A recent study from the Medill Journalism School found that Donald Trump won 91% of counties lacking local news sources, known as “news deserts,” over Kamala Harris in the 2020 election. These counties are mainly rural areas with less educated, poorer populations who consume national news from partisan sources like Fox News or MSNBC. Without local news to provide context, voters may make decisions based on broad ideological narratives rather than policy impacts on their communities.
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming has announced his primary campaign against Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump after the Jan. 6 riot. Fleming is hoping to return to Congress after previously losing a Senate bid in 2016. Several other Republicans are also considering challenging Cassidy in the 2026 primary.
In Minnesota, Republican Rep. Pete Stauber is eyeing a bid for governor, while in Tennessee, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is preparing to run for governor. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace in South Carolina is considering a bid for governor or Senate in 2026, while in California, outgoing Rep. Katie Porter is weighing a likely bid for governor.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced his independent bid for governor of Michigan, potentially shaking up the race. Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler has been named to lead the Small Business Administration by Donald Trump and is considering a run for governor of Georgia or a bid against Sen. Jon Ossoff. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has left open the possibility of switching to the Republican Party.
Overall, while Republicans won in 2024, there is no real evidence of a realignment, and the Democratic comeback may begin with flipping the House in 2026 according to political analysts. There is a need for parties to evolve their coalitions and listen to voters with differing world views to secure sustainable electoral majorities in the future.
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