Public disputes concerning the 2026 U.S. midterm election cycle, including campaigns, candidates, conventions, advertising, endorsements, and election-related policy promises.
After an armed assailant attacked Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed condemned the attack and antisemitism but connected the assailant's actions to an Israeli airstrike that killed members of his family, describing violence as a cycle. Critics said the framing rationalized an antisemitic terrorist attack or shifted responsibility toward Israel and Jews. El-Sayed denied justifying the attack and later apologized for introducing context when the victims needed an unqualified condemnation.
Role at the time: Author and national affairs correspondent for The Nation
Condemned
Responding to
Was John Fetterman's GOP-convention appearance bipartisanship or political betrayal?
"I think Democrats have to make sure they win a 52nd vote, given his odd behavior of late."
Why we used this label
Her recommendation that Democrats secure an additional vote is explicit criticism of Fetterman's conduct and reliability, not an institutional position of the publication.
Role at the time: U.S. representative, speaking on his personal/campaign X account
Condemned
Responding to
Trump’s $5,000 election pledge: policy dividend or vote-buying?
"Actually, only Congress can make that promise since it must appropriate those funds."
Why we used this label
Goldman directly objects to the promise on spending-authority and corruption grounds. His legal conclusions are attributed opinions, not a court finding.
Role at the time: Political journalist, speaking on his personal X account
Condemned
Responding to
Trump promised a $5,000 payment to each adult American citizen if Republicans retained both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterms.
"trump openly bribing people to vote for republicans."
Why we used this label
Expressly criticizes the pledge and labels it bribery; the record attributes that characterization rather than concluding that an election law was violated.
Chip Roy is a Republican U.S. representative for Texas's 21st Congressional District, which includes parts of the Austin and San Antonio areas and the Texas Hill Country. A lawyer and former federal prosecutor, he previously served as first assistant attorney general of Texas and chief of staff to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
Marc Short is chairman of Advancing American Freedom and a founding partner of Advance Strategies. He previously served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and White House director of legislative affairs under President Donald Trump.
Joan Walsh is a journalist, author, and national affairs correspondent for The Nation. Her work covers American politics and public affairs; she also writes books and produces documentary work.
Daniel Goldman is a Democratic U.S. representative for New York's 10th Congressional District. A former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, he has also worked as a legal analyst and congressional investigator.
John Kobylt is a Los Angeles talk-radio host of The John Kobylt Show on KFI AM 640. Previously a co-host of The John and Ken Show, he discusses local politics, public policy, and current events.
Gloria Allred is a civil-rights attorney and founding partner of Allred, Maroko & Goldberg. Her work includes employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and representation of sexual-assault victims.
Erica York is a senior economist at the Tax Foundation, where she researches federal tax policy. She has also taught at Sterling College and holds a master's degree in economics from Wichita State University.
Matthew Boyle is Washington bureau chief for Breitbart News, where he covers U.S. politics and conducts interviews with public officials. He joined Breitbart in 2012 after reporting for The Daily Caller.
Jake Shields is an American former mixed martial arts fighter who competed in the UFC. He hosts Fight Back with Jake Shields, an interview podcast covering combat sports, politics, and current affairs.
Reem Ibrahim is a writer, broadcaster, and research fellow in policy and media at Reason, covering regulation, trade, and economic freedom. She previously worked at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London and is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Evan Kilgore is an American conservative commentator and social media personality. His commentary addresses United States politics, religion, and national identity, and he describes himself publicly as an American exceptionalist.
