National Journal
@nationaljournal.com
Three months after New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s victory, Democrats will likely get to choose her successor in the 11th Congressional District, in the party’s first primary of 2026.
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730699/an-...
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730699/an-...
'An embarrassment of riches': The first 2026 Dem primary previews a path out of the wilderness
Eleven Democrats vie to succeed New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill in Congress.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Three months after New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s victory, Democrats will likely get to choose her successor in the 11th Congressional District, in the party’s first primary of 2026.
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730699/an-...
@nenonicolosio.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730699/an-...
Now that “affordability” has become the buzzword of the midterms, the former real-estate magnate who rode his capitalist credentials is suddenly a kindred spirit with Democrats.
@ledyardking.bsky.social in Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730700/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social in Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730700/tru...
Trump sounds like a progressive lately. Democrats are having (almost) none of it.
The opposition dismisses the president’s push to curb CEO pay, drive down housing costs, and cap credit-card interest rates as ‘panic’ ahead of the midterms.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Now that “affordability” has become the buzzword of the midterms, the former real-estate magnate who rode his capitalist credentials is suddenly a kindred spirit with Democrats.
@ledyardking.bsky.social in Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730700/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social in Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730700/tru...
Some Republican leaders are calling for another party-line megabill. But the party is already fractured on how—and whether—they should go forward on another laborious venture that already seems unlikely to pass.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730686/gop...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730686/gop...
GOP lawmakers push for new reconciliation bill but remain fractured on path forward
Election-year politics and a thin majority are conspiring against reconciliation efforts that could target fraud, energy, and health care costs.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Some Republican leaders are calling for another party-line megabill. But the party is already fractured on how—and whether—they should go forward on another laborious venture that already seems unlikely to pass.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730686/gop...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730686/gop...
Experts say U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations represents a fundamental change in the U.S.'s willingness to work with other countries and be the leader in multilateral arenas.
Read George E. Condon Jr.'s the White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730682/out...
Read George E. Condon Jr.'s the White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730682/out...
Out of the limelight, Trump takes an axe to Eisenhower's world order
With little fanfare, and even less explanation, the president last week backed out of 66 international organizations.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Experts say U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations represents a fundamental change in the U.S.'s willingness to work with other countries and be the leader in multilateral arenas.
Read George E. Condon Jr.'s the White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730682/out...
Read George E. Condon Jr.'s the White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730682/out...
Republicans' hesitation on the groyper-aligned movement is creating space for candidates such as James Fishback to run hard-line nationalistic campaigns, which experts and politicos expect more of ahead of 2028.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730672/jam...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730672/jam...
James Fishback tests how GOP addresses groyper-aligned movement
Far-right candidates are likely to gain steam ahead of 2028, experts say.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Republicans' hesitation on the groyper-aligned movement is creating space for candidates such as James Fishback to run hard-line nationalistic campaigns, which experts and politicos expect more of ahead of 2028.
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730672/jam...
@abby-turner.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730672/jam...
Farmers troubled by low commodity prices and high input costs instead face continued uncertainty about whether Congress can finish the farm bill and provide them the additional aid they seek.
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730670/as-...
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730670/as-...
As growers’ pain increases, prospects for a farm bill remain murky
At an industry conference this week, neither congressional ag leaders nor USDA brass were able to offer much clarity.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Farmers troubled by low commodity prices and high input costs instead face continued uncertainty about whether Congress can finish the farm bill and provide them the additional aid they seek.
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730670/as-...
Jerry Hagstrom with the latest Outside Influences (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730670/as-...
Even with Mary Peltola and Sherrod Brown running, it is unlikely that Democrats will capture either Alaska or Ohio.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730659/why...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730659/why...
Why Peltola's entry may not change the Senate math
Like Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Mary Peltola is the Democrats' best possible recruit in Alaska. It may not get them over the hump.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Even with Mary Peltola and Sherrod Brown running, it is unlikely that Democrats will capture either Alaska or Ohio.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730659/why...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730659/why...
There is serious concern that inflation is far from being tamed, and far from the 2 percent annual rate the Federal Reserve has sought for years.
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730657/whe...
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730657/whe...
Where is inflation headed?
Despite some reassuring signs, there's serious concern that inflation is far from being tamed, thanks to uncertainty over tariffs, immigration, and cheaper money.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
There is serious concern that inflation is far from being tamed, and far from the 2 percent annual rate the Federal Reserve has sought for years.
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730657/whe...
David Lightman with the latest Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730657/whe...
On this episode, @dcdufour.bsky.social talks to @deanwb.bsky.social about the challenges of reshaping federal AI strategy and the Trump administration's AI plan.
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/1W5v...
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/1W5v...
National Journal Radio Bonus Episode: Reshaping Federal AI Strategy
National Journal Radio · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:46 PM
On this episode, @dcdufour.bsky.social talks to @deanwb.bsky.social about the challenges of reshaping federal AI strategy and the Trump administration's AI plan.
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/1W5v...
Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/1W5v...
Even before the administration’s recall last month of nearly 30 career ambassadors from their posts across the globe, Donald Trump had already been refashioning the Foreign Service into an army of loyalists.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730658/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730658/tru...
Trump’s ambassadors are largely political appointees
Fewer than 10 percent of the president’s nominees are career diplomats, a sharp departure from past practice.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Even before the administration’s recall last month of nearly 30 career ambassadors from their posts across the globe, Donald Trump had already been refashioning the Foreign Service into an army of loyalists.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730658/tru...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730658/tru...
More than a week after the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, lawmakers are scrambling to find a deal that will revive the subsidies for millions of Americans facing sticker shock.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730632/is-...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730632/is-...
Is an ACA deal near? House vote propels bipartisan negotiations as subsidies remain expired
Premium payments, abortion restrictions threaten to scuttle a compromise as senators scramble to reach agreement.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:29 AM
More than a week after the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, lawmakers are scrambling to find a deal that will revive the subsidies for millions of Americans facing sticker shock.
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730632/is-...
By Nancy Vu (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730632/is-...
Whether the Senate action will mean much in the long run (a vote on the actual resolution is pending, as is a vote in the House, presumably) also depends on how seriously the president views the rebuke.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730631/cou...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730631/cou...
Could a procedural vote on war powers signal larger GOP moxie?
Five Republican senators broke with their party to advance a resolution requiring the Trump administration to seek congressional authorization for further operations in Venezuela.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Whether the Senate action will mean much in the long run (a vote on the actual resolution is pending, as is a vote in the House, presumably) also depends on how seriously the president views the rebuke.
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730631/cou...
@ledyardking.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730631/cou...
Ahead of a crowded Republican primary in May, the conditions of the race could prove favorable toward Bill Cassidy, with all signs pointing to a tight runoff.
By Nancy Vu and @nenonicolosio (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730617/bil...
By Nancy Vu and @nenonicolosio (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730617/bil...
Bill Cassidy voted to convict Donald Trump. Will Louisiana Republicans forgive him?
Five years after voting to bar Trump from office, the senator is in a race for his political life.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Ahead of a crowded Republican primary in May, the conditions of the race could prove favorable toward Bill Cassidy, with all signs pointing to a tight runoff.
By Nancy Vu and @nenonicolosio (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730617/bil...
By Nancy Vu and @nenonicolosio (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730617/bil...
“Can’t get any worse” looms now as the biggest gamble of Trump’s second term.
Read from George E. Condon Jr's White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730608/the...
Read from George E. Condon Jr's White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730608/the...
The four words that could come back to haunt Trump on Venezuela
When it comes to foreign entanglements, presidential predictions rarely pan out as cleanly as commanders in chief hope.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM
“Can’t get any worse” looms now as the biggest gamble of Trump’s second term.
Read from George E. Condon Jr's White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730608/the...
Read from George E. Condon Jr's White House File (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730608/the...
The numbers from Trump’s first year aren’t particularly hopeful for Republicans who want to avoid midterm losses.
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730602/whe...
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730602/whe...
Where opinion on Trump and Republicans stands as we start 2026
A referendum on the president isn’t looking particularly favorable for the GOP.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:30 AM
The numbers from Trump’s first year aren’t particularly hopeful for Republicans who want to avoid midterm losses.
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730602/whe...
Natalie Jackson with the latest Leading Indicators (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730602/whe...
James A. Downs talks to @johnbisognano.com as he reflected on the rollercoaster year of redistricting.
Read for free here:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730605/red...
Read for free here:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730605/red...
Redistricting reflections with NDRC President John Bisognano
The Democrats' redistricting chief takes stock of an unprecedented scramble for seats, and looks ahead to coming battles.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM
James A. Downs talks to @johnbisognano.com as he reflected on the rollercoaster year of redistricting.
Read for free here:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730605/red...
Read for free here:
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730605/red...
It’s an election year once again, with control of Congress and 36 governor’s races up for grabs. As the year begins, Democrats are favored to flip the House.
@kirk-bado.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730588/hot...
@kirk-bado.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730588/hot...
Hotline’s 2026 Election Calendar
A look at the key mileposts during the upcoming campaign season.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:30 AM
It’s an election year once again, with control of Congress and 36 governor’s races up for grabs. As the year begins, Democrats are favored to flip the House.
@kirk-bado.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730588/hot...
@kirk-bado.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730588/hot...
While nearly everyone has an opinion on whether the strike was a good or a bad idea, it is more likely that things that affect swing voters’ daily lives will have a greater political impact than something that happens in another country.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
Don't overestimate Venezuela's impact on the midterms
Yes, the mission was impressive. The aftermath is fraught with challenges. And neither will matter much nine months from now.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:03 AM
While nearly everyone has an opinion on whether the strike was a good or a bad idea, it is more likely that things that affect swing voters’ daily lives will have a greater political impact than something that happens in another country.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races:
There are serious questions about whether tariffs will yield the windfall needed to pay for any consumer relief.
David Lightman with his new column Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730587/the...
David Lightman with his new column Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730587/the...
The tariff dividend that might never reach our shores
President Trump's promise of a $2,000 windfall for many U.S. families faces many obstacles and unknowns.
www.nationaljournal.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:38 AM
There are serious questions about whether tariffs will yield the windfall needed to pay for any consumer relief.
David Lightman with his new column Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730587/the...
David Lightman with his new column Following the Money (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730587/the...
While lawmakers accomplished many of their priorities, much remains to be finished in a year likely shaped by the midterms.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730560/con...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730560/con...
Congress left town with a hefty to-do list for the new year
Lawmakers still have a lot of unfinished business on health care, government funding, a farm bill, and a possible second reconciliation bill.
www.nationaljournal.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
While lawmakers accomplished many of their priorities, much remains to be finished in a year likely shaped by the midterms.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730560/con...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730560/con...
The Catholic Church is a well-oiled machine in South Texas, and interwoven into the cultural fabric of the community.
James Downs reports from Laredo (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730559/on-...
James Downs reports from Laredo (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730559/on-...
On faith and politics in South Texas
Religion has an impact on everything in the region, including politics.
www.nationaljournal.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:29 PM
The Catholic Church is a well-oiled machine in South Texas, and interwoven into the cultural fabric of the community.
James Downs reports from Laredo (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730559/on-...
James Downs reports from Laredo (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730559/on-...
It’s hard to imagine any of those House measures—all passed largely along party lines—going anywhere in the Senate.
@ledyardking.bsky.social with Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730549/why...
@ledyardking.bsky.social with Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730549/why...
Why the House's ‘hugely historic’ week might not matter
The flurry of partisan-laced measures passed in the last days of the year may not mean much come January.
www.nationaljournal.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
It’s hard to imagine any of those House measures—all passed largely along party lines—going anywhere in the Senate.
@ledyardking.bsky.social with Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730549/why...
@ledyardking.bsky.social with Point of Order (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730549/why...
The Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean the negotiations to extend them are done.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730547/dis...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730547/dis...
Lawmakers look to revive Obamacare subsidy negotiations in the new year, after tax credits lapse Dec. 31
Moderate Republicans facing a tough midterm environment are pushing for a deal that would keep premiums from skyrocketing next year.
www.nationaljournal.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean the negotiations to extend them are done.
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730547/dis...
Nancy Vu reports (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730547/dis...
Big tech is emerging as a rare rendezvous point for bipartisan scorn, with multiple figures who may run for president in 2028 taking stands on the issue over the last two years.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
December 23, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Big tech is emerging as a rare rendezvous point for bipartisan scorn, with multiple figures who may run for president in 2028 taking stands on the issue over the last two years.
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
@efilter.bsky.social reports (unlocked):
The DNC's audit looked to avoid the question of whether Biden should have run for reelection in the first place or exited the race earlier than he did.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730538/wha...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730538/wha...
What the Democrats' autopsy should have focused on
The seeds of defeat weren't sown in 2024, but rather in 2021, when Biden and his party grossly overread their mandate.
www.nationaljournal.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:29 AM
The DNC's audit looked to avoid the question of whether Biden should have run for reelection in the first place or exited the race earlier than he did.
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730538/wha...
Charlie Cook with the latest Off to the Races (unlocked):
www.nationaljournal.com/s/730538/wha...