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2026 midterm election races to watch

CBS News’ Battleground Tracker polling is back for 2026, capturing what’s on voters’ minds and the key groups to watch coast to coast, as well as what it means for districts, seat estimates and control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Every district and state matters, but CBS News also identifies nine key Senate and…

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Sen. Bill Cassidy says his vote to confirm Todd Blanche wasn’t a “black or white decision”

Washington —GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said on Sunday that his decision to support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general wasn’t “black or white,” outlining what informed his thinking ahead of casting the decisive vote. “If you’re looking for a black or white decision here, you’re not going to find it,” Cassidy said on…

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The Senate confirms Todd Blanche, Trump’s former defense lawyer, as attorney general

Washington — The Senate early on Saturday confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, installing President Trump’s former defense lawyer as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Blanche narrowly won approval from the upper chamber in a 50-49 vote. Two Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  — joined with all…

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Lisa Murkowski says she’ll vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, imperiling his chances

Washington — Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Friday she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, narrowing the confirmation path for President Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department. The Alaska senator said in a statement on social media that she is concerned the Trump administration could proceed with its proposed fund to compensate…

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Senate Judiciary Committee advances Blanche’s nomination for attorney general

Washington — The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general to the Senate floor, clearing a key hurdle for President Trump’s pick to lead the Justice Department. The GOP-led panel voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Blanche’s nomination. The acting attorney general overcame skepticism from Republican Sens. John Cornyn…

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Cornyn and Tillis back Blanche for attorney general after deal on “anti-weaponization” fund

Washington — GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina formally announced their support on Monday for Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after reaching a long-sought agreement to end the controversial “anti-weaponization” fund and clarify the scope of a sweeping deal for tax immunity. “We are pleased that the Department…

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