Key battleground races for 2026 are escalating across the country, with high-profile contests in Texas and Michigan for Senate, the California governor's race, and the Los Angeles mayoral election drawing national attention. Meanwhile, a fresh poll reveals that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the frontrunner among potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028.
The Hill's senior vice president of editorial content, Bill Sammon, and Decision Desk HQ's chief elections analyst, Geoffrey Skelley, will break down these developments in a live discussion scheduled to begin around 12:15 p.m. EDT. Viewers can watch the stream above and submit questions via the chat icon in the top right corner of the video, providing their first and last names.
Buttigieg's lead in the 2028 Democratic primary poll signals a shift in the party's early positioning as it looks beyond the 2024 election cycle. The poll, which measures potential candidates' support among Democratic voters, shows Buttigieg ahead of other prominent figures, reflecting his continued visibility and appeal within the party.
The Texas Senate race is particularly heated, with both parties investing heavily in the contest. Recent fundraising reports indicate that Democrat S. Talarico hauled in $3 million in just 24 hours after Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton won the GOP Senate primary, signaling a surge in Democratic enthusiasm and financial backing for the general election.
In Michigan, the Senate race is also drawing significant attention as Democrats aim to hold a crucial seat. The outcome could have major implications for the balance of power in the Senate, where narrow margins have made every race critical.
Beyond Senate contests, the California governor's race is shaping up to be a crowded and competitive field, with multiple candidates vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. The Los Angeles mayoral race, meanwhile, is a key local contest with national implications, as the city grapples with homelessness, crime, and economic challenges.
For viewers interested in the broader political landscape, the discussion will also touch on recent developments such as the ongoing legal battles over voting access and the shifting dynamics of U.S. support for Israel. These issues are likely to influence voter turnout and party strategies in the coming cycles.
The live format allows for real-time interaction, giving viewers a chance to ask questions about polling data, campaign strategies, and the overall political climate. Sammon and Skelley bring deep expertise in elections and media, offering sharp analysis of the races that will shape the next few years.
