In the Public Square: The changing face of the Filipino voter

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/in-the-public-square-elections-filipino-voter-survey-2028/

In the Public Square: The 2026 political outlook

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/in-the-public-square-political-outlook-2026/

Bangladesh faces unrest after death of student leader

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://dailytimes.com.pk/1420651/bangladesh-faces-unrest-after-death-of-student-leader/

Midterm Elections 2026: Updates, News, and Projections Monthly Series – November 2025

Editor’s Note: This report is prepared monthly for me by Perplexity Pro, and edited by me. These will be published monthly until the midterms in November, 2026.

U.S. Midterms Monthly Report – November 2025

Latest Monthly Update, November 2025: U.S. Midterms

Political Climate and Voter Sentiment

America is gripped by significant political dissatisfaction: an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reports two-thirds of Americans feel the country is “pretty seriously off on the wrong track,” despite a slight improvement from last year’s readings.1 Discontent has political ramifications for both parties: 68% say the Democratic Party is “out of touch,” closely matched by those expressing similar sentiments about Trump (63%) and the GOP (61%).1 Trump’s approval has dropped further in recent NBC polling, reflecting robust engagement—Democrats are surging in state and local contests, while the “No Kings” movement, which opposes perceived executive overreach, has reached 43% support among registered voters, exceeding historical protest benchmarks like the Tea Party and Occupy.2

Recent Election Results and Their Implications

Democrats scored notable victories in major 2025 races, seizing governorships in Virginia (Abigail Spanberger) and New Jersey (Mikie Sherrill), and flipping New York City’s mayoralty with Zoh Mamdani.36 These results, decisively over 56% of the vote in several cases, bolstered party morale and restored a sense of momentum following the party’s painful 2024 defeat. These Democratic wins were credited to coalition-building and capitalizing on Trump’s persistent disapproval ratings in key suburban counties.36

Notably, Democratic messaging on the economy and pragmatic policy approaches proved especially effective, particularly in diverse counties where cost of living is the top concern. Analysts stress, however, that the Democratic coalition remains divided—progressives are ascendant in some urban centers, while moderates perform better in governor’s races and purple suburban districts.6

Midterm Polling and Key Races

Polling shows unprecedented early interest in the midterms, with two-thirds of voters indicating high enthusiasm and current majorities leaning toward Democratic control of Congress.18 However, competitiveness is expected to be fierce, particularly in the Senate, where the GOP map advantage has some analysts calling it “the Republicans’ to lose.”

• Senate: Key races to watch include perennial battlegrounds such as Maine (Republican Susan Collins), Montana, Arizona, and several states with razor-thin margins in recent cycles.12918 Aggregators show GOP seats as slightly favored, but several toss-ups remain.
• House: The slim Republican majority is on the line, with Democrats aiming to flip five seats in California and risk losing recent gains in Texas. District-level redistricting continues to generate controversy and could be decisive in close races.414
• Governorships & State Races: High-profile races, especially in swing states, are likely to be influenced by turnout differentials and reaction to Trump’s policies. The growing split inside the Democratic Party (progressives vs. moderates) may shape primary season strategies.6

Economy, Redistricting, and Policy

Inflation remains a top concern, with over 60% blaming Trump’s administration for ongoing cost increases and tariffs.16 Both parties are being challenged to address affordability, economic insecurity, and public skepticism toward Washington. Redistricting battles continue in several states, notably California and Texas, where partisan maps could be litigated up to Election Day.

Federal Government Shutdown: Day 40

As of November 9, 2025, the federal government shutdown has dragged into its 40th day, setting a new record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history.21232528 This crisis started on October 1 over disputes about healthcare funding and budget priorities, leaving approximately 750,000 federal employees furloughed and causing severe disruptions to essential services.2122 With each passing day, pressure mounts in Washington and across the nation, and the shutdown is poised to become a defining issue in the 2026 midterms as affected Americans demand accountability.

Air Traffic Controllers: Crisis and Cancellations

The shutdown has also unleashed a national air travel crisis. Thousands of air traffic controllers remain unpaid and overworked, leading to increasing absenteeism and severe understaffing at key airports.2932353640 In the first few days of November, over 2,200 flights were canceled in one day, with cumulative cancellations and major delays in major urban hubs, especially New York and Chicago. The FAA has since ordered capacity reductions, and experts warn the crisis could become permanent without urgent reform to pay and working conditions. Voters’ frustration with these disruptions could significantly influence election outcomes.39

Works Cited

#2025 #2026 #America #DonaldTrump #Education #Health #History #Libraries #Library #LibraryOfCongress #MidtermElections2026 #Midterms2026 #NationalElections #November2026 #Opinion #Politics #Resistance #Science #Technology #Trump #TrumpAdministration #UnitedStates

FACT CHECK: No results yet for manual recount of 2025 election votes

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/no-results-yet-manual-recount-2025-elections/

Midterm Elections 2026: Updates, News, and Projections Monthly Series – October 2025

Midterm Elections 2026: Updates, News and Projections Monthly Series – October 2025

Midterm Elections 2026: Updates, News and Projections Monthly Series – October 2025

Executive Summary

October 2025 has been a pivotal month for the 2026 midterm elections, dominated by an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting battle that could determine House control before a single vote is cast. Democrats are showing surprising strength in special elections while Republicans accelerate gerrymandering efforts across multiple states, creating a complex electoral landscape just over a year from Election Day.

Congressional Redistricting Wars

Texas-California Redistricting Duel

The redistricting battle has escalated into a direct confrontation between the nation’s two most populous states. Texas Republicans have successfully redrawn their congressional map to create five new GOP-leaning seats, targeting Democratic districts in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and along the Gulf Coast. This redistricting effort, undertaken at President Trump’s direct urging, could add up to 12 Republican seats nationally if Democrats fail to counter effectively.

California Democrats have responded with Proposition 50, which will appear on the November 2025 ballot. If approved by voters, this measure would set aside the current nonpartisan commission districts and implement a new Democratic-friendly map designed to gain five House seats. The proposition explicitly returns redistricting to the nonpartisan commission after 2030, positioning this as a temporary Trump-era countermeasure.

Multi-State Redistricting Expansion

The redistricting war has spread beyond Texas and California to multiple states:

Missouri: Governor Mike Kehoe signed a revised congressional map on September 29, making Missouri the third state to embrace mid-decade redistricting. The new map targets competitive districts for Republican advantage.

Utah: The Republican-led legislature passed a revised House map on October 6 that could improve Democratic competitiveness by placing Salt Lake City in a single district rather than splitting it among multiple districts. However, this change resulted from court order, not partisan maneuvering.

Kansas: Republican lawmakers are gathering petition signatures to call a November special session targeting Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids’ suburban Kansas City district.

Indiana: Governor Mike Braun indicates a redistricting session will likely occur as soon as November, following private meetings between Republican legislative leaders and Trump.

Democratic Redistricting Challenges

Democrats face significant legal and structural obstacles in matching Republican redistricting efforts. Of the 15 states with Democratic trifectas, only Maryland and Illinois have clear pathways to redraw lines competitively. Legal hurdles make it “practically impossible” for most blue states to redraw maps before the 2026 midterms, according to redistricting expert Douglas Spencer.

Senate Race Developments

Key Competitive Races

Georgia: Senator Jon Ossoff (D) remains the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent. The Republican field has crystallized around Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, plus former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, after Governor Brian Kemp declined to run. Kemp’s endorsement of Dooley has set up a potentially divisive Republican primary.

North Carolina: The open seat created by Senator Thom Tillis’ retirement decision has emerged as a top Democratic pickup opportunity. Former Governor Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign launched in July has been met by RNC Chairman Michael Whatley’s candidacy, setting up what’s expected to be among the most expensive races of the cycle.

Iowa: Senator Joni Ernst’s surprise retirement announcement triggered immediate activity, with Representative Ashley Hinson jumping into the Republican primary within hours and securing early endorsements from Senate leadership. Multiple Democratic state legislators had already launched campaigns before Ernst’s announcement.

Overall Senate Map

Democrats face a challenging path to Senate majority, needing to defend 13 seats while flipping four Republican-held seats. With Republicans holding 53 seats, the map strongly favors the GOP, with most Republican incumbents running in Trump-won states.

Democratic Special Election Surge

Democrats have demonstrated remarkable strength in special elections throughout 2025, outperforming Vice President Harris’ 2024 results in 42 state legislative and congressional contests. In these races, Democratic candidates improved their performance by more than 15% compared to Harris’ showing in the same districts, even in traditionally conservative regions.

This special election trend historically correlates with midterm performance and suggests Democrats may be positioned to regain House majority despite redistricting disadvantages. However, political analysts caution that Trump’s norm-disrupting influence makes historical patterns less reliable predictors.

Economic and Political Context

Government Shutdown Impact

The ongoing government shutdown has created additional political complications for the 2026 elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Americans blame both parties for the shutdown, with concerns mounting about federal services as a third of the workforce remains on unpaid leave. The Economist/YouGov poll shows the shutdown affecting Trump’s approval ratings, with new second-term lows recorded among key demographic groups.

Trump’s Political Standing

President Trump’s job approval has hit new second-term lows across multiple demographic groups according to October polling. The Economist/YouGov poll reveals particular weakness in economic sentiment, with negative perceptions about the economy persisting despite Republican control of government.

Gubernatorial Race Updates

Thirty-six gubernatorial races are scheduled for 2026, providing additional context for national political trends. Key competitive races are developing in Arizona, where incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs faces challenges from businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson and Representative Andy Biggs. California’s 2026 gubernatorial race has become entangled with the Proposition 50 redistricting debate, with candidates taking positions on the congressional map initiative.

Projections and Analysis

The October developments suggest a highly competitive 2026 midterm environment shaped by three critical factors: redistricting outcomes, special election momentum, and economic conditions. Republicans’ redistricting advantages could provide a 10-12 seat boost, but Democratic special election performance indicates potential for unexpected gains.

California’s Proposition 50 vote in November 2025 will serve as a crucial indicator of both redistricting success and broader electoral sentiment. If approved, it would largely neutralize Republican redistricting gains and potentially shift House control dynamics.

The combination of redistricting manipulation, Trump’s declining approval, and historical midterm patterns creates an unusually volatile electoral environment where traditional forecasting models may prove inadequate.

Next Report: The November 2025 update will include comprehensive analysis of the California Proposition 50 results, additional state redistricting developments, and updated Senate race polling data.

Works Cited

Berumen, Carlos. “How Many Seats Would Democrats Gain under California’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Plan?” Public Policy Institute of California, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.ppic.org/blog/how-many-seats-would-democrats-gain-under-californias-mid-decade-redistricting-plan/.

Blake, Aaron. “12 New GOP Seats out of Thin Air? Republicans Are Halfway There.” CNN, 19 Sept. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/politics/redistricting-2026-midterm-election-gop-analysis.

Breuninger, Kevin. “Key Senate Contests Take Shape Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections.” CBS News, 28 Aug. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/key-senate-contests-2026-elections/.

Brownstein, Ronald. “What This Fall’s Elections Can—and Can’t—Teach Us about the Midterms.” Brookings Institution, 1 Oct. 2025, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-this-falls-elections-can-and-cant-teach-us-about-the-midterms/.

“California’s Redistricting Sparks Fierce Debate in 2026 Governor’s Race.” CBS News, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-redistricting-plan-discussion-2026-governors-race/.

Cook, Charlie. “2025-2026 Redistricting Tracker: How Many Seats Could Flip?” Cook Political Report, 28 Sept. 2025, https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/redistricting/2025-2026-redistricting-tracker-how-many-seats-could-flip-0.

“Democrats Have Excelled in Special Elections – What Does That Mean for the Midterms?” Reuters, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democrats-have-excelled-special-elections-what-does-that-mean-midterms-2025-10-09/.

Gonzalez, Sandra. “How Would the Prop 50 Redistricting Plan Affect Racial and Geographic Representation?” Public Policy Institute of California, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.ppic.org/blog/how-would-the-prop-50-redistricting-plan-affect-racial-and-geographic-representation/.

Grier, Peter. “Legislature Passes New Map in Utah, Creating 2 More Competitive Seats.” Politico, 6 Oct. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/06/utah-new-map-redistricting-00595076.

Isenstadt, Alex. “Why Democrats Can’t Match Trump’s Gerrymander Push.” Politico, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/22/why-democrats-cant-match-trumps-gerrymander-push-00572965.

Kessler, Aaron. “More States Are Moving to Redraw US House Districts after Trump Urged It for Partisan Gain.” ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/states-moving-redraw-us-house-districts-after-trump-126272766.

Levine, Sam. “More States Are Moving to Redraw US House Districts after Trump…” CapRadio, 6 Oct. 2025, https://www.capradio.org/articles/2025/10/06/more-states-are-moving-to-redraw-us-house-districts-after-trump-urged-it-for-partisan-gain/.

Marcus, Ruth. “Opinion | Gerrymander Duelists, Newsom and Trump, Deserve Scorn for Partisan Power Plays.” CalMatters, 8 Oct. 2025, https://calmatters.org/commentary/2025/10/gerrymander-duel-newsom-trump-election/.

McCormick, John. “What Could Happen in the States Entering Redistricting Fights?” NPR, 14 Aug. 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/08/14/nx-s1-5501537/texas-california-gerrymandering-redistricting.

Reid, Joy. “The Fight to Redraw U.S. House Maps Is Spreading. Here’s Where Things Stand in Missouri and Other States.” PBS NewsHour, 29 Sept. 2025, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-fight-to-redraw-u-s-house-maps-is-spreading-heres-where-things-stand-in-missouri-and-other-states.

“The Shutdown, the 2026 Election, Donald Trump Job Approval, and the Economy: October 4 – 6, 2025 Economist/YouGov Poll.” YouGov, 6 Oct. 2025, https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/53131-government-shutdown-2026-congressional-election-donald-trump-job-approval-the-economy-october-4-6-2025-economist-yougov-poll.

Thompson Coburn LLP. “An Early Look at 2026 Senate Midterms.” Thompson Coburn LLP, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/insights/an-early-look-at-2026-senate-midterms-102l4ad/.

Wasserman, David. “The War over US Congressional Redistricting: How Is It Playing Out, State by State?” Reuters, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/how-war-over-us-congressional-redistricting-is-playing-out-state-by-state-2025-10-08/.

“Who’s to Blame for the Shutdown? All of the Above, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds.” Reuters, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/whos-blame-shutdown-all-above-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2025-10-09/.

#2025 #2026 #America #DonaldTrump #Education #Health #History #Libraries #Library #LibraryOfCongress #MidtermElections2026 #Midterms2026 #NationalElections #November2026 #Opinion #Politics #Resistance #Science #Technology #Trump #TrumpAdministration #UnitedStates

Trump’s remarkable statement against states’ rights | CNN Politics

Trump’s remarkable statement against states’ rights

President Donald Trump’s announcement Monday that he will sign an executive order aimed at getting rid of mail-in ballots and voting machines seems unlikely to amount to much. He doesn’t appear to have any such authority, and legal challenges would surely follow.

But it was instructive in one way: It made clear the president elected to lead the party of states’ rights has very little regard for states’ rights.

Indeed, he almost seems to disdain them.

It’s difficult to read his comments any other way, especially as he has spent much of his second term attempting to chip away at states’ rights — or at least, the ones he doesn’t like.

While selling his new pitch to get rid of mail-in voting and voting machines, Trump included this remarkable pair of sentences.

“Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do.”

Trump has described the states as “agents” of the federal government before in this context, but without casting them as subservient to him personally.

This is a rather novel take on the Constitution, to put it mildly.

As CNN’s Daniel Dale notes, the Constitution says the “Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections … shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.” Congress has a role, in that the Constitution says it can “make or alter such Regulations.” But there is no role for the president.

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Trump’s remarkable statement against states’ rights | CNN Politics

#2025 #America #CNN #CNNPolitics #DonaldTrump #Elections #Health #History #Libraries #LibraryOfCongress #NationalElections #Politics #Resistance #Science #StateLegislatures #StateRights #StatesRights #Steal2026 #Trump #TrumpAdministration #UnitedStates