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Articles by David Wright
Helena Foulkes will defeat Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, CNN projects, marking a rare incumbent primary loss
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) — Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes will win the Democratic nomination for governor of Rhode Island, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, defeating incumbent Gov. Dan McKee as she capitalized on voter frustration over the partial closure of a key bridge and the ensuing traffic chaos. Used by tens of thousands of commuters daily, the westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge in Providence closed in 2023 amid concerns of collapse.
Live results: Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey will defeat Rep. Seth Moulton in Democratic primary, CNN projects
By David Wright, Katie Doran, Rashell Marthans, CNN (CNN) — Sen. Ed Markey will win the Democratic nomination for US Senate in Massachusetts, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, fending off a primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton as he seeks a third full term. It’s one of several races in the deep-blue state Tuesday testing Democratic voters’ appetite for change in a year that has seen the defeat of multiple long-term incumbents by more progressive primary challengers.
Live results: Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey will defeat Rep. Seth Moulton in Democratic primary, CNN projects
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Republicans fret as Talarico bombards airwaves and Paxton awaits Trump team’s cash
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Republicans fret as Talarico bombards airwaves and Paxton awaits Trump team’s cash
By Manu Raju, Patrick Svitek, David Wright, CNN (CNN) — Senate GOP leaders gave President Donald Trump a clear warning before the Texas primary election in May as he weighed endorsing Ken Paxton over longtime incumbent John Cornyn: If the state attorney general won, Trump’s political operation would have to bankroll the expensive general election campaign to help make the controversial Paxton more appealing to voters, according to multiple Republican sources.
Live results: Hatcher will defeat Trump-backed Rep. Ogles in Tennessee’s 5th District, CNN projects
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Live Results: Sen. John Hickenlooper will defeat progressive challenger Julie Gonzales, CNN projects
(CNN) — Incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper will win the Democratic primary for US Senate in Colorado, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, fending off a spirited challenge from progressive state Sen. Julie Gonzales.
Conservative incumbents defend seats on Georgia Supreme Court
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) — Conservative Justices Sarah Warren and Charlie Bethel will win reelection to the Georgia Supreme Court, handing Democrats a pair of defeats in their attempt to claw out of an 8-1 minority. No incumbent justice on the court had lost reelection in over a century going into Tuesday. But the race drew more than $4 million in ad spending and engagement from prominent party leaders, despite its official nonpartisan status.
Kamala Harris says she is 'thinking about' running in 2028 presidential election
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Former Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday she "might" run for president in 2028, adding at the 2026 National Action Network Convention that she is "thinking about it." "Listen, I might, I might. I'm thinking about it. I'm thinking about it," Harris told Rev. Al Sharpton when asked about whether she plans to run another White House campaign. Harris was the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election.
Newsom says he regrets earlier comments likening Israel to an 'apartheid state'
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that he regretted using the word "apartheid" to describe the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians, though he warned "that's a word you may hear others use" if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for territorial gains. Newsom made the initial remark during a live appearance on "Pod Save America" earlier this month, while discussing the backlash to Israel over its military operations in Gaza.
John Cornyn and Ken Paxton will advance to a runoff in Texas' US Senate Republican primary
David Wright, CNN Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will advance to a May 26 runoff in the state's Republican primary for US Senate , extending an expensive and divisive clash that has drawn wide national attention. As he seeks a fifth term in the Senate, Cornyn is facing the greatest pressure of his political career over his standing in the GOP and his perceived loyalty to President Donald Trump. Paxton's checkered personal history presents its own complications.
Newsom trolls Trump in Davos and gets a response from the president
CNN By David Wright, CNN (CNN) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom, long one of President Donald Trump’s chief trolls, took the routine this week to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – and got a globally televised rise out of the president. Newsom was in the crowd Wednesday when Trump called him out during a speech in which he again demanded Denmark cede control of Greenland to the US but also moved through a range of domestic and international issues.
Justice Department leadership pushed FBI to investigate campaign contributions to Minnesota officials
By Katelyn Polantz, Evan Perez, David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Top Justice Department officials pushed the FBI to investigate political campaigns in Minnesota over whether they illegally benefited from fraud in public service organizations, according to two people familiar with the internal discussions. Some of the Justice Department's interest, according to one of thesources, comes from a Washington Examiner report from earlier this month that said Gov. Tim Walz, Rep.
'I'm coming for you'
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - US Rep. Jasmine Crockett filed Monday to run for US Senate from Texas in 2026, leaning into the criticisms of President Donald Trump that have built her national profile while also worrying Democrats hoping for a long-shot upset. "Trump, I know you're watching, so let me tell you directly," Crockett said Monday night at her announcement event in Dallas. "You're not entitled to a damn thing in Texas.
Hakeem Jeffries endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor
New York (CNN) — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, ending an extended holdout that was being closely watched. “Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a Mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said in a statement issued Friday, just before early voting begins in the mayoral race.
What will Curtis Sliwa say, or do, next?
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - A longtime fixture in New York City politics known for his eccentricities - from his love of cats to his brushes with the mob - now finds himself at the center of one of the most consequential mayoral elections in decades. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, is facing escalating pressure from key members of his party to drop out and clear the way for a one-on-one matchup between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo.
Gavin Newsom, and his opponents, make California's redistricting fight about him
By Arit John, David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's name isn't on the ballot this year, but California's upcoming special election will likely hinge on how voters view him. Newsom has made himself the face of California Democrats' efforts to redraw their congressional maps in response to Texas Republicans' mid-decade redistricting, investing his own political capital into his party's efforts to win back control of the US House next year.
Takeaways from the second debate in the New Jersey governor's race
By David Wright, Arlette Saenz, CNN (CNN) - The sharp divides between New Jersey's candidates for governor in Wednesday night's second debate were crystallized by the grades each gave President Donald Trump. Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli said Trump deserved an A. US Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, gave him an F.
Democrats demand investigation into Archives release of Mikie Sherrill's unredacted military records
By Arlette Saenz, David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Top Democrats in Washington are calling for investigations after a branch of the National Archives released New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherill's unredacted military record, including her Social Security number, to an individual who filed a Freedom of Information Act request.
In CNN interview, Schwarzenegger criticizes Trump for calling climate change a 'con job'
By Elex Michaelson, David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday criticized President Donald Trump's remarks at the UN General Assembly that the scientific consensus about climate change was a "scam" and "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world." "Well, I'm not surprised that he said that," Schwarzenegger told CNN in an exclusive interview. Schwarzenegger said he was friendly with Trump before he ran for president in 2016.
Takeaways from Kamala Harris' first interview about her new book, '107 Days'
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - In her first television interview about her new campaign memoir, Kamala Harris was pressed on what she meant when she wrote that it was reckless to let former President Joe Biden seek reelection. "I realized that I have - and had - a certain responsibility that I should have followed through on," Harris told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.
Power politics: How electricity costs are shaping this year's elections
(CNN) — America’s aging power grid has faced strain for years, exacerbated by severe weather events, an explosion of data centers and the demand created by artificial intelligence. Now, electricity is emerging as a top issue on the campaign trail. Campaigns in this fall’s races for New Jersey and Virginia governors, as well as candidates in the upcoming midterms, are taking note of surging utility bills, in the latest sign that affordability has become central to campaigns at all levels.
Obama calls Newsom's redistricting plan 'a responsible approach' in response to Texas Republicans redrawing maps
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he supported a proposal by California Democrats to redraw congressional lines in response to a Republican-led push in Texas to gain additional US House seats but expressed unease with the broader effects of political gerrymandering. "On this California issue, I want to see as a long-term goal that we do not have political gerrymandering in America.
Republicans reprise anti-transgender 'Kamala is for they/them' ads for the midterms
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Shortly after former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced his plans to run for Senate, a group backing Republicans released an ad with an echo of last year's presidential campaign. "Roy Cooper sides with they/them," read the language on screen in the ad, produced by the Senate Leadership Fund.
Republicans face a ferocious ad campaign surrounding Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - A ferocious advertising campaign is underway with passage of President Donald Trump's landmark policy bill hanging in the balance, as political groups and business interests spent at least $35 million just this month to try to sway key members of Congress and their constituents. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina was facing the pressure from both sides before he announced Sunday that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026.
JB Pritzker will seek a third term as Illinois governor amid 2028 speculation
(CNN) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday that he would run for a third term in 2026, amid speculation over his ambitions for the 2028 presidential race, with the release of a campaign launch video featuring sharp criticism of President Donald Trump. “Donald Trump’s made clear he’ll stop at nothing to get his way. I’m not about to stand by and let him tear down all we’re building in Illinois,” Pritzker says, appearing at the geographic center-point of the state.
Democratic governors slam Trump's military deployment in California as 'flagrant abuse of power'
By Arlette Saenz and David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Democratic governors on Thursday slammed President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard and Marines to California amid protests over the administration's immigration enforcement policies. "As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul began her testimony at a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: 'We're going to be able to beat this'
By Arlette Saenz and David Wright, CNN New Castle, Delaware (CNN) — Former President Joe Biden struck an optimistic tone when discussing his cancer diagnosis for the first time Friday, saying, “We’re going to be able to beat this.” Biden, 82, revealed he has started treatment in the form of a pill to treat an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. “Well, the prognosis is good you know, we’re working on everything, it’s moving along.
Conservative groups unleash spending blitz to pass Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'
By David Wright and Fredreka Schouten, CNN (CNN) - As President Donald Trump works to muscle his sweeping tax and spending cuts package through Congress, a network of conservative groups has undertaken a multimillion-dollar advertising blitz to spread his message to voters and pressure recalcitrant lawmakers to get in line.
Donald Trump Jr. teases future White House run
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Donald Trump Jr. teased a future run for the presidency during an appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum on Wednesday, saying "that calling is there" when asked if he would "consider picking up the reins" and "run for office" when his father, President Donald Trump, leaves the White House. "Here we go - well, oh - oh boy. Well, it's an honor to be asked," Trump Jr. replied."You never know.
Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet announces run for governor
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) — Democratic Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet announced Friday that he is running for governor in 2026 as the one-time presidential candidate looks to succeed term-limited Gov. Jared Polis. “Colorado, I’m running for Governor. From expanding the Child Tax Credit to securing $7B for Colorado’s infrastructure, we’ve made real progress together. Now, it’s time to keep building a future in Colorado that works for all of us,” Bennet wrote on social media with an accompanying video.
Democratic retirements create fresh challenge for hopes of winning back the Senate
By Arit John and David Wright, CNN (CNN) — New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s decision to not seek reelection marks the latest bit of tough luck for Senate Democrats, who face an increasingly challenging midterm election map as they fight to climb out of the minority. After losing four seats and control of the Senate in 2024, Democrats entered the 2026 cycle confronted by a 53-47 Republican majority and a daunting map with seemingly few offensive opportunities.
Massachusetts judge temporarily halts Trump NIH cuts nationwide
The NIH under the Trump administration wants to cut the money it adds to federal research grants to cover laboratory costs and other institutional overhead. Of the $35 billion NIH spent last year, 25% went to indirect costs. The NIH under the Trump administration wants to cut that to 15%, potentially saving billions of dollars.
Elon Musk spent more than $290 million on the 2024 election
Elon Musk spent a total of more than $290 million on the 2024 election, new federal filings show, boosting President Donald Trump and Republicans in a staggering effort that has helped to secure unprecedented access for the world’s richest person in the new administration. The year-end filings, covering the final five weeks of the year, also revealed jockeying for influence as the new administration prepared to take power.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters not running for reelection, opening up battleground Michigan seat in 2026
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters not running for reelection, opening up battleground Michigan seat in 2026 (CNN) — Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving Congress at the end of his second term and opening up a highly competitive battleground Senate seat. Peters announced the decision in an interview with the Detroit News, saying, “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation.
Behind the curtain on Democrats' unprecedented digital advertising campaign
By David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Democrats are mounting an unprecedented digital advertising campaign in the closing weeks of the presidential race, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into a targeted effort that the party hopes will tip the balance in one of the closest elections in US history. The effort is being steered by Future Forward PAC, or FF PAC, the largest single-candidate super PAC in the 2024 election.
Elon Musk keeps up pro-Trump spending spree as Harris continues to dominate money race, new filings show
By Fredreka Schouten, David Wright and Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN (CNN) — Elon Musk plowed nearly $44 million in October into a super PAC working to restore Donald Trump to the White House – pushing the billionaire’s total donations to the group he established to benefit the former president to nearly $119 million, new campaign finance reports show.
Elon Musk and other billionaires invest staggering sums into electing Trump, plus other takeaways from third-quarter filings
By David Wright, Fredreka Schouten, Matt Holt and Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN (CNN) — Some of the world’s wealthiest figures – led by conservative donor Miriam Adelson and tech billionaire Elon Musk – have funneled tens of millions of dollars into political groups in recent months to boost Donald Trump’s White House bid, new reports filed Tuesday with federal regulators show.
Robinson loses key outside support as RGA suggests it won't spend any more on race for North Carolina governor
By Eric Bradner, David Wright and Andrew Kaczynski, CNN (CNN) - National Republican groups are pulling financial support for Mark Robinson, the party's scandal-plagued nominee in the North Carolina governor's race, as he tries to weather the fallout from a CNN report on inflammatory comments he made on a porn website.
Harris’ cash edge funds advertising blitz as Elon Musk cuts big check to House Republicans, new filings show
By David Wright and Fredreka Schouten, CNN (CNN) — Kamala Harris entered September – and the closing weeks of the presidential campaign – with significantly more available campaign cash than Donald Trump, new federal filings show, after setting a grassroots fundraising record during her first full month as the Democratic presidential nominee.
The one Harris comment Trump and his allies have spent $38 million for voters to see – KION546
The one Harris comment Trump and his allies have spent $38 million for voters to see “Bidenomics is working,” the vice president announced, touting the latest round of job numbers. “That is called Bidenomics, and we are very proud of Bidenomics.” It was a fateful declaration, one that has dogged Harris since she took over as the Democratic standard-bearer and has attempted to seize the mantle of change candidate in the 2024 presidential race.
GOP-aligned super PAC seeks to exploit tensions in Michigan with ads highlighting Israel and Emhoff’s Jewish faith – KION546
GOP-aligned super PAC seeks to exploit tensions in Michigan with ads highlighting Israel and Emhoff’s Jewish faith (CNN) — A super PAC with Republican ties is running digital ads in Michigan promoting the Jewish faith of Kamala Harris’s husband and touting the vice president’s support for Israel in an apparent play to undercut Harris with the battleground state’s large Arab American population amid ongoing political fallout over the war in Gaza.
Harris erases Trump's cash edge while RFK Jr. faces dwindling resources, new filings show
By David Wright and Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN (CNN) - Kamala Harris supercharged Democratic fundraising in July after taking over the top of the party's presidential ticket, new federal filings show, helping erase what had been an emerging cash advantage for Republican nominee Donald Trump. The new filings also show independent presidential candidate Robert F.
Rep. Ilhan Omar will win primary in Minnesota, CNN projects, breaking 'squad' losing streak
By Gregory Krieg and David Wright, CNN (CNN) - Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar will beat back a primary challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels, CNN projects, all but guaranteeing that the four original members of the "squad" of progressive House Democrats will be on the ballot this November. First elected in 2018, Omar, who also beat Samuels last cycle, has now defended her 5th District seat in three consecutive primary elections. Two other original "squad" members, Reps.
Hovde will win GOP nod to face Democratic Sen. Baldwin in critical Wisconsin race, CNN projects
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Hovde will win GOP nod to face Democratic Sen. Baldwin in critical Wisconsin race, CNN projects
By Eric Bradner, Alison Main and David Wright, CNN (CNN) — Wisconsin Republicans will nominate businessman Eric Hovde to take on Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, CNN projects, in a contest seen as crucial to the battle for control of the narrowly divided Senate. Both Hovde and Baldwin are projected to advance in their respective primaries Tuesday – with Hovde overcoming nominal opposition from two little-known candidates and Baldwin unopposed.
Kamala Harris formally takes over Biden-Harris campaign account – she’s the only one who could | KRDO
By David Wright, Sara Murray, Katelyn Polantz and Tierney Sneed, CNN (CNN) — The Biden-Harris campaign on Sunday formally amended filings with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee and declare Kamala Harris a candidate for president.
Biden outraises and outspends Trump in June as questions loom about the president’s political future – KION546
Biden outraises and outspends Trump in June as questions loom about the president’s political future By Fredreka Schouten, David Wright and Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN (CNN) — President Joe Biden outraised – and dramatically outspent – the campaign of Republican rival Donald Trump last month, new campaign reports filed Saturday show, raising questions about how long the president’s political team can operate at full throttle if donations dry up.
Vulnerable Democrats outraise GOP opponents again, Trump sees Silicon Valley cash surge and other second-quarter takeaways – KION546
By David Wright, Matt Holt, Fredreka Schouten and Alex Leeds Matthews, CNN (CNN) — Democrats outraised Republicans in competitive congressional races during the second quarter of the year, new fundraising reports show, putting down-ballot candidates on solid financial ground as Democratic concerns grow over President Joe Biden’s candidacy.
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