Congress, elections, and campaign developments heading into the 2026 midterms
Latest items reference events in July 2026.
Key points
Congress returns from recess with a crowded agenda after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Republicans are tying surveillance authority renewal and other security measures to the SAVE America Act and election‑law changes.
The administration has dismissed all remaining members of the federal Election Assistance Commission ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Justice Department is warning state officials about potential prosecution if non‑citizens vote.
Election security, recent Supreme Court rulings, and election‑related primary fights are reshaping the 2026 campaign landscape.
Congress & national‑security legislation
Congress returns with heavy agenda and new Senate dynamics.
Lawmakers have come back to Washington from recess facing a packed agenda before the August break and the 2026 midterm elections. The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham is reshaping internal Senate dynamics and adding pressure to resolve ongoing fights over the federal budget, intelligence surveillance authorities, and immigration policy.
Surveillance renewal linked to election‑law push.
President Trump and congressional Republicans are pressing to connect renewal of key surveillance powers and other national‑security measures to the SAVE America Act and broader election‑law changes. The effort raises the political stakes heading into the midterms and has drawn scrutiny from civil‑liberties advocates concerned about how surveillance rules are being negotiated alongside voting‑related legislation.
Budget & immigrationSurveillance authoritiesSAVE America Act
Election administration & federal oversight
Federal Election Assistance Commission members fired.
The administration has removed all remaining members of the federal Election Assistance Commission just months before the 2026 midterms. The move has prompted bipartisan concern about possible political interference in the way U.S. elections are run, including oversight of voting technology and rules governing vote‑by‑mail.
Justice Department warns states on non‑citizen voting.
At the same time, the Justice Department has warned state election officials that they could face prosecution if non‑citizens vote. The warning is part of a broader federal push to influence how states handle election administration and voter‑eligibility policies in the run‑up to November.
Officials weigh impact of Supreme Court rulings.
With fewer than 100 days until Election Day, national and state officials are intensifying talks about election security, voting rights, and how recent Supreme Court decisions could affect the electoral process. State legislators and election experts are meeting this week to assess new legal risks and practical challenges in implementing changes ahead of November.
Primaries spotlight election‑denial and voting‑rules fights.
On the 2026 campaign trail, recent primaries are underscoring ongoing disputes over election legitimacy and voting rules in both parties. A notable example is a high‑profile Arizona attorney‑general primary, won by a state senate leader known for turning over 2020 election records to the FBI. Contests like this are highlighting how positions on past elections and future election rules continue to shape candidate fields.