Congress has left Washington and won’t return until after Election Day, which means the next few weeks belong to the campaign trail. President Trump is rallying in Grand Island, Nebraska, this week for Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, who faces a stronger-than-expected challenge from independent Dan Osborn. Then it’s off to San Antonio on Wednesday to support Governor Greg Abbott and Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who is in a tight race with Democrat James Talarico. Vice President JD Vance travels to Alaska on Monday.
With less than a month to go, both parties are fighting for control of Congress, and a handful of races could decide it. Nebraska and Texas have become two of the most watched contests in the country, and the outcome will shape what Washington can actually get done next year.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court opens its new term Monday, October 5, with cases on gun rights, immigration and voting rights on the docket. Those rulings could affect daily life well beyond Washington, including here on the Suncoast. Which of these stories matters most to you heading into November?
