Democratic Party

Texas Senate Primary On March 3 A Crucial Moment For Both Political Parties

Ronald Leave a comment

What may be the most crucial Senate race of all in 2026 is the Texas race, where Republican Senator John Cornyn is being seriously challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and African American Congressman Wesley Hunt; and where Democratic African American Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is being challenged by Texas State Representative James Talarico, with the upcoming primary to be on March 3, less than a month from today, and if a runoff is needed, on May 26.

Cornyn has been in the Senate since 2002, and is now 74 years old, and has held leadership positions in the Senate, including Senate Republican Whip from 2013-2019. Not considered “Conservative Enough”, he is facing a tough intraparty battle with Ken Paxton, embattled and hardline MAGA conservative often praised by President Donald Trump, although so far, Trump has remained neutral in this intraparty battle.

Paxton has been shown to be corrupt in his dealings and rhetoric, and was impeached by the Texas House Republicans, although found not guilty by the Texas Senate Republicans. He is considered highly corrupt and outrageous in utterances, and also was revealed to be cheating on his wife, who now has filed for divorce.

Congressman Wesley Hunt, 20 years younger than Paxton, and thirty years younger than Cornyn, is a “wild card” in the primary race. A military veteran who graduated from West Point (the US Military Academy), and remained in the military for eight years, he would represent a modernization of the Republican Party in Texas, and could help decide whether Cornyn or Paxton win the nomination, and with an outside chance with three candidates, that he could pull off an upset. If no candidate gains a majority in the primary, there will be a runoff.

A major “revolution” in Texas Republican politics would be if, somehow, Hunt could win over both Cornyn and Paxton, and even more so, if he faced Jasmine Crockett, making for two young African American politicians with vastly different viewpoints as the finalists in the Senate race. However, if Texas State Representative James Talarico, who is only 36, was to run against Hunt, that would also be a major “revolution” in Texas politics.

The “youth” movement would be served by Hunt and Crockett, both born in 1981, and Talarico, born in 1989, rather than the old, stodgy leadership of Cornyn, or the corrupt leadership of Paxton.

The thought at the moment is that if Paxton wins the Republican nomination, it would make it easier for Crockett or Talarico to win the Senate seat, while if Cornyn won the nomination, he would have an edge over either of them.

But Talarico has done well in public opinion polls, and could be the most exciting Senate candidate of the 2026 Senate cycle, if he can triumph over Crockett.

If either Crockett or Talarico can win the Senate race, it would be a sign of a likely takeover of the Senate majority by the Democratic party.

Trump’s Desire To “Nationalize” Elections Means Push To Fix And Control Election Results: An Alarm Bell Danger To American Democracy!

Ronald 23 Comments

“Free and Fair Elections” are the lifeblood of American democracy, and of any democracy around the world.

Without such processes, it means authoritarian controls and dictates the lives of 340 million Americans.

Elections have always been held, conducted, and results counted, by state and local governments, never by the federal government.

But now, Donald Trump is calling for “nationalizing” elections, focusing on 15 states, those that are seen as “Swing” states, and also counties, that have produced results that are unfavorable to Donald Trump and his policies and beliefs.

Trump has already claimed “voter fraud”, without any evidence, that although he lost the state of Minnesota in three national elections, that actually, he won that state, and the results showing his loss were “fixed”, when that is exactly what he wishes to do in that “Blue” state and others.

Clearly, Trump is terrified that if the Democrats gain control of either or both chambers of Congress in the Midterm 2026 Elections, they will pursue investigations and subpoenas into his administration’s actions, and would likely move to impeach him and many of his Cabinet Officers for malfeasance.

Trump is clearly desperate to eliminate his rivals in the Democratic Party, and to defeat the small number of Republicans who have dared to challenge him.

This is a threat that has been perceived for a long time, and now, with the seizure illegally by FBI agents of election records in Fulton County, Georgia, and the involvement of the Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard in the action, is extremely alarming, and totally outside of her area of responsibility.

It is clear that Donald Trump has no scruples, and will do everything illegally to control the election results for 2026 and 2028, until and when he is stopped dead in his tracks by legal actions of his critics.

This is an alarming threat to the upcoming elections and the rule of law!

Amy Klobuchar Becomes 4th Sitting Senator In 2026 Running For Governor Of Their States

Ronald 1 Comment

The announcement by Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar that she is running for Governor, makes her the fourth sitting US Senator who is choosing, if the voters agree, to transfer from the legislative branch to being Chief Executive of their state governments.

The other three sitting Senators taking the same path are:

Michael Bennet (D) Colorado
Marsha Blackburn (R) Tennessee
Tommy Tuberville (R) Alabama

Klobuchar has been in the Senate since 2007, and if she were to fail to win the election this fall, she would keep her seat in the Senate, secure until 2030. She is a national figure, due to her run for the Presidency in 2020. The odds are heavy in her favor to win the Governorship of a state strongly “Blue”, and to succeed Tim Walz.

Michael Bennet has been in the Senate since 2009, and would keep his seat until 2028 if he lost the Governorship, but is heavily favored to win what is a largely “Blue” state. He also was a Presidential contender in 2020.

Marsha Blackburn has been in the Senate since 2019, and would keep her seat until 2030 were she to lose the Governorship race, which is unlikely. She also served in the House of Representatives from 2003-2019.

Tommy Tuberville has been in the Senate since 2021, and his former football coach background insures that he will, very likely, win the Alabama Governorship, just as his one Senate term ends in 2026.

With the likelihood that all four Senators will win their state Governorship election, and adding the nine Senators who are retiring from the Senate at the end of 2026, that means at least 13 Senators will be newly elected this November.

This does not include the contended Senate seats, which could bring about up to another 4-8 newly elected Senators.

So we are witnessing what could be one out of every five Senators being new to the body, and as it is now, at least one of every eight!

There have been, historically, 2,018 Senators, and after these meidterm elections, they will be greater than 2,030 in number!

New Hope For Democratic Senate Gains In “Red” States Texas And Florida

Ronald Leave a comment

The Democratic Party has 47 seats in the US Senate, and with a growing chance to regain the majority.

The hope is that they can gain at least four seats and become the majority.

The two strongly “Red” states of Texas and Florida now are seen as adding to the potential of Democratic majorities in the Senate, and maybe more than just four seats.

Texas polls indicate James Talarico is leading Jasmine Crockett, and the thought that he might be able to win the Democratic nomination, with his “liberal” Christianity view, and a more measured personality than Crockett. This gives hope that he might defeat Senator John Cornyn, or his leading rival in the Republican primary, State Attorney General Ken Paxton.

And now, great news that the state of Florida will have a real race for the US Senate, instead of appointed Senator Ashley Moody having the likelihood of no major challenger.

Former Army Lieutentant Colonel Alex Vindman, who served on the National Security Council under President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Senate nomination, giving real hope for a possible gain of a Senate seat in the Sunshine State.

Vindman resigned after revealing that Trump tried to bribe Ukrainian Persident Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give “dirt” on Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, leading to the impeachment of Trump by the House of Representatives, although not convicted by the Senate.

Many Members Of Congress Seeking State Governorships!

Ronald Leave a comment

The number of members of Congress seeking nomination and election as state governors in the Midterm Elections of 2026 is a revelation of their disillusionment with being members of either branch of Congress.

Among those trying to be nominated and elected as governors are the following.

US Senate to Governor (3)

Tommy Tuberville, Alabama (R)
Michael Bennet, Colorado (D)
Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee (R)

US House Of Representatives to Governor (12)

Andy Biggs, Arizona (R)
Katie Porter, California (D)–former
Eric Swalwell, California (D)
David Jolly, Florida (D)–former
Byron Donalds, Florida (R)
John James, Michigan (R)
Deb Haaland, New Mexico (D)–former
Nancy Mace, South Carolina (R)
Ralph Norman, South Carolina (R)
Dusty Johnson, South Dakota (R)
John Rose, Tennessee (R)
Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin (R)

Of these 15 members or former members of Congress, at this point, the odds would be that eight will become Governors, including all three Senators:

Tommy Tuberville, Alabama
Michael Bennet, Colorado
Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee

and five House members or former:

Eric Swalwell, California
Byron Donalds, Florida
Deb Haaland, New Mexico
Nancy Mace, South Carolina
Dusty Johnson, South Dakota

2028 Presidential Primaries Being Planned By Democratic Party: Battle Of 12 States For First Four Slots!

Ronald Leave a comment

With 2026 upon us, the Democratic Party is now considering which states to put in the forefront as “early” states to hold primaries or caucuses early in 2028 for the Presidential nomination.

Four states will be selected by the Democratic National Committee from a total of 12 states from four regions competing.

East—New Hampshire, Delaware

South—Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee

Midwest—Michigan, Illinois, Iowa

West—Nevada, New Mexico

In the past, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Iowa, and Nevada have been favored as “early” state contests for delegates.

However, this author and blogger, after much consideration, has the view that the four states that should go first, are:

New Hampshire
Virginia
Michigan
New Mexico

Four Potential Senate Gains For Democrats In 2026

Ronald Leave a comment

Beyond Alaska and Maine, and long odds Iowa, there are four other Republican Senate seats that are in play in the Midterm Elections of 2026.

Nebraska has Republican Pete Ricketts, former two term Governor, and part owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, running for a full term, after succeeding the retired Senator Ben Sasse in 2023. Ricketts has a conservative record, and will NOT have a Democratic opponent, but interestingly, he will have an Independent opponent, Dan Osborn, who polled well against Senator Deb Fischer in 2024, losing by only 6 points, amazing result, with no formal backing by Democrats.

A former labor union leader and US Navy veteran, he is running again with a populist platform, appealing to the middle and working class, and he is seen as intriguing, with a possible chance to win.

North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis is not seeking reelection, and former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is the favorite to win the seat over Republican Michael Whatley, former North Carolina Republican Chairman, and also Republican National Chairman in 2024-2025.

Cooper was an exceptional governor in a state where the opposition Republicans often controlled the legislature, but he gained a reputation for principled leadership, and had a background as four term State Attorney General before his two terms as Governor. There is real optimism that Cooper can swing this state to the Democratic camp, with Cooper ahead in public opinion polls.

Ohio also is a state that Democrats are optimistic will swing their way in the Senate race, with former Senator Sherrod Brown, who served three terms, but lost his seat in 2024, trying for a comeback against appointed Senator Jon Husted, former Lieutenant Governor, who replaced Vice President JD Vance, when he was elected Vice President to Donald Trump in the Presidential Election of 2024.

Brown was considered one of the most liberal members of the Senate, and earlier had served in the House of Representatives and in the state legislature. Husted has been strongly conservative, and served as Secretary of State of Ohio before becoming Lieutenant Governor. It will be a tough race, but Democrats are hopeful that Brown can return to the Senate in the upcoming election. Polls indicate a very close race between Brown and Husted.

Finally, the crucial state of Texas, strongly Republican in recent decades, but having a three way primary in the Republican Party, of incumbent Senator John Cornyn, State Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Congressman Wesley Hunt.

Cornyn has been in the Senate for four terms, but is facing a serious challenge from the controversial and crooked Paxton, and African American Congressman Hunt. Cornyn has more support from the party and funding, but Paxton in particular could possibly upend the race, although his corruption is a significant issue, as he was impeached, although not convicted by the Texas legislature. Polls show an extremely close race for the nomination, with African American Congressman Hunt seen as a wild card.

The Democrats have an even more exciting race of outspoken African American Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and State Representative James Talarico. Either candidate would be an exciting addition to the Senate, with Crockett more controversial and outspoken, while Talarico brings a soothing brand of noncontroversial Christianity and idealism to the race. Talarico would be the youngest US Senator if he won the seat. There is something very inspiring to this author and blogger about Talarico, particularly.

There will be plenty of “fireworks” in Texas, with the state primaries coming in March. And were Crockett or Talarico to win the seat in November, almost certainly, the Senate would become a Democratic majority for the 120th Congress (2027-2029).

Four Challenging Senate Races For 2026 For Democrats

Ronald Leave a comment

Several states with Republican Senate seats up for 2026 will be a challenge for Democrats, with them needing at least a gain of four seats, assuming the party keeps all of the seats they have coming up for reelection, in order to regain control of the US Senate in 2027.

This includes the states of:

Alaska
Iowa
Kentucky
Maine
Nebraska
North Carolina
Ohio
Texas

Today, there will be examination and analysis of the first four races listed above, with a later article on the latter four states.

In Alaska, native American former Congresswoman Mary Peltola is challenging Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, and this is believed to be a potential gain for Democrats, who see her race as the crucial one on the road to a Democratic majority in the Senate.

In Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst is retiring, and Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is favored as the Republican nominee, seen as having an edge in a state that has trended Republican in recent times.

However, there are two Democrats who have drawn interest—Zach Wahls, who became noticed 15 years ago when he openly supported his lesbian parents, and would end up in the Iowa state legislature, as a liberal activist; and Josh Turek, born with spina bifida, but while being in a wheelchair for his lifetime, has been a competitor in wheelchair basketball sports, along with service in the Iowa legislature. Wahls is seen as more progressive, while Turek is seen as more moderate in views.

Kentucky, a strongly Republican state, is choosing a successor to long term Senator Mitch McConnell, who had been both Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader. The Republican favorite is former State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, but challenged by Congressman Andy Barr, one of the most extreme right wing members of the Republican Party in Congress.

Democrats have two former contenders for the Senate—Amy McGrath, former Marine fighter pilot; and Charles Booker, former state legislator. Sadly, it would be a major upset if either Democrat won the Senate seat.

The state of Maine will have the most hotly contested election for the Senate, with Republican incumbent Susan Collins, in her 30th year in the Senate, and having a moderate image, but under attack by both her own party, including Donald Trump, but also Democrats who see a great opportunity to take this seat.

Collins is in her mid 70s, and her two Democratic opponents are sitting Governor Janet Mills, who would be, at 79, the oldest first term US Senator in history, if she won; and Graham Platner, oyster farmer, harbor master, and military veteran, who has become controversial for his past statements, his chest tattoo, and his perceived extreme utterances on a multitude of issues.

Polls indicate a very close competition between Mills and Planter, and between either of them and Collins, and this could be the tipping point election for control of the Senate in 2027.

At this point, the states of Alaska and Maine seem potential gains for the Democrats, with some possibility in Iowa, but unlikely any chance to win in Kentucky!

Democratic US Senate Races In 2026 Seen As “Safe” For Incumbents

Ronald 3 Comments

With 35 US Senate races up for election in November, 2026, the following Democratic Senators are seen as having “safe” seats:

John Hickenlooper, Colorado
Chris Coons, Delaware
Cory Booker, New Jersey
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico
Jeff Merkley, Oregon
Jack Reed, Rhode Island
Mark Warner, Virginia

Also, Ed Markey, Massachusetts, who, however, is being challenged by fellow Democrat, Congressman Seth Moulton, mostly on the issue of age.

The following Senate seats that are Democratic are likely to remain so, but with challenges from Republicans:

(Dick Durbin), Illinois, who is retiring–with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi far ahead of competitors in fund raising and polling.

(Gary Peters), Michigan, who is retiring–with a hot three way race of Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who has the private support of Democratic Senate leadership; State Senator Mallory McMorrow; and former Wayne County, Michigan Health Director Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens is seen as centrist, while McMorrow and El-Sayed are seen as more progressive by comparison, and all three are 39-42 in age, so a new generation for sure, no matter who wins the nomination. All three are very close in public opinion polls, but Stevens seems to have a clearcut edge at this point.

(Jeanne Shaheen), New Hampshire, who is retiring–with Congressman Chris Pappas the only viable candidate for the Democrats–facing a likely challenge from former Republican Senator John Sununu.

Finally, the one most crucial race is Jon Ossoff of Georgia, who has the toughest race of all, to keep his seat. The youngest member of the Senate, he has been outstanding, but Georgia will be a tough state to win reelection in 2026, as it tends to be Republican oriented, except for the miracle that both Georgia Senators elected in 2021 are Democrats—Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock.

Three Native American Women Running For Governor In New Mexico, And US Senate In Minnesota And Alaska!

Ronald Leave a comment

In this election year 2026, America is seeing three native American women Democrats running for higher office, and the likelihood that all three might triumph, and add to the accomplishments of native Americans.

In New Mexico, former Congresswoman Deb Haaland, also the former Secretary of the Interior under President Joe Biden, is campaigning for Governor.

In Minnesota, two term Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is campaigning for the US Senate seat of retiring Senator Tina Smith.

And in Alaska, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola is also campaigning for the US Senate seat now held by Republican Dan Sullivan. She was able to defeat former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin twice in Congressional races.

Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, and Flanagan is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (also known as the White Earth Nation), while Peltola is from the Yup’ik (Alaska Native) tribe.

If these three Native American women win, they will be the first of their gender to have accomplished such high office!