AP

The nation’s major political parties are at a crossroads. President Donald Trump is facing the prospect of a voter rebellion Tuesday that could force Republican officials to rethink their allegiance to the 80-year-old lame-duck leader and his “Make America Great Again” movement. Already, some Republican candidates have begun to distance themselves from him. Democrats are speeding toward a tug-of-war between establishment leaders eyeing control of Congress and emboldened progressives demanding nothing less than transformative change. Win or lose Tuesday, the end of the 2026 midterms marks the beginning of a high-stakes fight over the direction of the Republican and Democratic parties as the Trump era nears its end.

AP
  • Updated

President Donald Trump walks from the state after speaking at a campaign rally at the Port of Corpus Christi, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
  • Updated

Michigan Democrats gather during a campaign rally at Cass Technical High School Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Detroit.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)