Seth McLaughlin
Articles by Seth McLaughlin
Democrats’ surprise win in Texas sends shock waves through GOP race for U.S. Senate
Sen. John Cornyn's allies say the GOP's surprising loss in a recent state legislative special election is yet another sign that making Attorney General Ken Paxton the party's Senate nominee this fall is a gamble Republicans shouldn't take. Published February 4, 2026
McConnell, 83, checks himself into hospital, adding to health concerns
Sen. Mitch McConnell's health is back in the spotlight this week after he checked himself into a hospital with flu-like symptoms. Published February 4, 2026
‘Radical Left flamethrower’: Trump blames Massie’s wife for congressman’s disloyalty
President Trump is taking a personal turn in his attacks on Rep. Thomas Massie, claiming the Kentucky Republican has shifted left politically -- and pinning the blame on Mr. Massie's new wife. Published February 2, 2026
Texas special-election stunner energizes Democrats, triggers GOP ‘wake-up call’
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's warning that a special election loss in a state Senate race should be a "wake-up call" for the Republican Party has become a familiar refrain since President Trump returned to office. Published February 2, 2026
Trump’s deportation surge loses big in Texas court, but prevails in Minnesota
The Justice Department plans to appeal a federal judge's scathing ruling that freed 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father and suggested the Trump administration was acting immorally and violating the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence. Published February 1, 2026
Trump shrugs off Democratic upset in deep-red Texas
President Trump brushed off a surprise Democratic win in a Texas state Senate special election -- even though it happened in a district that tends to be solidly Republican. Published February 1, 2026
Trump endorses Sununu in New Hampshire Senate race
President Trump has formally thrown his support behind John E. Sununu in New Hampshire's U.S. Senate race, cementing the candidate's frontrunner status in the GOP primary. Published February 1, 2026
Arrest of Don Lemon sparks debate over free speech rights versus freedom of religion
Don Lemon's arrest has set off a very public clash between free-speech advocates and those who argue the case raises serious religious-freedom concerns. Published February 1, 2026
Justice Department declares Epstein review complete, as Democrats dispute compliance with law
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that, as far as the Department of Justice is concerned, its review of files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein "is over." Published February 1, 2026
Deputy AG Blanche promises appeal to judge’s order to free 5-year-old and father from ICE custody
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Trump administration plans to appeal a judge's order requiring the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father who were detained by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last week. Published February 1, 2026
House Speaker cautiously optimistic on DHS funding deal, but draws hard line on mask ban, visible ID
House Speaker Mike Johnson is signaling that a deal with Democrats on funding the Department of Homeland Security for a full year is within reach. Published February 1, 2026
Rep. Thomas Massie turns Trump’s jabs at him into campaign cash
Rep. Thomas Massie is still raking in campaign cash -- even as President Trump and his deep-pocketed allies go after him and lift up his chief primary challenger, who has made an early fundraising splash of his own. Published January 31, 2026
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar enters Minnesota’s gubernatorial race
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday she's jumping into the race to become Minnesota's next governor, vowing to "get things done," bring bipartisanship to St. Paul and root out the fraud that has roiled the state. Published January 29, 2026
Trump backs Noem amid Democratic calls for her impeachment after federal agents kill 2 Americans
The Trump administration has booted Gregory Bovino as head of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, but Democrats are aiming higher: They want Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem toppled. Published January 27, 2026
Sen. John Fetterman demands Trump fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Sen. John Fetterman on Tuesday joined growing calls for President Trump to oust Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Published January 27, 2026
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy highlights Trump-era wins even as Trump backs his primary challenger
Sen. Bill Cassidy is running for reelection on the legislative achievements he says he secured while working with President Trump, even as the president backs one of his primary challengers. Published January 27, 2026
Pam Bondi’s request for Minnesota voter rolls ignites clash over election authority
Democrat ic officials and voting-rights advocates are raising increasingly urgent warnings that President Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota is part of a broader effort to influence the 2026 election. Published January 26, 2026
GOP candidate ends bid for Minnesota governor, calls immigration crackdown ‘unmitigated disaster’
Chris Madel has ended his long-shot GOP bid for Minnesota governor, saying he can no longer "support the national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state." Published January 26, 2026
Second Minnesota killing by U.S. officials sparks showdown between Trump admin, community leaders
The second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minnesota by federal immigration officers has sparked a national uproar, widening the divide over President Trump's immigration crackdown and intensifying scrutiny of the administration's tactics. Published January 25, 2026
Obamas say most recent fatal ICE shooting in Trump immigration crackdown a ‘wake-up call’ for nation
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said the shooting of Alex Pretti should mark a turning point in the national debate over President Trump's immigration crackdown. Published January 25, 2026
