talk to Elissa about how Americans more broadly appear to be questioning the US-Israel relationship and whether American Jews were ready to do that too. “A lot of American Jews are. My experience is absolutely the tide is turning.” For the first time, Gallup found this year that Americans now sympathise more with the Palestinians than the Israelis. In another poll of Jewish American voters, 65% said they were pro-Israel but also critical of Israeli government policies, 52% support cutting or eliminating aid to Israel. Father and daughter Back at the dinner table, I bring up those polls with David Fink. Why does he think Americans sympathise less with Israelis? [ ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) [ How support for Israel in US is declining ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) Kiran Moodley · May 4 [ Read full story ](https://channel4news.substack.com/p/how-support-for-israel-in-us-is-declining) “Because the news media and the extremes of both parties are so willing to tell what I think is a false narrative.” Lauren chimes in: “Do you really think the actions of Israel have nothing to do with the shift in the sympathies?” “I think that’s very relevant,” he replies. “I just don’t think that people really have a full understanding.” Lauren again: “It sounds like you’re saying that the shift is due to how the atrocities are being described, as opposed to what the actual atrocities are.” “There have been some things that shouldn’t have happened,” David says. “I think the polling is being driven by politicians who are taking advantage of this issue.” Lauren then asks, “I’m curious what your response would be if my children were killed in an Israeli airstrike and someone said there have been some things that shouldn’t have happened?” A long pause from her father. “Any reference to my grandchildren has a very deep emotional impact on me. Well done,” he says. “I have an empathy for any civilian in war and I don’t mean to belittle those losses. The loss of any one life is a horrible thing. But it doesn’t make it a war crime and it doesn’t make it genocide.” Lauren and David cannot agree but tell me how proud they are of one another for sticking to their convictions and for agreeing to let me sit in on their conversation. I cannot thank them enough for their time, and hope their honesty informs and educates many people during such a fraught election. Abdul El-Sayed: The candidate testing the US - Israel relationship Thanks for reading our latest FourSight newsletter. Subscribe to receive free weekly newsletters from Channel 4 News. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
Democrats Want to Prove They Can Win in the Rapidly Changing South
The electoral math could become difficult for Southern Democrats, especially if they lag on Tuesday: An influx of new residents means the party that controls Southern states is likely to gain political power after the next census.
Senator Chris Murphy Is ‘Awake and Alert’ After Suffering a Stroke
The Connecticut senator, who has been campaigning for fellow Democrats, has been viewed as a potential candidate for president in 2028.
Democrats have big healthcare plans. The industry is preparing for a fight.
Corporations have always fought universal healthcare proposals. But will their old playbook still work in a new era?
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Minnesota on Election Day
Minnesota voters will elect a new governor and new senator Tuesday after retirement announcements by two prominent Democrats caused a reshuffling throughout the ballot. Voters will also decide races for
This Week in Politics: Lead-up To Midterm Elections
With the 2026 midterm elections next week on Tuesday, Nov. 3, tensions are rising as Democratic candidates seek to flip key Republican-held seats while President Trump and his party fight to defend their majorities in both chambers of Congress. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to secure a majority in the House of...
Trump Calls for Mary Peltola, Alaska Senate Candidate, to Be Prosecuted
The president lashed out at the former representative after The New York Times reported that her campaign and national Democrats helped recruit spoiler candidates to the race. He offered no explanation of what crime was committed.
The fight for battleground state Pennsylvania
To win a majority in the House of Representatives, Democrats need to win big in Pennsylvania. CNN’s Danny Freeman explains.
Democrats have an identity crisis - it won't be an easy fix
Whatever the result of the midterm elections, the party is facing tough questions over what they stand for and who should represent them.
Can a National Political Wave Reach the County Legislature?
In a heavily Republican New York county, Democrats are mounting an unusually large challenge in races that rarely attract much attention, testing how far national political engagement extends into local elections.
Republicans are about to find out whether their gerrymanders backfired
As analysts forecast a possible 'blue wave' of support for Democrats, election experts are watching whether Republicans’ gerrymandering efforts could backfire, turning out to be a 'dummymander.'
Democrats eye appeals to MAHA voters
Polling shows that MAHA food and pesticide priorities are overwhelmingly popular.
Dem divisions linger in Michigan Senate race. Will Trump frustrations outweigh them?
With less than a week until Election Day, Democrats remain divided over their nominee in Michigan’s pivotal Senate race. The question now is whether those divisions will outweigh voter frustration with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
Democrats Show Strength in Final Days of Race for the Senate, New Polls Find
Democrats are up in Michigan, Texas, Kansas, Maine and Ohio, have an edge in Alaska and are effectively tied with Republicans in Iowa, new New York Times/Siena polls found.
Justice Dept. Confirms Alaska Inquiry Even as Its Focus Remains Unclear
Democrats and former officials have accused the department of pursuing a political goal in the guise of a legal one: to publicize a scheme, sordid but not illegal under state law, damaging to Democrats.
Democratic leaders enter the midterms ‘confident and paranoid’
No part of a rolling, decadelong existential crisis is ever easy, even when things seem on the cusp of going well — and especially when Democrats have had their hopes raised and dashed so many times.
Which political party is better for your pocketbook?
Personal income grew 2.8% when Republicans controlled the White House vs. 3.1% when Democrats were in charge.
Ocasio-Cortez Has Evolved. She Wants the Left to Evolve, Too.
The New York congresswoman, once a bane of establishment Democrats, has tried to nudge her movement in a bigger-tent direction as she weighs her 2028 options.
Democrats, Hopeful All Over the Senate Map, Remain Jittery About Iowa
In the final days of the race, Josh Turek, the Democratic Senate nominee, appears to be in a dead heat against his Republican rival, Representative Ashley Hinson.
A Resurgent Justice Democrats Could Reshape a Democratic Congress
Justice Democrats, which gained prominence backing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is on track to see more of its candidates elected. Will the party listen to them?
Arizona Republican consultant thinks Democrats will 'end up disappointed'
A Republican political consultant and former Arizona lawmaker believes reports of the GOP’s demise are greatly exaggerated.
New polls have more good news for Democrats’ Senate hopes
New surveys confirm just how much Democrats have expanded the Senate map in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats in striking distance: New CNN polls in four states highlight party’s path to Senate majority
CNN polling across four key Senate races in the final days of the midterm campaign finds Democrats well-positioned in Michigan and Texas, with no clear leader in the races in Maine or Kansas.
David Jolly: a Democratic governor in Florida ‘redefines American politics’
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly passionately spoke Thursday evening to supporters at the Ironworkers Union south of Orlando, calling on Democrats, independents and dissatisfied Republic...
Private equity's political problem
If Democrats take Congress, private equity may need to play defense.
In Creole Country, Black Residents Ask What the Fight for Voting Rights Delivers
Opelousas has shaped the fight for Black voting rights for centuries. Today, residents disagree over whether Democrats, Republicans, or racial solidarity offer a path forward.
Democrats have a shot in Mississippi, but it’s a ‘long shot,’ political strategist says
Democratic strategist Matt Bennett analyzes the battle for control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections on ‘Special Report.’
Democrats have high hopes for midterms, but polls have let them down before
Polls have been predicting a Democratic surge, but last-minute deciders and sampling issues mean there's no guarantee.
A guide to Nov. 3 midterm election with history, perspective
Democrats appear a cinch to win control of the House, but the Senate remains a toss-up. Save your sanity by ignoring the polls. And don't put too much weight on Republicans' big financial advantage.
Week in Politics: Trump's Midwest pivot; sharper Democratic messaging
The president heads to the midwest for two rallies he previously said were cancelled. Has his message changed this campaign season and how have Democrats sharpened their messaging?
The corruption election: Democrats link Trump’s wealth to voters’ economic pain
Candidates are painting the president and Republican incumbents as enriching themselves while ordinary Americans struggle to make ends meet.
Democrats have long known heartbreak in Texas. Could this finally be their year?
Most polls show James Talarico, a state representative, seminarian and former schoolteacher, narrowly ahead of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton
Inside Democrats’ Secret Effort to Stack Alaska’s Midterm Ballot With Another Dan Sullivan
Operatives aligned with Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate, spent months recruiting candidates to peel votes from Senator Dan Sullivan, the Republican.
Alaska Democrats played into Trump’s hands with Dan Sullivan ballot-stacking effort
Alaska Democrats gave Donald Trump exactly what he wanted.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Kansas on Election Day
Kansas Democrats are looking to Methodist megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton to pull off what no one from their party has done since 1932: win one of the state’s U.S. Senate
Cook Political Report shifts 12 more House races toward Democrats
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, on Friday shifted a dozen more House races toward Democrats in the final stretch of the midterm cycle. The latest move forecasts more …
Poll: Voters demand change and a check on Trump, fueling a steep Democratic midterm advantage
Trump’s disapproval rating hits a record high of 60% in a new national NBC News poll, and Democrats have a 7-point lead in the battle for Congress ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
Top California Democrats rally in unity
Top California Democrats including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom appeared in a Los Angeles rally to boost the Democratic CA governor candidate Xavier Becerra. CNN’s Elex Michaelson reports from the scene.
Trump, Talarico rally in Lubbock as 2026 election nears end
Lubbock has been a reliable Republican stronghold. Democrats, like James Talarico, hope to close yawning gaps in rural areas.
Democrats are used to heartbreak in Texas - will Talarico turn the tide?
The state's $500m Senate race may be the most closely watched in the US midterms, and is about far more than control of Congress.
Why 2026 Is a Health Care Election
_Ypsilanti, Michigan_THE MIDTERM ELECTION IS ABOUT a lot of things: gas prices and groceries, the spread of corruption, and the future of democracy. And yet, as much as any single issue, it’s about health care. You can tell by listening to all the Democrats talking about high deductibles, drug costs, and insurance companies as they campaign around the country. Or you can tell by reading all the public-opinion surveys in which voters consistently rank health care as one of their top concerns. But if you really want to know why this is a health care election, your best source isn’t the politicians or the pollsters. It’s the people on the front lines. One of them is Raymond Rion, a family medicine physician and executive director of Packard Health, a small network of clinics spanning Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti on the western outskirts of the Detroit metro area. Packard is what’s known as a Federally Qualified Health Center, where anybody can get care regardless of income or insurance status. And like similar safety-net providers all over America, for the past decade it has benefited directly from the Affordable Care Act. “We almost went bankrupt in 2011,” Rion told me in a conversation last week, recalling how in the old days staff at Packard would work the phones furiously to get supplies and find specialists who would take referrals. Now many more patients have either Medicaid or private coverage they’ve purchased through HealthCare.gov, the online marketplace that the law created, so that the proportion of uninsured patients has fallen from around one in three to one in ten. It’s a lot easier to find referrals for these insured patients, though thanks to the infusion of paying customers Packard can do much more on its own. In particular, Rion said, the organization has opened two new branches, started a pharmacy, begun offering prenatal services, and vastly expanded behavioral health care by bringing on a half-dozen new doctors, nurses, and case workers. Now a retrenchment is underway. Coverage options on the HealthCare.gov marketplace got more expensive because Donald Trump and the Republicans refused to renew temporary subsidies that had been reducing the price of insurance. On top of that, the first cuts to Medicaid as part of last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” are starting to take effect. Rion told me Packard has already laid off a provider in anticipation of less revenue next year.1 Patient volume is down, he went on to explain, in part because uninsured patients sometimes avoid care altogether out of fear a single visit will lead to more treatments with more bills. And postponing care in that way can have serious medical consequences, as his colleague Ron Romero told me. “So you have somebody with diabetes, their chronic condition isn’t getting cared for,” said Romero, who like Rion is a family physician. “Their sugars rise, and they end up having other medical problems. Their kidneys start to get damaged. They start to have eye damage. They increase risk for heart attacks and strokes. . . . They end up in the emergency room.” And things are likely to get worse. Partly that’s because next year most of the remaining Medicaid cuts will take full effect, throwing more people off coverage. And partly it’s because forces that have nothing to do with Trump or Republican actions are making medical care more expensive for everyone, including those with employer insurance and Medicare. That will lead to still more people delaying or skipping care, ending up in the emergency rooms, and putting yet more cost pressure on providers. Rion wasn’t taking a position on the election or political parties, he made clear. He was just describing the reality he sees around him: “The whole system is being pressured. Nobody is immune to this stuff.” He’s right. And here’s the thing: This has all happened before. We know happens next.