Political twists and turns of 2026 midterms
CBS News' Michael George breaks down the top political headlines from the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.
Susan Collins
CBS News projects Troy Jackson's Maine win
Democrat Troy Jackson defeats longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the Maine Senate race, CBS News projects.
What Collins and Jackson are telling Maine voters
One of Tuesday's midterm races to watch is in Maine, where five-term Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is facing a challenge from Democrat Troy Jackson, the former Maine state senate president. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Midterm elections put Social Security funding gaps on the ballot
With Social Security's main trust fund on course to be depleted in 2032, Congress will face mounting pressure to find remedies and avert benefit cuts.
Trump lifts tariffs on some Canadian goods in boon to Sen. Susan Collins
President Trump on Friday slashed tariffs on a handful of Canadian products that are used widely by Maine's agricultural industry, a move cheered by GOP Sen. Susan Collins, who is facing a tough reelection battle.
AOC campaigns for Troy Jackson in Maine
New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned for Troy Jackson in Maine, where he's fighting for Susan Collins' Senate seat. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
AOC, Troy Jackson hold town hall in Maine
Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson held a town hall in Portland, Maine, on Thursday with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has the latest.
Manchin campaigns with Collins in Maine
Republican Sen. Susan Collins enlisted former Democrat Joe Manchin, now an independent, to help widen her appeal to moderate voters in Maine. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Collins enlists Manchin to woo moderates as she distances herself from Trump
Republican Sen. Susan Collins campaigned Wednesday with an unusual ally: Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin.
Iran war, affordability dominate Senate debates
The economic backdrop of the 2026 midterms is causing political heartburn for many Republicans. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns joins "The Takeout" with takeaways from the Maine, Georgia and Iowa Senate debates.
10/14: The Takeout with Major Garrett
High energy costs push inflation to 3.7% in September; candidates clash during Senate debates in Maine, Georgia and Iowa.
Obama backs Troy Jackson in Maine Senate race
Former President Barack Obama is lending his support to boost donations and turnout ahead of the midterms, headlining a fundraiser and making multiple endorsements, including Troy Jackson in Maine's Senate race. Republican strategist Mark Bednar and UnidosUS' Clarissa Martínez De Castro join to discuss the state of the November elections.
10/8: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Donor accuses Kimberly Guilfoyle of $100,000 "quid pro quo"; USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after 10-month deployment.
Obama endorses Jackson for senator
Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson as he fights for Susan Collins' seat. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Collins, Jackson clash in Maine Senate debate
Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson faced off in a debate on Tuesday night. Alex Seitz-Wald, deputy editor of Maine's Midcoast Villager, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
10/7: The Takeout with Major Garrett
President Trump returns to Texas to stump for Paxton in San Antonio; new videos show Iranian attacks on U.S. military base in Kuwait.
Trump heads to Texas to bolster Paxton
President Trump is in Texas to support Ken Paxton while other Republican candidates weigh his impact ahead of the midterms. Plus, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine defended herself on the debate stage as scrutiny of her past political decisions mounted. CBS News' Kathryn Watson and Fin Gómez report.
In Maine Senate debate, Collins and Jackson both criticize Trump — but spar over how
In an often-testy debate, GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine touted her five terms in Congress and took aim at some Trump policies — while Democrat Troy Jackson argued Collins has failed to effectively push back.
CBS News poll finds voters split on state v. national focus in Maine Senate race
Troy Jackson is boosted by those looking for change, while Collins peels off some Trump disapprovers.
Poll: Collins tied with Jackson in Maine
Democrat Troy Jackson has pulled into a tie with Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's battle for U.S. Senate. Zachary Donnini, head of data science at VoteHub, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Forecast shifts 15 House races toward Democrats
The Cook Political Report shifted 15 House seat ratings toward Democrats on Friday and said it was almost impossible for Republicans to retain control of the House of Representatives. VoteHub head of data science Zach Donnini joins to discuss.
WSJ: Conservative podcasts move away from Trump
Is the MAGA movement moving on? New Wall Street Journal data shows right-wing podcasters want to talk about everything but President Trump. Political strategists Leslie Shedd and Ravi Gupta join "The Takeout" to discuss.
8 Democrats vote for GOP anti-socialism bill
Two House Democrats are in hot water with leadership for failing to say that they would vote with Republicans on an anti-socialism bill. Political strategists Kevin Sheridan and Hyma Moore join "The Takeout" to discuss what the situation says about Democrats' divisions.
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
Platner replacement deadline approaching
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner announced his withdrawal from the race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins following multiple sexual assault allegations, but he's waiting until the last minute to formalize his exit as Democrats face an imminent deadline to replace him. Zak Hudak reports.
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