Morning Briefing · Monday, November 2, 2026
7 stories, five minutes, and what each one means for you.
The big story
Sanders: Alleged Alaska ballot tactic 'pretty dumb' but 'not illegal'
Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Sunday that the alleged conduct of Alaska Democrats in the state's Senate race was "pretty dumb" but "not illegal." A federal judge also told the Justice Department it lacked standing in its lawsuit against the state, according to the Washington Examiner.
What it means for you
- The Justice Department's lawsuit against the state faces a hurdle: a federal judge told the department it lacked standing.
- Sanders, an independent, said efforts by either party to confuse voters are "not a good thing to do."
Politics
What It Means: Alaska Ruling Leaves Ballot Fight to State
A federal judge on Nov. 1 dismissed the Justice Department's bid to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election, saying ballot rules are the state's job. With Election Day set for Nov. 3, the fight now turns to a 9th Circuit appeal and a ranked-choice count.
What it means: Alaska's state officials, not federal prosecutors, run the Senate vote on Nov. 3, according to the judge's ruling.
Trump Holds Campaign Rally in Dubuque, Iowa, Ahead of Midterms
President Donald Trump is hosting a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon, days before the November midterm elections. He had canceled plans for in-person campaign events earlier in the week but later reversed course, according to the Washington Examiner.
What it means: The Dubuque rally comes days before the November midterm elections, so campaign activity is at its peak.
Stevens Breaks With Democrats, Backs Rogers in Michigan Senate Race
Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over her party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, on Nov. 1, less than two days before election day. The split exposes an unresolved fight inside the Democratic Party over Israel in a race that could help decide control of the Senate.
What it means: Election day is less than two days after the Nov. 1 endorsement, and the Michigan Senate race could help decide control of the Senate.
Judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit over Alaska Senate ballot confusion
A federal judge on Nov. 1 threw out a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election. The Justice Department says it will appeal, two days before voters decide a tight race that could affect control of the Senate.
What it means: If the appeal moves forward, the fight over the ballot could continue past Election Day on Nov. 3.
Haley Stevens's Chief of Staff Resigns After Rogers Endorsement
Justin German, chief of staff to Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., resigned on Nov. 1 after she endorsed Republican Mike Rogers for Senate in Michigan. German said many other members of her staff also resigned.
What it means: Michigan's Senate race is in its final days, and the endorsement came two days before Election Day.
Trump Says He Would Be 'Mr. Veto' If Democrats Win Congress
President Donald Trump said he would become "Mr. Veto" if Democrats take control of Congress after the midterm elections. The remark, made in an interview with Fox News's Miranda Devine, points to a standoff if Democrats win both chambers.
What it means: If Democrats win both the House and the Senate, the Washington Examiner says Trump would have a hard time passing his agenda without concessions.
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