Senate Democrats

Senate Democrats have moved to force a vote on Israel's human rights practices in the West Bank, an unusual procedural step that puts the chamber on record over the treatment of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The move highlights growing divisions within the party over US military aid and policy toward Israel, particularly amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director who ran for Michigan governor in 2018, is running for the US Senate seat being vacated by Gary Peters. The progressive Democrat enters a contested primary, with supporters highlighting his public health background and 2018 campaign, while Democrats view the race as critical to keeping the seat in 2026.

Democrats are now favored to take control of the US Senate, according to a report in The Atlantic. The prospect was considered far-fetched as recently as a year ago, marking a significant shift in expectations for the midterm elections and raising the stakes for control of Congress.

The US Senate has blocked a resolution demanding accountability over Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The measure, pushed by Democratic lawmakers, would have required scrutiny of abuses in the occupied territory. Its failure underscores continued congressional division over US policy toward Israel, with Republicans opposing accountability measures and the outcome drawing criticism from human rights advocates.

A US senator has blocked legislation that would bar President Trump from demolishing or substantially altering the Kennedy Center in Washington without congressional approval. Trump has chaired the institution's board since 2025 and floated renovation plans, prompting alarm from Democrats and arts figures. The bill's supporters say the landmark cultural venue should not be reshaped unilaterally; opponents called the measure unnecessary, and its passage is now stalled.

During a Senate hearing, Democrats pressed Senator Eric Schmitt until he allowed special counsel Jack Smith's evidence to be displayed, including a poster showing text messages at issue. One message showed a fellow prosecutor asking about a seat reserved for Smith; a Republican poster depicted the Atlanta Hawks' arena. The exchange drew attention amid ongoing disputes over the prosecution of Donald Trump.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is again moving to take action against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly over comments Kelly made to the military. Kelly, a retired Navy pilot and current Arizona senator, has faced repeated threats of discipline from Hegseth, who accuses him of improperly encouraging service members to challenge orders. The move has intensified a partisan fight over military loyalty and civilian oversight, with Democrats denouncing it as political retaliation against a veteran lawmaker.

A Democratic Senate candidate is reaching out to supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, an unusual bid to win over voters who might otherwise back Republicans. The move highlights how health-focused populist politics is cutting across party lines in this year's Senate races.

Paramount is in the news on two fronts. Reports describe the company entering a new era under the Ellison family's control, while Paramount and a group of Democratic state attorneys general have criticised Senator Cory Booker over comments he made about the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit involving the company. The simultaneous ownership transition and legal-political fight are drawing attention to Paramount's future direction.

A group of Democratic senators, including Nevada's Catherine Cortez Masto, is accusing Homeland Security Secretary Mullin of election interference. The accusation comes amid ongoing disputes over the department's role in election-related matters, though few details beyond the claim itself have been reported so far.

Gasoline prices hitting around $10 a gallon are reshaping Alaska politics, with voters in the traditionally Republican state giving new attention to a Democratic senator. Rising fuel costs, which hit especially hard in remote Alaska communities, are driving a broader conversation about energy policy, the cost of living, and who voters blame ahead of upcoming elections.

James Talarico, a Texas Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, delivered remarks at an event hosted by the Hispanic Business Council. The appearance is part of his campaign outreach as he seeks the Democratic nomination, with a focus on economic issues affecting Hispanic-owned businesses and the broader Texas electorate.