From the Texas battle for U.S. Senate to who's running to be the state's next governor, here are the key races — and candidates — to be watching as we head into 2026.

Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett filed to run for U.S. Senate on Monday, shaking up the crowded race to unseat

The House voted 231‑195 to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to repeal two executive orders that removed collective bargaining rights for most federal employees.

National Democrats are adding the Iowa House and Senate to their 2026 target map, citing recent over-performance in special elections and new opportunities to cut into GOP control in Des Moines.

The House and Senate swore in two new members Tuesday, with Del. Kevin Anderson (R-Lower Shore) and Sen. Kevin Harris (D-Calvert, Charles and Prince George's) being seated just in time for a special legislative session next week.

Former Rep. Colin Allred is ending his U.S. Senate campaign in Texas and instead will attempt a House comeback bid, potentially paving the way for Rep. Jasmine Crockett to become the early favorite for Democrats' nomination in a state they have long hoped to make more competitive.

Through an arcane section of state law, the Republican-controlled state House scrapped hundreds of millions in ongoing spending on state projects. Democrats called the process ‘corrupt.’