Democrats’ Spending Fight Carries High Stakes for Their Candidates

Failure of moderates and progressives to reach a deal would fuel Republican attacks on their competence — with consequences as soon as November in Virginia, and in the midterms next year.

Herschel Walker files paperwork to enter next year’s Senate race in Georgia.

Mr. Walker, a former football player who became a high-profile ally of former President Donald J. Trump, is set to vie for the seat held by Senator Raphael Warnock, a Democrat.

As Biden Faces a Political Crisis, His Party Looks On in Alarm

Democrats fear that if the pandemic or the situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, their party may lose the confidence of the moderate swing voters who lifted it to victory in 2020.

J.D. Vance Converted to Trumpism. Will Ohio Republicans Buy It?

As the “Hillbilly Elegy” author runs for Senate in Ohio, he has walked back previous criticism of Donald Trump and reversed arguments that the white working class bears responsibility for its problems.

Conor Lamb Gets In, and a Crucial Senate Fight Takes Shape in Pennsylvania

Democrats sense their best chance to expand their slim hold on the Senate. Republican contenders are outdoing one another courting the “Super-MAGA-Trumpy” right wing.

In New Hampshire, a Low-Key Democrat May Face a High-Profile Fight

Senator Maggie Hassan, a former governor of her state, is working to burnish her centrist image without making political waves.

Can the Senate Be Saved? Ben Nelson, the Manchin of Yesteryear, Has Doubts

A former Democratic centrist senator says too many lawmakers come to Washington to obstruct rather than be constructive.

J.D. Vance, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Author, Is Running for Senate in Ohio

The author and venture capitalist will vie for the Republican nomination in one of the most wide-open 2022 Senate races.

Mike Gravel, Unconventional Two-Term Alaska Senator, Dies at 91

He made headlines by fighting for an oil pipeline and reading the Pentagon Papers aloud. After 25 years of obscurity, he re-emerged with a quixotic presidential campaign.

‘I’m Getting Ready’: Football Star’s Cryptic Video Could Upend Georgia Senate Race

If the Georgia college football legend Herschel Walker declares his candidacy it could put former President Donald J. Trump’s power as a kingmaker to the test.

St. Louis Couple Who Aimed Guns at Protesters Plead Guilty to Misdemeanors

Mark McCloskey and Patricia McCloskey of Missouri will pay a total of nearly $3,000 in fines and give up the weapons used in the confrontation.

Democratic Report Raises 2022 Alarms on Messaging and Voter Outreach

A new report, in perhaps the most thorough soul-searching done by either party this year, points to an urgent need for the party to present a positive economic agenda and rebut Republican misinformation.

Harris Asked to Lead on Voting Rights. She Has Her Work Cut Out for Her.

Her new role comes as the Senate enters a crucial month in the Democratic drive to enact the most extensive elections overhaul in a generation.

Harris Asked to Lead on Voting Rights. She Has Her Work Cut Out for Her.

Her new role comes as the Senate enters a crucial month in the Democratic drive to enact the most extensive elections overhaul in a generation.

Joe Manchin’s Motivations

Exploring the thinking of the one senator whose personal views could make or break the Biden legislative agenda.

John Warner, Genteel Senator From Virginia, Dies at 94

In his 30 years in the Senate, the former Navy secretary was a leading Republican voice on military policy. He was once married to Elizabeth Taylor.

John Warner, Genteel Senator From Virginia, Dies at 94

In his 30 years in the Senate, the former Navy secretary was a leading Republican voice on military policy. He was once married to Elizabeth Taylor.