Independent Political Research
Know who's
on your ballot.
Candidate profiles built on public record. No spin, no agenda — just the story behind the name.
Browse by State
Michael Whatley
US Senate
The former RNC chair who helped deliver the 2024 election for Trump is now running for Senate in North Carolina — a first-time candidate with a party establishment and presidential endorsement backing him.
North Carolina Senate — Open Seat
US Senate
Thom Tillis's retirement opens the door for Democrats in a state Trump won by a single digit — the most flippable Republican seat on the map.
Roy Cooper
US Senate
Roy Cooper won six statewide elections in a Republican-leaning state — now he's running for Senate as the Democrat most likely to make the math work in North Carolina.
Apr 1, 2026
One Year After Liberation Day, the Tariff Clock Is Still Ticking — Right Into Midterm Season
The Supreme Court struck down Trump's IEEPA tariffs in February. His replacement — a 10% global levy under Section 122 of the Trade Act — expires July 24. That deadline is now a midterm election variable.
Continue reading →Mar 30, 2026
The Iran War Splits Michigan's Democratic Primary Wide Open
El-Sayed's Hasan Piker rallies drew national backlash and a direct rebuke from McMorrow — now the same conflict Sen. Slotkin says is costing Michigan drivers 60 cents a gallon is becoming the race's live wire.
Mar 29, 2026
The NY-17 Primary Is Already a Mess, and Republicans Are Watching
A Democratic candidate's lewd Facebook posts, a new challenger leading in polling, and a fractured primary field — all while Mike Lawler keeps quiet and banks cash.
Mar 28, 2026
Six-Hour Lines at the World's Busiest Airport — and Three Georgia Republicans Have an Answer: Blame Ossoff
With TSA agents going six weeks without pay and Hartsfield-Jackson near gridlock, Georgia's Republican Senate hopefuls found a political opportunity. The problem: their own party is blocking the fix.
Stay Informed
The Downballot Weekly
Race updates, candidate analysis, and what actually matters in 2026 — delivered every week.