The Cook Political Report

Established in 1984, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter is a neutral, independent newsletter that offers in-depth analysis of elections and campaigns related to the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors, and the Presidency, along with insights into American political trends. Its readership includes a diverse array of subscribers such as lobbyists, trade organizations, businesses, labor unions, Members of Congress, political action committees, and various interest groups from across the political landscape. These subscribers depend on The Cook Political Report for unbiased information and analysis regarding the candidates in various races, key dynamics at play, current frontrunners, and critical factors to watch as the campaigns unfold.

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South Dakota Governor: Rhoden or Not, Here They Come

5 days ago | cookpolitical.com | Matthew Klein

It’s been nearly five months since Larry Rhoden ascended to South Dakota’s governorship, but the Republican’s political rivals have little interest in treating him like an incumbent. Though Rhoden has yet to decide whether he’ll seek a full term, opponents aren’t waiting for him to make up his mind. Two prominent populists, businessman Toby Doeden and state House Speaker Jon Hansen, have already launched bids to challenge the governor in the GOP primary. And with U.S. Rep.
Echoes of 2018? What Trump's First Midterm Tells Us About 2026

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | David Wasserman

History rarely repeats, but it often rhymes. Today, the political environment — defined by an angry Democratic base and unease among independents — feels like a throwback to eight years ago after President Donald Trump was elected the first time. While Democrats appear well-positioned to gain back House control like they did in 2018, the way they got here has been quite different.
Curtain Raises Over a Dramatic Democratic New York Governor Primary

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Matthew Klein

Et tu, Antonio? Operatives in both parties have anticipated a rocky road to reelection for Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ever since her underwhelming six-point victory in 2022. But efforts to dethrone her are unfolding in an almost Shakespearean fashion: On June 2, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado — whom Hochul hand-picked to be her second-in-command just three years ago — announced that he would challenge his own boss for the state’s Democratic nomination.
Curtain Rises Over a Dramatic New York Governor Primary

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Matthew Klein

Et tu, Antonio? Operatives in both parties have anticipated a rocky road to reelection for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ever since her underwhelming six-point victory in 2022. But efforts to dethrone her are unfolding in an almost Shakespearean fashion: On June 2, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado — whom Hochul hand-picked to be her second-in-command just three years ago — announced that he would challenge his own boss for the state’s Democratic nomination.
Sherrill and Ciattarelli Advance in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Matthew Klein

What began as a raucous pair of primaries concluded quietly on Tuesday, with Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli easily advancing to the general election in New Jersey’s open gubernatorial contest. Sherrill, 53, secured widespread support from county party operatives in North Jersey and ran on her background as a former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term congresswoman.
In 2028, Don’t Bet Against the Vice Presidents

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Charlie Cook

To the extent that Democrats have the emotional energy for anything other than opposing President Trump, you can pick up a sudden interest, even anxiety, about who will be their party’s presidential nominee in 2028. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, politics does, too. But it will be at least a year and a half before someone can emerge above the rest. There is no question that the next presidential election will feature generational change.
Five Things To Watch In The Battle For The Senate

1 week ago | cookpolitical.com | Jessica Taylor

We’re almost halfway through 2025, and the Senate landscape is beginning to come into focus. But there are plenty of outstanding questions for both parties as the off-year rolls on. Both sides are focused on recruitment, and many candidates could announce after the next fundraising quarter wraps at the end of the month. Both parties still need top-tier recruits in some of the key races. But there are also already consequential primaries that are becoming crowded.
How Voters Get Information About Politics Matters as Much as What They Know

2 weeks ago | cookpolitical.com | Amy Walter

As legacy media’s influence continues to wane and the information space gets more diffused, it’s becoming harder to gauge the impact of news events on an upcoming election or political figure. If a tree falls in the New York Times, will it make a sound on TikTok or Facebook or YouTube? If we’ve learned anything from these past few years, it’s that we can’t fully understand the behavior of the electorate without a fulsome understanding of how people find, consume and process news and information.
Ernst’s Woes Nudge Iowa Senate from Solid to Likely Republican

2 weeks ago | cookpolitical.com | Jessica Taylor

To have a feasible shot at winning back the Senate majority, Democrats must put red states in play. Democrats had already been eyeing Iowa as one of those potential pickup opportunities, believing that the state will be especially sensitive to tariff fights and trade wars, and banking on Iowa’s history of Democratic overperformance in midterm years with Donald Trump in the White House. Now, Iowa Sen.
2026 Maryland House Analysis: Hoyer in the Hot Seat

2 weeks ago | cookpolitical.com | Matthew Klein

Maryland’s House delegation is remarkably adept at keeping challengers at bay. No incumbent has lost a primary since 2008, and the state’s 7-1 edge for Democrats hasn’t budged since the party reshaped and plucked the 6th District from Republicans in 2012. Open seats are another story. Last cycle, the state’s long-stagnant political waters were roiled by a sudden flood of retirements.