War with Iran and Maine Senate race shape midterm outlook
8 reported
According to an NPR report, the ongoing war with Iran is influencing the 2026 midterm elections, with President Trump reportedly considering a "massive attack" on Iran before calling off new strikes. New polling shows the war has become less popular, even among MAGA voters, with a Politico poll indicating a 13-point drop since May in the number of MAGA voters who want the war to continue. In Maine, Democrats have coalesced behind Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president and union organizer, as their new Senate nominee after the previous candidate dropped out. Jackson will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins, the only Republican Senate incumbent up for reelection in a state won by Kamala Harris in 2024. The report notes that Democrats cannot win the Senate majority without winning Maine, and that Collins has won tough races before with significant financial backing. The midterms are 100 days away, with President Trump's approval rating under 40% and voters sour on the economy and the war, though Republicans retain structural advantages including more money and fewer competitive House districts.
What’s reported
President Trump told Axios he was considering a "massive attack" on Iran, then called off new strikes, saying negotiations to end the war are ongoing.
A new Politico poll showed the number of MAGA voters who want the war to continue dropped by 13 points since May.
Oil, fertilizer, and food prices remain high due to the war.
Four House Republicans joined Democrats to vote for a war powers resolution for the second time.
Democrats in Maine have coalesced behind Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president and union organizer, as their new Senate nominee.
Jackson will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins, the only Republican Senate incumbent up for reelection in a state won by Kamala Harris in 2024.
Collins is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and brings significant funding to Maine.
The midterms are 100 days away; President Trump's approval rating is under 40%.
Key figures
President Trump
Mara Liasson, senior national political correspondent for NPR
Ayesha Rascoe, NPR host
Troy Jackson, former Maine state Senate president and new Democratic Senate nominee
Susan Collins, Republican Senate incumbent from Maine
Graham Platner, former Democratic Senate candidate in Maine who dropped out
Sources: NPR
