Morning Wire
The Races That Could Change Everything on Election Night | 11.3.26
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Tim Rice says Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Mike Rogers followed disputes over Abdul El-Sayed’s Israel-related positions and was one of the most dramatic late-election breaks he could recall.
- Democrats need only three net House seats to take control, and Kentucky’s 6th District is presented as an early indicator of whether a broader blue wave is developing.
- Republicans are defending closely watched governor’s races in Georgia, Nevada, Kansas, and Ohio, with Vivek Ramaswamy described as trailing in Ohio despite Trump’s endorsement and heavy GOP spending.
- The hosts say Trump’s extensive campaigning shows he views the midterms as a referendum on his administration, and he is prepared to use vetoes and executive authority if Democrats control Congress.
Summary
Haley Stevens Endorses Mike Rogers in Michigan
Tim Rice says Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s former primary rival, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, unexpectedly endorsed Republican Mike Rogers after attending church with him and appearing at his rally. Stevens objected to El-Sayed’s positions on Israel, his refusal to denounce or explain alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, and a super PAC ad claiming American tax dollars were funding the killing of Palestinians. When she asked him to denounce the ad, El-Sayed reportedly uninvited her from his rally. Rice calls the endorsement a stunning break that likely ends Stevens’ Democratic career.
El-Sayed’s Transgender Comments and the Tight Texas Race
Rice says El-Sayed’s appearance on 60 Minutes produced another viral moment when Ross Douthat asked whether biological boys and girls should share middle-school locker rooms. El-Sayed answered that if children do not learn about the issue in locker rooms, they will learn about it online, since they all have smartphones; Rice says similar remarks have not stopped his primary victory or Democratic support. In Texas, Republican Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Tallarico. Rice says Tallarico tried to reposition himself after scrutiny of his trans-rights views, vegan claims, and reported social-media follows, while Paxton’s checkered past and limited help from Trump complicate the GOP’s position.
Alaska, Maine, Kansas, and New Hampshire Offer More Senate Uncertainty
Rice describes Alaska as an unusually tight contest between Republican Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, alongside a legal fight involving an independent candidate dubbed “Decoy Dan,” whom Democrats allegedly recruited to confuse voters using ranked-choice voting. He also flags Maine Republican Susan Collins’ attempt to win another surprise victory against Troy Jackson, Kansas Republican Roger Marshall’s closing message, and New Hampshire Republican John Sununu’s cross-party appeal. Sununu comes from a prominent political family, has Trump’s endorsement despite never meeting him, and may benefit from being a popular Republican in a difficult state.
Democrats Need Three House Seats, but Governors Are Also at Risk
Cabot Phillips says Republicans hold the House 219–214, so Democrats need a net gain of only three seats. Since World War II, the president’s party has lost an average of 26 House seats in midterms, while forecasts call for Democrats to gain 12–25, though Phillips warns forecasters have been wrong. Republicans are defending governorships in purple states including Ohio, Georgia, Iowa, and Nevada. Early bellwethers include Kentucky’s 6th District, where a Democratic win could signal a blue wave, and Miami Republican Maria Elvira Salazar’s district, which could indicate whether Hispanic voters remain as favorable to Republicans.
Trump Prepares to Become “Mr. Veto”
Mary Margaret Olohan says Trump held 29 in-person rallies and tele-rallies in the final stretch, repeatedly asking voters whether they wanted two more years of Republican governance or “extreme and radical Democrats.” She says the effort contradicts claims that Trump did not care about the midterms. If Democrats win the House, they would gain subpoena power and could pursue impeachment efforts, but Trump would retain veto power and could continue using executive action on immigration and other priorities. Trump’s “Mr. Veto” nickname signals that he expects to fight a Democratic Congress rather than accept its agenda.
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Show notes
The Midterms have finally arrived — and the battle for control of the Senate has been the costliest and most contentious ever, 36 governorships are up for grabs, along with all 435 House seats. We run through the key races to watch, and will President Trump have to become “Mr Veto” after the midterm dust settles? Reporting from Tim Rice, Cabot Phillips & Mary Margaret Olohan. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.- - -Ep. 3176- - -Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3- - -Today's Sponsors:Balance of Nature - 35% off your first subscription at https://BalanceofNature.com with promo code WIRE.Jack Archer - Jack Archer is offering our listeners 15% off your first order. Go to https://JackArcher.com/WIRE Lean - LEAN is a doctor-developed, non-prescription weight-loss supplement designed to support weight loss in three ways: helping convert stored fat into energy, helping maintain healthy blood sugar, and helping manage appetite and that constant food noise that can make staying on track so difficult. Go to HTTPS://TAKELEAN.COM and use code WIRE for 20% off. - - -Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacymorning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast
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