Bridget Bowman

A majority of voters say they have negative views of Musk, and many are critical of the Department of Government Efficiency’s rapid work slashing the federal government.

Unlike in Trump’s first term, Democratic voters say 2-to-1 they want party leaders to fight rather than compromise, even at the risk of not getting things done, per the NBC News poll.

Shaheen, 78, served three terms in the Senate and was previously governor of New Hampshire, which has a history of close races.

The Democrat is well known after a run for the Senate last year. But former Vice President Kamala Harris' decision about whether to run looms over the field.

More than 340,000 federal workers live in Virginia, one of two states holding races for governor this year.

The New Jersey governor’s race is an opportunity for Democrats to regroup after Trump’s win. Immigration is an early dividing line in a crowded primary. 

Smith is the second Democratic senator to announce their retirements ahead of the midterms in 2026, when the party wants to contend for the majority but faces obstacles.

The Republican cites Trump's comments in December saying he would support her if she ran. GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, a Trump ally in Congress, is also considering a run.

Plus, one of 2025's marquee races for governor provides an early immigration test for Democrats.

The Associated Press projected that Republicans Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis easily won primaries in the seats once represented by Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz.