Maine Gov. Janet Mills is taking steps toward running for the U.S. Senate in 2026, sources tell The Associated Press, adding another big-name Democrat to the list of candidates expected to vie for key Republican-held seats next year.

Sen. Jon Husted must defend his seat in 2026 against his presumptive opponent, former Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown, who many view as the standard bearer of Ohio's Democratic Party, is seeking a political comeback after he lost to Sen. Bernie Moreno in 2024.

Former Senator John E. Sununu may seek Trump's endorsement for 2026 New Hampshire Senate race after previously calling the president a loser in 2024.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is raising concerns about impending health care cuts and their effect on the state economy, as Republicans in Washington slash health spending and Republicans in Raleigh show no immediate interest in replacing the funding.

Oregon Senators will not vote on the transportation bill on Wednesday after a last-minute change hours before the Oregon Senate was scheduled to meet.

The state of West Virginia has pushed back closing on the sale of its four long-term facilities to Oct. 31. The hospitals, many of which are deteriorating, typically serve elderly patients using Medicaid.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is considered the Democratic front runner in the race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate speech. He's expected to take on Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 general election.

Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

Senate Democrats on Friday voted to block a Republican stopgap spending measure that would keep the government open through late November, setting up a perilous showdown with just days before federal funding lapses and no clear path to prevent a partial shutdown.