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EXPLORE · WEEK OF AUG 17 – 23, 2026UPDATED OCT 1, 11:29 AM ET

The week in Congress news.

The week’s biggest stories about members of Congress and 2026 candidates: who covered them, how each side told them, and what each side is seeing less of.

‹ AUG 10–16THIS WEEK
QUIET WEEK · THE HOUSE AND SENATE WERE IN RECESS
TOP STORY · 1 SENATOR · 1 REP. · AUG 18–24

Graham and Norman Debate in South Carolina Senate Runoff

Darline Graham and Ralph Norman debated ahead of South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, with Graham struggling to answer a national-security question and Norman responding. Coverage differs on whether the exchange tests Graham’s readiness, spotlights Norman as a contrast, or sits within the broader debate.

Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SCRalph NormanREP. · R-SC-5
OUTLETS62
ARTICLES70
LEFT7
CENTER35
RIGHT11
UNRATED9
PHOTO · ASSOCIATED PRESSNational security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debate
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 9 OUTLETS, E.G. THENATIONALDESK
LEFT-LEANING7 OUTLETSScrutiny of Graham’s qualificationsLeft-leaning outlets focus on Graham’s national-security answer and criticism of her qualifications, with some also examining Trump’s defense.
“Lindsey Graham's Sister Booed by Crowd in Embarrassing Debate Flop”THE DAILY BEAST · CRED 70 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER35 OUTLETSA wider debate beyond one answerCenter outlets center Graham’s difficulty answering the Taiwan question while also reporting Norman’s response and the candidates’ wider debate exchanges.
“National security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debate”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING11 OUTLETSNorman as the experienced alternativeRight-leaning outlets contrast Graham’s answer with Norman’s fuller response and, in some accounts, his experience.
“SC Senate candidate Darline Graham slammed over Taiwan debate gaffe”FOX NEWS · CRED 71 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
A wider debate beyond one answerCenter outlets center Graham’s difficulty answering the Taiwan question while also reporting Norman’s response and the candidates’ wider debate exchanges.
“National security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debate”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 9 OUTLETS, E.G. THENATIONALDESK
Open the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

98 of 176 stories reached 3+ outlets
98 of 176 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Graham and Norman Debate in South Carolina Senate RunoffDarline Graham and Ralph Norman debated ahead of South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, with Graham struggling to answer a national-security question and Norman responding. Coverage differs on whether the exchange tests Graham’s readiness, spotlights Norman as a contrast, or sits within the broader debate.Darline GrahamR-SCRalph NormanR-SC-562 OUTLETS · 70 ARTICLES · AUG 18–24
WHO COVERED IT62 OUTLETS62 OUTLETS · 70 ARTICLESAUG 18–247 left-leaning · 35 center · 11 right-leaning · 9 unrated.Mostly center outlets
2
Aisha Wahab Wins California House Special ElectionWahab won the special election for Eric Swalwell’s House seat, defeating Melissa Hernandez. Left-leaning outlets emphasize spending against Wahab, center outlets the result and rematch, and right-leaning outlets a progressive-establishment contest.Aisha WahabD-CA-14Melissa HernandezD-CA35 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLES · AUG 19–24LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 48H LATER
WHO COVERED IT35 OUTLETS35 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLESAUG 19–243 left-leaning · 17 center · 3 right-leaning · 12 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & CENTER 48H LATER
3
Byron Donalds Wins Florida Republican Gubernatorial NominationDonalds won Florida’s Republican gubernatorial nomination and is set to face David Jolly. Coverage diverges over whether his primary showing signals a Republican problem, how competitive November may be, and Jolly’s party switch.Byron DonaldsR-FL-1935 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLES · AUG 17–19
WHO COVERED IT35 OUTLETS35 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLESAUG 17–190 left-leaning · 28 center · 1 right-leaning · 6 unrated.No left-leaning outlets
4
Attorneys Say Woman Told Ethics Committee Jimmy Gomez Sexually Assaulted HerAttorneys for a woman say she told the House Ethics Committee Jimmy Gomez sexually assaulted her, and the committee is investigating. Coverage differs over the weight of uncertainty and the story’s political implications.Jimmy GomezD-CA-3432 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLES · AUG 17–20LEFT-LEANING 29H LATER
WHO COVERED IT32 OUTLETS32 OUTLETS · 37 ARTICLESAUG 17–201 left-leaning · 21 center · 7 right-leaning · 3 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 29H LATER
5
Angie Nixon Wins Florida Democratic Senate PrimaryAngie Nixon defeated Alexander Vindman in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Ashley Moody. Coverage diverges over whether Nixon’s win marks progressive momentum or creates a difficult general-election prospect for Democrats.Angela NixonD-FLDebbie Wasserman SchultzD-FL-2530 OUTLETS · 33 ARTICLES · AUG 18–21LEFT-LEANING 24H LATER
WHO COVERED IT30 OUTLETS30 OUTLETS · 33 ARTICLESAUG 18–212 left-leaning · 14 center · 8 right-leaning · 6 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 24H LATER
6
Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Alaska Senate PrimaryDan Sullivan and Mary Peltola advanced from Alaska’s primary to the Senate general election. Most coverage presents a two-candidate contest, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds claims that a same-name candidate could confuse voters and draw support from Sullivan.Mary PeltolaD-AKDan SullivanR-AK28 OUTLETS · 29 ARTICLES · AUG 17–19LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 48H LATER
WHO COVERED IT28 OUTLETS28 OUTLETS · 29 ARTICLESAUG 17–191 left-leaning · 25 center · 1 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 48H LATER
7
Trump Backs Darline Graham Ahead of South Carolina RunoffDonald Trump rallied for Darline Graham before her Republican Senate runoff against Ralph Norman, defending her debate answer and urging voters to support her. Coverage ranges from accounts of the campaign event to questions about Trump's influence and Graham's qualifications.Darline GrahamR-SCRalph NormanR-SC-526 OUTLETS · 32 ARTICLES · AUG 18–24LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 6D LATER
WHO COVERED IT26 OUTLETS26 OUTLETS · 32 ARTICLESAUG 18–241 left-leaning · 16 center · 4 right-leaning · 5 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 6D LATER
8
Sullivan and Peltola Advance from Alaska Senate PrimaryDan Sullivan and Mary Peltola advanced from Alaska’s Senate primary to the November election, with preliminary results putting Peltola ahead. Coverage differs on whether to center the primary standings, the race’s national stakes, or calls for Republican turnout.Dan SullivanR-AKMary PeltolaD-AK26 OUTLETS · 29 ARTICLES · AUG 18–21LEFT-LEANING 18H LATER
WHO COVERED IT26 OUTLETS26 OUTLETS · 29 ARTICLESAUG 18–211 left-leaning · 22 center · 2 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 18H LATER
9
Ryan Elijah Wins Florida Republican Primary Over Cory MillsRyan Elijah defeated incumbent Cory Mills for Florida’s Republican nomination; Donald Trump said he had urged Mills to leave the race and endorsed Elijah. Coverage pairs the result with scrutiny of Mills, while the left-side account foregrounds dating-violence allegations.Cory MillsR-FL-7Ryan ElijahR-FL+1 MORE23 OUTLETS · 28 ARTICLES · AUG 18–21LEFT-LEANING 16H LATER
WHO COVERED IT23 OUTLETS23 OUTLETS · 28 ARTICLESAUG 18–211 left-leaning · 10 center · 8 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT 16H LATER
10
Angie Nixon Defeats Alexander Vindman in Florida Democratic Senate PrimaryAngie Nixon defeated Alex Vindman in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Ashley Moody. Coverage diverges over whether the win signals progressive momentum or gives Republicans an advantage.Angela NixonD-FLByron DonaldsR-FL-1923 OUTLETS · 25 ARTICLES · AUG 18–20LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 36H LATER
WHO COVERED IT23 OUTLETS23 OUTLETS · 25 ARTICLESAUG 18–203 left-leaning · 10 center · 6 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 36H LATER
Showing 10 of 98
BLIND SPOTS · LAST 30 DAYSTOO FEW THIS WEEK · LAST 30 DAYS

What each side is seeing less of

Stories that outlets on one side covered and the other side mostly didn’t. The rule is strict, so most weeks only a handful qualify.

TOO FEW THIS WEEK · LAST 30 DAYS
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →
LEFT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF24 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–12South Carolina Senate Primary Sends Graham and Norman to RunoffDarline GrahamSENATOR · R-SCRalph NormanREP. · R-SC-535 outlets: 18 center, 9 right-leaning, 8 unrated. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–1235 OUTLETS · 33% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–10Abdul El-Sayed Responds to Hasan Piker’s 9/11 RemarkAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI15 outlets: 4 center, 9 right-leaning, 2 unrated. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–1015 OUTLETS · 69% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–6Donavan McKinney Defeats Shri Thanedar in Michigan PrimaryDonavan McKinneyHOUSE CANDIDATE · D-MIShri ThanedarREP. · D-MI-1315 outlets: 6 center, 9 right-leaning. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 4–615 OUTLETS · 60% RIGHT
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–7Jasmine Crockett Questions James Talarico’s Texas Senate ChancesJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TXJasmine CrockettREP. · D-TX-309 outlets: 1 center, 8 right-leaning. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 5–79 OUTLETS · 89% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 7–9Talarico Campaign Confirms Relationship Began During Staffer's EmploymentJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX6 outlets: 5 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 7–96 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF7 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTAUG 3–4Stephanie Grisham Seeks Restraining Order Against Max MillerMax L. MillerREP. · R-OH-710 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 1 unrated.
BLIND SPOTAUG 3–410 OUTLETS · 56% LEFT
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–11Trump Team Urges Ohio Republicans to Stop Pressuring Max MillerMax L. MillerREP. · R-OH-79 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 2 center, 1 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–119 OUTLETS · 57% LEFT
BLIND SPOTJUL 31 – AUG 5Emily Moreno Accuses Max Miller of AbuseBernie MorenoSENATOR · R-OH9 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTJUL 31 – AUG 59 OUTLETS · 56% LEFT
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–11Lauren Boebert’s Son Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesLauren BoebertREP. · R-CO-47 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 3 center. No right-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 10–117 OUTLETS · 57% LEFT
BLIND SPOTJUL 31 – AUG 6McConnell’s Absence Draws Attention to Kentucky Vacancy DeadlineMitch McConnellSENATOR · R-KY7 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 1 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTJUL 31 – AUG 67 OUTLETS · 71% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1▲1Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SC90OUTLETSTone of 159 articles: 1 good look · 38 mixed · 18 neutral · 102 bad look.15 STORIESDarline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff
2▲25Byron DonaldsREP. · R-FL-1970OUTLETSTone of 100 articles: 2 good look · 26 mixed · 66 neutral · 6 bad look.11 STORIESByron Donalds Wins Florida Republican Gubernatorial Nomination
3▲92Angela NixonSENATE CANDIDATE · D-FL68OUTLETSTone of 112 articles: 9 good look · 32 mixed · 46 neutral · 25 bad look.14 STORIESAngie Nixon Wins Florida Democratic Senate Primary
4▲40Dan SullivanSENATOR · R-AK51OUTLETSTone of 90 articles: 2 good look · 49 mixed · 34 neutral · 5 bad look.9 STORIESMary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Alaska Senate Primary
5▲13Mary PeltolaSENATE CANDIDATE · D-AK47OUTLETSTone of 71 articles: 2 good look · 32 mixed · 34 neutral · 3 bad look.9 STORIESMary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Alaska Senate Primary
BILLS AND VOTES IN THIS WEEK’S COVERAGE

On the floor and in the news

BILLS IN THE NEWSOUTLETSPEOPLE
H.R. 1One Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWOne Big Beautiful Bill ActBECAME LAWJUL 4, 202521 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2321
H.R. 22SAVE ActPASSED HOUSESAVE ActPASSED HOUSE9 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE209
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH11 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1511
H.R. 3069Medicare for All ActIN COMMITTEEMedicare for All ActIN COMMITTEE1 PERSON IN COVERAGE51
S. 128SAVE ActIN COMMITTEESAVE ActIN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE52
H.R. 7296SAVE America ActIN COMMITTEESAVE America ActIN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE32
S. 5Laken Riley ActBECAME LAWLaken Riley ActBECAME LAWJAN 29, 20252 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE32
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS

No roll-call vote was in this week’s coverage from 2 or more outlets.

BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 72 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
SOUTH CAROLINA · SENATE159 ART.
Darline GrahamRINCAnnie AndrewsD
90OUTLETS THIS WEEKDarline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff
FLORIDA · SENATE (SPECIAL)114 ART.
Ashley MoodyRINCAngela NixonD
68OUTLETS THIS WEEKAngie Nixon Wins Florida Democratic Senate Primary
ALASKA · SENATE102 ART.
Dan SullivanRINCMary PeltolaD
54OUTLETS THIS WEEKMary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Alaska Senate Primary
GEORGIA · SENATE109 ART.
Jon OssoffDINCMike CollinsR
41OUTLETS THIS WEEKOssoff's Remarks About Trump and Natalie Harp Draw Responses
CALIFORNIA · HOUSE 1447 ART.
Aisha WahabDINCMelissa HernandezD
41OUTLETS THIS WEEKAisha Wahab Wins California House Special Election
MICHIGAN · SENATE107 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
39OUTLETS THIS WEEKReport Says Abdul El-Sayed's Birth Mother Worked for IARA
21 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Economy61Change since last week: ▲28Byron Donalds Wins Florida Republican Gubernatorial NominationEthics/Corruption53Change since last week: ▲7Aisha Wahab Wins California House Special ElectionHealthcare40Change since last week: ▼3Angie Nixon Addresses DSA Membership in Florida Senate RaceVoting Rights39Change since last week: ▲13Angie Nixon Wins Florida Democratic Senate PrimaryForeign Policy34Change since last week: ▲13Graham and Norman Debate in South Carolina Senate RunoffImmigration22Change since last week: ▼5Nancy Mace Reveals Tattoos While Promoting YouTube ShowTaxes21Change since last week: ▲8Mark Cuban Criticizes Ro Khanna’s Wealth Tax ProposalCriminal Justice16Change since last week: ▼5James Talarico Comments on Jury in Karmelo Anthony TrialBudget/Spending13Change since last week: ▲8Mark Sanford Endorses Ralph Norman in South Carolina Senate RunoffDefense/Military10Change since last week: ▲5Ossoff’s Atlanta Rally Remarks About Trump and Natalie HarpAbortion/Reproductive Rights7Change since last week: ▲2Jacob Smith Joins James Talarico’s Campaign StaffEnvironment/Climate7Change since last week: ▼2Ken Paxton Criticizes Big Bend Border Construction PlansHousing6Change since last week: ▲1Debbie Wasserman Schultz Wins Democratic Primary in Florida's 20th DistrictAgriculture5Change since last week: —Jill Tokuda Calls for More Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure in HawaiiEducation5Change since last week: ▼6Sarah Trone Garriott Releases Campaign Ad on Locker Room StanceGun Policy5Change since last week: ▲2Trump Holds Myrtle Beach Rally for Darline GrahamTechnology/Privacy5Change since last week: ▼2GOP Memo Identifies Data Center Opposition as Ohio Senate Race IssueLabor/Unions3Change since last week: ▼1Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Primary Over Haley StevensInfrastructure2Change since last week: ▼1Speaker Mike Johnson Campaigns with Ryan Mackenzie in PennsylvaniaSocial Security/Medicare1Change since last week: ▼1Graham and Norman Advance to South Carolina Senate RunoffVeterans Affairs0Change since last week: ▼1
SOURCES

Know who’s telling you the news

Every outlet covering Congress by lean and credibility, who owns it, who reposts whom and what the other side is reading.

Open the source atlas →
MOST ACTIVE OUTLETS THIS WEEKMOST ACTIVE THIS WEEKLEANCREDARTICLESCRED · ARTICLES
Fox Newsfoxnews.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 71Articles this week 79townhall.comtownhall.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 44Articles this week 69New York Postnypost.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 66Articles this week 47redstate.comredstate.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 43Articles this week 44Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 43Breitbartbreitbart.comRIGHTRIGHTCredibility 41Articles this week 42
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