N.Y., and his caucus mulling ways out of the government shutdown from a host of offers Republicans have made throughout the 36-day ordeal.

For a day, at least, beleaguered Democrats are hopeful again. But just beneath the party's relief at securing its first big electoral wins since last November’s drubbing lay unresolved questions about its direction heading into next year’s midterm elections.

The senior elections analyst at RealClearPolitics on what the Party might’ve learned, and how the electorate is changing.

The projected state House wins smooth over Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's chances for advancing her agenda upon being sworn into office. Democrats Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones also won races for the state's lieutenant governor and attorney general, respectively.

The classified meeting did not relieve mounting unease among lawmakers over President Trump’s expanding campaign of lethal strikes against drug cartels.

Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says the party needs to address high electric bills, healthcare costs and housing affordability to win voters.

Democratic wins also set the tone for the 2026 midterm elections, now just a year away. President Donald Trump blamed the shutdown as a reason for his party's losses, which delivered a much-needed jolt to his political rivals who have been grasping for power and relevance since bruising defeats last year.

Carnegie’s victory will provide Virginia Democrats with a two-year seat that both parties targeted as it’s a district considered among the most competitive both in Hampton Roads and

Hours before the first major elections since President Donald Trump’s win last November, Sen. Bernie Sanders offered a stern warning for Democrats about the party’s secret talks to end the shutdown.