September 8, 2026

Politics

Axios - House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) faces mounting behind-the-scenes frustration from progressive lawmakers and candidates that's likely to burst into public view after the midterm elections, Axios' Andrew Solender writes.

An influx of Democratic Socialists of America-aligned members in January will compound latent distrust of Jeffries that's festering in some corners of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Jeffries has made several recent moves that left Progressive Caucus members fuming, according to multiple lawmakers, candidates and aides.

Medicare for All: Jeffries said on NBC's "Meet the Press" last month that Medicare for All is "not legislation ... that I support." He said in a later radio interview that he supports universal coverage, but there are "different paths" to get there.

Kushner meeting: Jeffries' sit-down with President Trump's son-in-law rankled progressive groups. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told reporters: "I don't know what that was about."

NPR - Republicans will hold an unconventional midterm convention this week in Dallas. These types of events are typically reserved for presidential election years. Although midterm conventions are uncommon, one fact stands out: President Trump will be the show's main attraction as Republicans grapple with whether to participate. With polls indicating that Democrats are more energized for the midterms, the president is urging his party's voters to act as if he is on the ballot to get them to cast their votes.


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