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Dems rally around best hope to defend governor’s mansion from GOP takeover

2026-08-04T22:47:07-04:00 / Fox News

The winner will face the Republican Ty Masterson in November’s general election to succeed term-limited Dem Gov. Laura Kelly

By Amanda Macias Fox News

Published August 4, 2026 10:47pm EDT

Democrats are hoping their new candidate will be able to keep the governor’s mansion Democrat in deep red Kansas as they put up Cindy Holscher to face the Republican nominee Ty Masterson in the Nov. 3 general election.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited, and the party is hoping to extend their hold on the governor’s office despite Kansas’ strong Republican lean. Meanwhile, the GOP views the open-seat race as a prime opportunity to reclaim the governorship after two terms under Kelly.

The Democratic field featured state Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher, along with Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.

2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS

State Sen. Cindy Holscher wins the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Kansas on Tuesday.(REUTERS)

On the Republican side, voters had a crowded field from which to select their candidates.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara, businessman Nick Reinecker, businessman Philip Sarnecki and former Johnson County Sheriff Stacy Rogers duked it out for the nomination.

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Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, testifies during a committee hearing, Feb. 25, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kans.(AP Photo/John Hanna, File)

The primary in the Sunflower State coincided with a closely watched constitutional amendment that would replace the current system of appointing Kansas Supreme Court justices by instead holding direct elections.

The proposal, backed by Republican lawmakers, comes after years of criticism from conservatives over the state’s judicial selection process. If approved, it would amend the Kansas Constitution to require Supreme Court justices to be elected rather than selected through the state’s nominating commission system.

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The race will determine who occupies the governor’s office in the Kansas Statehouse as Republicans seek unified control of state government.(Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The winner of November’s election will become Kansas’ next governor after Kelly reaches her term limit in January.

The governorship has frequently changed hands in recent election cycles, with voters alternating between Democratic and Republican leadership in Kansas despite it’s strong red tendencies, including voting 57 percent for President Donald Trump in 2024.

Amanda Macias covers the intersection of business, economics and politics, with a focus on how policy decisions shape markets, businesses and American workers.

Trump-backed Bronze Star veteran secures party nod in must-win district

2026-08-04T21:23:43-04:00 / Fox News

The Army veteran and political newcomer now heads to the Nov 3 general election to replace Rep. John James

By Leo Briceno Fox News

Published August 4, 2026 9:23pm EDT | Updated August 4, 2026 9:24pm EDT

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6384951326112 Captain Mike Bouchard speaks to Fox News Digital on the heels of his campaign announcement

Captain Mike Bouchard, candidate for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of Veteran’s Day.

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Bronze Star veteran and Republican congressional candidate Michael Bouchard won a GOP primary on Tuesday evening in a bid to represent Michigan’s 10th Congressional District after receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Republicans are hoping Bouchard’s storied credentials and message of righting the country’s direction are enough to carry the district as the GOP looks to hold onto its slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

But the district is far from a guarantee.

DEMOCRATS TARGET MORE GOP HOUSE SEATS AFTER SOCIALIST VICTORIES ROCK LEFT-WING PRIMARIES

Michael Bouchard, a Bronze Star recipient and candidate for Congress in Michigan’s 10th congressional district, poses in a campaign video.(Michael Bouchard for Congress)

Incumbent Rep. John James, R-Mich., last won reelection in 2024 in a 51.1% to 45.0% victory over Democratic challenger Carl Marlinga, a judge and former prosecutor.

The cycle before that, James beat out Marlinga by a narrow 48.8% to 48.3% win in 2022.

James, who enjoyed the benefit of incumbency, announced he would vacate the seat and instead pursue a gubernatorial bid, calling it a way to secure Michigan’s prosperity for future generations.

“My family, like countless others, came to our great state for the better opportunities our manufacturing and automotive industries offered and to live the American dream,” James said in a statement.

Bouchard is highlighting his time in the military as a member of the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions. He was deployed to Iraq as well as the U.S. southern border. Like James, who also has a military background, Bouchard was awarded a Bronze Star for his service with the joint task force against ISIS.

Bouchard, a political newcomer who hasn’t held office previously, is pitching himself as a continued part of the country’s shift away from the direction of the previous administration.

ARMY VET, TRUCKING EXECUTIVE RAVES OVER TRUMP PLAN TO BOLSTER BLUE COLLAR INDUSTRY BY FAST-TRACKING VETERANS

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Republican gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, Rep. John James, R-Mich., speaks during a breakfast at Fireside Grill & Patio on Aug. 3, 2026 in Novi, Michigan. James will face off against businessman Perry Johnson in the Republican primary on Tuesday August 4.(Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

“Under President Trump, I led missions on the southern border; back then we got the job done. But on day one, Joe Biden shut us all down; he opened the border,” Bouchard said in a campaign video.

“Human trafficking, drug smuggling, known terrorists walked right in,” he continued. “The Army taught me that weak leadership has consequences and I’m ready to lead America back.”

On his website, Bouchard has highlighted fostering American manufacturing, finishing the southern border wall and increasing parental participation in education systems.

Trump issued an endorsement of Bouchard in a post to Truth Social earlier this year.

“A third-generation Michigander, brave U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient Mike has served his state and nation with distinction and will bring that same fighting spirit to the U.S. Congress,” Trump wrote.

“Mike Bouchard has my complete and total endorsement to be the next representative from Michigan’s 10th congressional district,” he added.

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DEM PRIMARY ERUPTS AS ESTABLISHMENT FAVORITE DISMISSES RIVAL AS ‘CELEBRITY CANDIDATE’

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U.S. President Donald Trump walks to a waiting Air Force One at the Hagerstown Regional Airport on July 31, 2026 in Hagerstown, Maryland.(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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Notably, Bouchard has also attracted endorsements from other key congressional figures, such as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich.

Having cleared the Republican primary, Bouchard will head to the Nov. 3 general election.

Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.

El-Sayed’s socialist allies reject GOP claims about Dems embracing the far left

Supporters dismiss Republican claims of a Democratic ‘civil war,’ arguing voters want action on health care and wages

August 4, 2026 11:01pm EDT / Fox News

By Amanda Macias , Paul Steinhauser

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6402805773112

Colorado progressive says Abdul El-Sayed win would signal anti-establishment shift in Democratic Party

Asked about El-Sayed’s race, Melat Kiros argued a victory would reflect growing voter frustration with the Democratic establishment and support for candidates focused on working families over corporate interests.

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As Republicans seek to portray Democratic primary victories by progressives as evidence the party is moving sharply left, allies of Abdul El-Sayed argued Tuesday that voters are instead demanding an economic message centered on working families, not ideology.

Asked what an El-Sayed victory would say about the progressive movement, Melat Kiros said the campaign is not about ideology but about challenging the political establishment.

“This isn’t a movement about the left and the right. It’s a movement of the people against the people in power, the ones that have left working people behind and making sure that we are electing folks that are not corrupted by the billionaires and the corporations that want to keep the status quo,” Kiros told Fox News Digital.

100 DAY SPRINT TO THE MIDTERMS KICKS OFF AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CLASH FOR CONTROL ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, films a social media video at a pool party for content creators supporting his campaign, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in Detroit.(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

“We’re electing fighters that are actually going to get relief for working families,” she added.

El-Sayed’s potential has reignited debate over the Democratic Party’s direction heading into the 2026 midterm elections, with progressives arguing recent primary results reflect voters’ appetite for change while Republicans have sought to paint the victories as evidence the party is embracing the far left.

The debate unfolded at El-Sayed’s election night watch party, where left-wing political streamer Hasan Piker — who campaigned with El-Sayed on the eve of the primary and has drawn criticism over past remarks — was also in attendance.

2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS

Hasan Piker attends Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s primary election night party on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.(Fox News Digital/Paul Steinhauser)

Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb rejected the premise that El-Sayed’s success reflects a leftward shift within the Democratic Party, saying, “I don’t really see left and right. I see forward.”

Rabb described the movement as a “progressive populist message” that resonates beyond Democratic strongholds and argued voters across the political spectrum care about issues such as health care and higher wages.

“That’s not a left issue, that is a humane issue that resonates with people in deep red districts as well,” he said.

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https://www.foxnews.com/video/6402806765112

Progressive Dem rejects ‘communist’ label, says GOP will attack any winner

Rabb also brushed aside concerns that progressive victories hand Republicans ammunition to portray Democrats as embracing far-left politics. Asked whether recent wins allow Republicans to label Democrats as “communists,” Rabb said he was unconcerned with the GOP’s messaging strategy.

“I believe the GOP has the ability to manufacture any critiques for their own political benefit,” he said.

“As long as Democrats are winning, whether centrist or leftist, whomever, there’s always going to be a playbook to be negative.”

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Rather than responding to Republican attacks, Rabb said Democrats should focus on presenting their own agenda to voters. “I’m not really concerned about what the Republican playbook is,” he said.

“I’m interested in what our playbook is to reach a populace that is yearning for transformative change.”

‘Squad’ member’s comeback bid thwarted as establishment Dems notch victory against socialists

Wesley Bell defeated ex-Rep Cori Bush for the second time in the St Louis-centered district

August 4, 2026 9:09pm EDT / Fox News

GOP looks to tie Dems to DSA in midterm strategy, panel debates influence

Evan Power and Morgan Harper discuss the impact of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on the midterm elections.

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A comeback bid launched by former House “Squad” member Cori Bush was thwarted on Tuesday night, as establishment Democrats notched a key victory in the party’s civil war with the insurgent left.

Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Mo., defeated the former congresswoman and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member for the second time since 2024.

Bell ran as a pragmatic alternative to Bush, while still touting himself as a progressive to appeal to Democrats in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS AIM TO TURN DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR INTO MIDTERM WEAPON

Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush for a second time in the Missouri primary.(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

Before coming to Congress, Bell was a Ferguson, Missouri City Council member and a county prosecutor.

Bush made her name in politics as a Black Lives Matter organizer before coming to Congress, serving two terms before losing to Bell.

She blamed her 2024 loss on the hundreds of thousands of dollars that pro-Israel groups from outside her district spent on the race.

NEW YORK TIMES RAISES EYEBROWS BY REFERRING TO AIPAC AS ‘HARD-RIGHT’ PRO-ISRAEL GROUP

Former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., attends a news conference in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2024.(Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The far-left firebrand utilized a similar line of attack against Bell this time around as well, accusing him of being controlled by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“When the disaster caused $1.6 billion in damages and took several lives, Wesley responded by hopping on a flight to Israel funded by Trump’s donors less than 90 days later,” Bush posted on X last week, referring to a 2025 tornado that tore through part of St. Louis.

But those attacks failed to make enough of a dent in Bell’s campaign.

DEMOCRATS TARGET MORE GOP HOUSE SEATS AFTER SOCIALIST VICTORIES ROCK LEFT-WING PRIMARIES

A home in St. Louis sits partially collapsed after the EF-3 tornado in May 2025, leaving bricks and debris piled along the street.(Fox News)

Bush was part of a wave of DSA-linked candidates posing a challenge to Democrats across the country, even unseating several sitting House lawmakers.

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It was a boon for Republicans, who argue that the Democratic Party is being pulled further left than where most Americans are comfortable with, painting the party as out-of-touch.

Bell is now the heavy favorite to win a second term representing the deep-blue district in November.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

‘Squad’ socialist scores re-election nod as radical wave continues to sweep party

The DSA-backed ‘Squad’ member secured her fifth-term nomination as far-left candidates unseat incumbents across the country

August 4, 2026 9:26pm EDT / Fox News

By Leo Briceno

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, achieved a significant primary victory in Colorado, unseating a 29-year congressional incumbent, Diana DeGette.

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Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., one of Congress’ most outspoken progressives and a member of the “Squad,” won the 12th Congressional District’s Democratic primary Tuesday evening, teeing up her re-election for a fifth term.

Tlaib’s primary victory against Michigan state lawmaker Shanelle Jackson and Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen continues a string of victories for progressives as the Democratic Party’s far-left wing enjoys pronounced primary election success that has strengthened the hand of its coalition. It has also widened the range of positions held by their candidates.

When Tlaib and fellow Squad members joined the House of Representatives in 2019, their campaigns stood out for their far-left views. Tlaib and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in particular, stood out because of their membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Eight years later, the DSA has backed Tlaib again.

BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., yells during a State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2026.(Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“For years, Rashida has been a strong voice in the halls of the Capitol, unapologetically standing up for the working class everywhere. Fighting for affordable housing, for clean air and water, for an end to the genocide in Gaza, and so much more – Rashida is a beacon of hope and courage for those in her district and across the world,” the group said in a statement.

The group has also vastly expanded its influence beyond established figures like Tlaib.

From primary candidates in New York like socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier and her victory over incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., the veteran chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to Melat Kiros, another socialist in Colorado, unseating 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., progressives have expanded their influence over the party.

It’s a stark reversal of the party’s finger-pointing in the wake of disappointing 2020 congressional election results where Democrats were left with slimmer majorities in the House and Senate.

DYING FORMER CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK TELLS DEMOCRATS THEIR FAR-LEFT MESSAGING IS COSTING THEM VOTERS

Democratic congressional candidate Melat Kiros speaks to supporters at an election night watch party after winning the Colorado primary June 30, 2026 in Denver, Colo. Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., in the Democratic primary.(Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

“Don’t say socialism ever again. We need to get back to the basics,” then-Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said at the time.

But Tlaib, along with other progressives in the party, pushed back, arguing that their platforms would set the future tone of the party. In a widely circulated memo on Nov. 10, 2020, they made the case that progressives would appeal to an expanded voter base.

“We need a new generation of leadership grounded in a multiracial, working-class experience and background,” the memo urged.

“As we speak, congressional Democrats are debating why they underperformed and some have been quick to blame progressives. There is no denying Republicans levied salient rhetorical attacks against Democrats, but these will continue to happen as they do every cycle.”

Tlaib, in comments to Politico at the time, argued the platform would appeal to a kind of populist streak in the Democratic Party, similar to the populism she saw present in Trump’s appeal among the GOP.

FAR-LEFT SURGE: MAMDANI-BACKED CANDIDATES OUST DEM ESTABLISHMENT INCUMBENTS

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., speaks with union activists about free speech on college campuses at the Capitol in Washington, May 23, 2024.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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“If we truly want to unify our country, we have to really respect every single voice. We say that so willingly when we talk about Trump supporters, but we don’t say that willingly for my Black and Brown neighbors and for LGBTQ neighbors or marginalized people,” Tlaib said.

Having once again secured the Democratic nomination in 2026, Tlaib will advance to the general election on Nov. 3, 2026, where she is heavily favored to win. She last won re-election against Republican challenger James Hooper in a 69.7% to 25.4% victory in 2024.

Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.

GOP dukes it out in red state primary to reclaim governor’s mansion

August 4, 2026 9:15pm EDT / Fox News

Ty Masterson will advance to the November election seeking to succeed term-limited Democrat Gov Laura Kelly

By Amanda Macias Fox News

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Republican voters in Kansas chose their nominee Tuesday in one of the year’s highest-profile gubernatorial primaries.

Ty Masterson will face the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 general election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Republicans see the open-seat race as a prime opportunity to reclaim the governor’s mansion after two terms under Kelly, while Democrats are hoping to defy the state’s Republican lean and retain control of the office.

2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS

Ty Masterson, who has served as president of the Kansas Senate since 2021, campaigned on tax cuts, school choice, border security and rolling back what he described as government overreach.(AP Photo/John Hanna)

The Republican field featured several well-known statewide and legislative leaders, including Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

On the Democratic side, voters are choosing among state senators Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.

The winner of that primary will face the new Republican nominee in November.

The race will determine who occupies the governor’s office in the Kansas Statehouse as Republicans seek unified control of state government.(Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

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The campaign centered on familiar conservative priorities, including tax relief, education, immigration, public safety and cultural issues, as candidates sought to distinguish themselves through their leadership experience and competing visions for the state’s future.

The primary also coincided with a closely watched constitutional amendment that would replace Kansas’ current system of appointing Supreme Court justices with direct elections.

The next governor will play a key role in shaping Kansas policy on taxes, education, public safety and economic development while working with the Republican-controlled Legislature.(Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

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The proposal, backed by Republican lawmakers, comes after years of conservative criticism of Kansas Supreme Court rulings on issues including abortion, school funding and election law.

Amanda Macias covers the intersection of business, economics and politics, with a focus on how policy decisions shape markets, businesses and American workers.

Big money propels Dem megachurch pastor to victory in longshot Kansas Senate bid

August 4, 2026 10:08pm EDT / Fox News

The United Methodist megachurch pastor raised over $4M since February, setting up a well-funded general election fight

By Alex Miller, Fox News

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Kansas Democrats have made their choice in one of the most crowded primary battles in the nation and are backing a political newcomer with an eye-popping campaign war chest.

Adam Hamilton emerged victorious in an 11-way primary Tuesday night in the race to take on incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., who is running for a second term in the upper chamber.

And he has a line of attack against Hamilton already teed up.

DEMOCRATS BLINK AS SCHUMER HELPS GOP CLEAR KEY SHUTDOWN HURDLE

Adam Hamilton cleared a field of 11 hopefuls to secure the Democratic nomination in the race to beat Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan.(Gerri Hernandez/Hamilton for Senate)

“Look, this guy is a woke, big megachurch pastor,” Marshall told Fox News Digital. “He’s too woke for Kansas. I think all we have to do is share his own sermons … with the Kansas people, and they’re gonna realize that he’s too woke for Kansas.”

Hamilton’s campaign countered in a statement to Fox News Digital that Marshall’s voting record spoke for itself.

“Roger Marshall would rather attack a church whose community is one of the largest sources of food donations in his alleged home state than talk about why he constantly votes for higher prices, why he’s been hiding from Kansans for over 500 days, and why only 27 named Kansans donated to his campaign last quarter,” Tyson Brody, a spokesperson for Hamilton’s campaign, said.

History is on the side of Marshall, who previously served four years in the House before making the leap to the Senate in 2020. That’s because Kansas has not sent a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century. The last time was in the 1930s, when Kansans elected former Sen. George McGill. He only served one term before being ousted by a Republican.

TRUMP DEMAND PUTS VULNERABLE REPUBLICANS IN IMPOSSIBLE SPOT AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

Still, Marshall is not resting on his laurels as he stares down another likely funding disadvantage.

National Republicans aren’t dumping resources into Kansas like they are in other states, given that Marshall is a strong incumbent and valuable campaign cash is needed in tougher contests in Texas, Maine and Ohio.

While Kansas is not on Senate Republicans’ radar as a battleground state, there is big money flowing in that could make Marshall’s bid for another term complicated.

SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN LIMIT ON PARTY CAMPAIGN SPENDING IN COORDINATION WITH CANDIDATES

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., is running for a second term in the upper chamber.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Hamilton, who leads the nation’s largest United Methodist church and congregation, has raised just north of $4.1 million since launching his campaign in February, according to financial filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Marshall, on the other hand, has raised just over $6.2 million during this cycle.

“Well, this is probably why my staff tells me, no matter what the polls show, they tell me that we’re down by three points, and we did get outspent about four to one last time around. Regardless, we’re gonna keep working hard,” Marshall said.

And as precious campaign resources flow to other marquee races during this cycle, where the GOP has more vulnerable incumbents up for reelection than Democrats, Marshall isn’t asking for a handout.

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He wants the resources from major GOP campaign arms, like the National Republican Senatorial Committee or the GOP leadership-aligned Senate Leadership Fund, to stay put.

“I guess we’re trying to not need to do that,” Marshall said. “That’s what our hope is, is that they won’t need to do that. Leader McConnell was super helpful last time. So, you know, they’re keeping tabs on this. We got to, you know, we’re all one, big happy family here, so we’re hoping we don’t need them.”

Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.

Sunrise Movement co-founder defeats establishment-backed Dems in pivotal Michigan race

August 4, 2026 11:31pm EDT / Fox News

William Lawrence defeated former US ambassador Bridget Brink and a former Navy SEAL

By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News

The far-left insurgency within the Democratic Party scored another victory on Tuesday night, with a co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement trouncing two establishment-backed Democrats in a contentious Michigan primary.

William Lawrence defeated former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam to win the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, anchored in Lansing.

Lawrence will now go on to face Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., a military veteran who is seeking a second term in Congress this November.

DEMOCRATS’ CIVIL WAR HEADS TO MICHIGAN, WHERE PROGRESSIVES FACE BIGGEST TEST YET IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE SHOWDOWN

House candidate William Lawrence speaks at a rally with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Lansing, Mich., on July 19, 2026.(Andrew Roth/Sipa USA via Reuters)

Barrett ran unopposed in the Republican primary after winning the seat in an open race in 2024. It was previously held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who vacated it when she successfully ran for Senate that year.

Lawrence’s victory is a commanding win in the wider civil war for the soul of the Democratic Party, with battles being waged across the country.

Mike Marinella, spokesman for House Republicans’ campaign arm the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), told Fox News Digital after Lawrence’s victory, “The Democrats’ path to the House majority is evaporating in real time.Every embarrassing defeat leaves them with a radical socialist nominee, an emptier bank account, and another must-win seat off the board.”

BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS

Then-candidate Tom Barrett speaks at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Nov. 4, 2024.(Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)

The establishment left’s main opponent has been the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has not endorsed a candidate in this race.

But Lawrence does have backing from Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., his fellow Michigan Democrat and a prominent DSA member who’s stirred controversy for her comments about Israel.

He was also endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a self-described democratic socialist.

The Sunrise Movement, which Lawrence co-founded in 2017, began as a youth-focused climate activist group that pushed the Green New Deal alongside progressives in Congress.

HOUSE PROGRESSIVES REVIVE GREEN NEW DEAL FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS DEM CIVIL WAR EMPOWERS FAR LEFT

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., speaks with union activists about free speech on college campuses at the Capitol in Washington, May 23, 2024.(J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

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Since then, its non-climate policy platform has included calls to get Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of U.S. cities and abolishing police, according to its website.

Lawrence’s victory is likely the best outcome for Republicans, who are fighting a nationwide uphill battle to keep control of the House of Representatives.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

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美军启动“西半球联合特遣部队”取代“南方之矛”

2026年8月5日 11:22 / 联合早报

美军南方司令部星期二（8月4日）宣布启动“西半球联合特遣部队”，以取代此前负责打击所谓“毒品恐怖分子”的“南方之矛”联合特遣部队。

新华社报道，美国南方司令部4日发表声明说，“西半球联合特遣部队”将协调美军与盟友及伙伴的行动，以应对威胁、加强地区安全，并“对整个西半球的危机作出快速反应。”南方司令部司令多诺万称，“西半球联合特遣部队”是美军南方司令部应对整个西半球威胁的行动力量。

南方司令部早些时候在社交媒体发文说，美军于3日午夜从“南方之矛”联合特遣部队过渡到“西半球联合特遣部队”。

2025年11月，美国战争部长赫格塞斯宣布，美军在西半球发起打击“毒品恐怖分子”的军事行动，代号为“南方之矛”，行动由“南方之矛”联合特遣部队和美军南方司令部领导。

据美国媒体报道，五角大楼在“南方之矛”行动中花费了约8亿2000万美元（约10亿5000万新元），美军在“南方之矛”行动中至少向67艘所谓“贩毒船”开火，造成至少221人死亡。

Trump-backed Republican advances to face vulnerable Democrat in key House battleground

2026-08-04T23:23:26-04:00 / Fox News

John Braun emerges from jungle primary to face Rep Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in one of the most competitive House races in the country

By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News

Published August 4, 2026 11:23pm EDT

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Republicans just took a major step forward in their goal to keep the House majority this November.

A GOP hopeful backed by President Donald Trump advanced in a jungle primary for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District alongside Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., and the two will now face each other in this fall’s general election.

A jungle primary is a race that’s not separated by political party, but rather has all candidates compete on one ballot. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

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Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., walks up the House steps for the final votes in the Capitol before Congress’ October recess on Sept. 25, 2024.(Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

In this case, Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun are the two winners who will now compete for the former’s seat in the House of Representatives.

For Gluesenkamp Perez, that meant surviving challenges from her left flank. Among her opponents was Brent Hennrich, a progressive politician who ran on policies like taxing the rich and Medicare for All.

He accused the moderate Democrat of siding too often with Republicans at the expense of the left’s agenda, including on his campaign website, where he highlighted all the times she voted with the GOP.

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President Donald Trump announces the Freedom Haulers initiative on West Executive Avenue in Washington, D.C., on July 30, 2026.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

But Gluesenkamp Perez, who is seeking a third term, is likely Democrats’ best chance to keep hold of that swing district in Southwest Washington state.

And the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive House elections in the country with Braun’s victory as well.

Unlike former Trump administration official Joe Kent, whose association with far-right groups made him a controversial figure in a general election, Braun is a much more mainstream GOP figure.

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Joseph Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 11, 2025.(Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kent ran and lost against Gluesenkamp Perez twice before serving as Trump’s director of the National Counterterrorism Center from 2025 until earlier this year.

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Braun is a former Navy captain and businessman who is running on a pledge to stop reckless spending by the federal government. He’s currently serving as minority leader of the Washington State Senate.

In an April 2026 Truth Social post, Trump said Braun “will work hard to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Great Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com