Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* Rep. Ralph Norman initially opposed House Speaker Mike Johnson’s bid for a second term, and while the South Carolina Republican ultimately switched his vote, there’s still growing talk about a possible GOP primary challenge against the incumbent ahead of 2026 cycle.
* With less than a month to go before Democrats choose the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has thrown his support behind Ben Wikler. The announcement from the New York senator is likely to give the Wisconsin state party leader an important boost in the intraparty contest.
* It’s not yet clear exactly who Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will appoint to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Senate, but NBC News reported that Jon Husted, the Buckeye State’s Republican lieutenant governor, has emerged as the “leading contender” for the seat.
* Amid rumors that Rep. Ritchie Torres is eyeing a Democratic primary campaign against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the congressman continues to criticize the incumbent governor in ways that raise eyebrows. * It’s an election year in Virginia, and former Rep. Denver Riggleman is reportedly exploring an independent statewide campaign. According to The Washington Post, the former congressman — who served one term as a Republican — would run for either governor or lieutenant governor. * In Colorado, where term limits prevent Democratic Gov. Jared Polis from seeking a third term, state Attorney General Phil Weiser has already kicked off his 2026 candidacy. It’s unlikely, however, that he’ll run unopposed in a Democratic primary.
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past."
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