The Morning Roundup – November 3, 2026

It’s Election Day, and control of Congress is on the line. Today’s roundup centers on the midterms, with President Trump’s political capital at stake, key governor and House races from Ohio and Texas to New Jersey and Georgia, and the escalating conflict with Iran in the background. The left is framing the day as a referendum on Trump’s second term and his administration’s conduct, the center is focused on what to watch and where results will come in, and the right is spotlighting Trump’s hand on Iran and local fights over governance.

LEFT

Charles P. Pierce (Esquire) – “I Don’t Understand Why Trump Decided to Give His Last Pre-Midterms Speech in Front of His Most Catastrophic Failure”

Pierce questions the president's choice of venue for his final speech before the midterms, setting it in front of the reflecting pool. He argues the setting has become a little too fitting a symbol of Trump's second term.

Stephanie Matarazzo (CNN) – “Young Ohio voter on why the governor’s race might flip Democrat”

This CNN video segment hears from a young Ohio voter about why the governor's race, where Vivek Ramaswamy is on the ballot, could go to the Democrats. It frames Ohio as one of the Election Day contests to watch for signs of a Democratic wave.

Charles P. Pierce (Esquire) – “Our Batsh*t Country Is Heading Into the Midterms with Barely a Shred of Dignity”

Pierce uses the fight over an endorsement in Haley Stevens's race as a window into the state of the country on the eve of the midterms. He argues that fiasco is only the tip of the iceberg in an undignified campaign season.

Charles P. Pierce (Esquire) – “It’s About Damn Time Trump Give Up on Hunter Biden’s Laptop”

Pierce writes about a federal judge's ruling on the administration's investigation tied to Hunter Biden's laptop. He argues the ruling shows the politically motivated criminal probe is worthless and that the president should drop it.

Charles P. Pierce (Esquire) – “Just When I Thought We Were Done with Alina Habba, She’s Back in the News for a Doozy of a Reason”

Pierce returns to Alina Habba, who is back in the headlines over a money matter tied to Trump. He uses the story to ask why so many people in Trump's close orbit turn out to be grifters.

CENTER

The Hill Staff (The Hill) – “Live updates: Polls open with control of Congress on the line”

The Hill's live coverage of Election Day opens with President Trump's political capital on the line. Democrats are eyeing a potential blue wave while Republicans scramble to defend their congressional majorities.

POLITICO – “What to watch on Election Day”

POLITICO's Florida Playbook lays out the races and storylines to follow as Florida votes on Election Day. It serves as a guide to what the state's results could signal for the national picture.

POLITICO – “Dems' last-minute Van Drew push”

POLITICO's New Jersey Playbook looks at a final Democratic push against Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew as polls open. It notes New Jersey polls opened early in the morning and close at 8 p.m.

USA TODAY – “Keisha Lance Bottoms mounts final push in Atlanta”

This USA TODAY video follows Keisha Lance Bottoms as she makes a final campaign push in Atlanta on Election Day. It highlights Georgia as one of the states drawing attention in the midterms.

Adelaide Taylor (NewsNation) – “Texas midterm election results 2026”

NewsNation's results page tracks Texas, where voters are deciding key governor and congressional races. Polls begin to close at 8 p.m. ET.

Adelaide Taylor (NewsNation) – “Alabama midterm election results 2026”

NewsNation's results page follows Alabama's races for governor and key congressional seats. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

Taylor Delandro (NewsNation) – “The history behind the ‘I voted’ sticker”

NewsNation traces the origins of the red, white and blue 'I voted' sticker. It was first created to encourage turnout and has since become a badge of civic pride.

RIGHT

TIPP Insights – “Watch: Trump Claims Superior Advantage In Escalating Iran Conflict”

TIPP Insights covers President Trump's remarks on the escalating conflict with Iran. Trump said Washington holds maximum bargaining power to negotiate a diplomatic resolution, while cautioning that more strikes remain on the table.

John Kass (John Kass News) – “Chicago Way w/John Kass: The gunshot detection quagmire and the battle for city council”

On this episode of The Chicago Way, John Kass and Jeff Carlin talk with Alderman Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward about the budgets and political maneuvering inside Chicago's City Council. Lopez, running unopposed for his seat in 2027, weighs in on the city's gunshot detection fight and the battle for control of the council.