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EXPLORE · WEEK OF AUG 24 – 30, 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 17–23THIS WEEK
QUIET WEEK · THE HOUSE AND SENATE WERE IN RECESS
TOP STORY · 1 SENATOR · 1 REP. · AUG 23 – SEP 1

Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff

Darline Graham defeated Ralph Norman in South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, with Donald Trump endorsing and campaigning for Graham. Coverage differs on whether the result chiefly shows Trump’s influence or centers on Graham’s campaign and debate performance.

Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SCRalph NormanREP. · R-SC-5
OUTLETS65
ARTICLES94
LEFT6
CENTER30
RIGHT11
UNRATED18
PHOTO · ASSOCIATED PRESSDarline Graham wins South Carolina GOP nomination to replace her late brother in US Senate
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 18 OUTLETS, E.G. ABC COLUMBIA
LEFT-LEANING6 OUTLETSTrump’s influence and Graham’s weaknessesThe Daily Beast pairs Trump’s unusually extensive campaign effort with scrutiny of Graham’s campaign stumbles.
“Darline Graham, with Donald Trump's support, wins South Carolina primary.”SLATE · CRED 73 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER30 OUTLETSBoth campaigns in the foregroundCenter outlets pair the result with both candidates’ campaign arguments and Trump’s endorsement, while some reports also note outside spending.
“MAGA Inc. spends $827,000 to back Darline Graham on final day of South Carolina GOP Senate runoff”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING11 OUTLETSTrump’s influence on displayHotAir presents Graham’s win as evidence of Trump’s influence, while other right-leaning outlets report the result alongside candidate and campaign context.
“Darline Graham faces make-or-break GOP runoff in historic bid to keep brother's Senate seat”FOX NEWS · CRED 71 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
Both campaigns in the foregroundCenter outlets pair the result with both candidates’ campaign arguments and Trump’s endorsement, while some reports also note outside spending.
“MAGA Inc. spends $827,000 to back Darline Graham on final day of South Carolina GOP Senate runoff”ASSOCIATED PRESS · CRED 97 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 18 OUTLETS, E.G. ABC COLUMBIA
CENTER AND RIGHT-LEANING OUTLETS ARRIVED 42H LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

77 of 139 stories reached 3+ outlets
77 of 139 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate RunoffDarline Graham defeated Ralph Norman in South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, with Donald Trump endorsing and campaigning for Graham. Coverage differs on whether the result chiefly shows Trump’s influence or centers on Graham’s campaign and debate performance.Darline GrahamR-SCRalph NormanR-SC-565 OUTLETS · 94 ARTICLES · AUG 23 – SEP 1CENTER AND RIGHT-LEANING 42H LATER
WHO COVERED IT65 OUTLETS65 OUTLETS · 94 ARTICLESAUG 23 – SEP 16 left-leaning · 30 center · 11 right-leaning · 18 unrated.Mostly center outletsCENTER & RIGHT 42H LATER
2
Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner Meet PrivatelyHakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner to discuss possible policy cooperation. Coverage differs on whether the meeting signals cross-party collaboration or warrants criticism of Jeffries.Hakeem S. JeffriesD-NY-8Mike JohnsonR-LA-438 OUTLETS · 51 ARTICLES · AUG 23–26RIGHT-LEANING 21H LATER
WHO COVERED IT38 OUTLETS38 OUTLETS · 51 ARTICLESAUG 23–267 left-leaning · 19 center · 4 right-leaning · 8 unrated.Mostly center outletsRIGHT 21H LATER
3
Same-Name Challenger Advances in Dan Sullivan’s Alaska Senate RaceDan J. Sullivan advanced to Alaska’s general-election Senate race alongside incumbent Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola. Coverage diverges over allegations of voter confusion and deliberate intent versus a more procedural account of ballot access.Dan SullivanR-AK24 OUTLETS · 27 ARTICLES · AUG 24–28
WHO COVERED IT24 OUTLETS24 OUTLETS · 27 ARTICLESAUG 24–282 left-leaning · 12 center · 6 right-leaning · 4 unrated.Mostly center outlets
4
Abdul El-Sayed Praises Community in Egypt While Criticizing American IsolationEl-Sayed praised community he experienced in Egypt while criticizing American isolation. Coverage of his Fox interview splits over whether he focused on voters’ concerns or gave answers that could hurt his campaign.Abdul El-SayedD-MI16 OUTLETS · 17 ARTICLES · AUG 25–27
WHO COVERED IT16 OUTLETS16 OUTLETS · 17 ARTICLESAUG 25–273 left-leaning · 3 center · 8 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly right-leaning outlets
5
Dan J. Sullivan Advances to Alaska Senate General-Election BallotRetired teacher Dan J. Sullivan advanced to Alaska’s Senate general-election ballot alongside Sen. Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola. Coverage diverges on whether the same-name candidacy could affect the incumbent’s race or how consequential that risk is.Dan SullivanR-AKMary PeltolaD-AK14 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLES · AUG 23–27LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 52H LATER
WHO COVERED IT14 OUTLETS14 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLESAUG 23–271 left-leaning · 9 center · 4 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & CENTER 52H LATER
6
Abdul El-Sayed Apologizes for Remarks After Synagogue AttackAbdul El-Sayed apologized for comments made after a Michigan synagogue attack. Coverage differs in how much it emphasizes criticism of the apology and its political fallout.Abdul El-SayedD-MI14 OUTLETS · 14 ARTICLES · AUG 29 – SEP 5BLIND SPOT · LEFT-LEANING READERS SEE LESS
WHO COVERED IT14 OUTLETS14 OUTLETS · 14 ARTICLESAUG 29 – SEP 50 left-leaning · 4 center · 8 right-leaning · 2 unrated.No left-leaning outletsBLIND SPOT · LEFT-LEANING READERS SEE LESS
7
South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff Between Graham and NormanGraham defeated Norman in South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, and Norman conceded. Coverage differs on whether the story is chiefly the voting process or a test of Donald Trump’s endorsement influence.Darline GrahamR-SCRalph NormanR-SC-513 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLES · AUG 24–26RIGHT-LEANING 22H LATER
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 15 ARTICLESAUG 24–260 left-leaning · 8 center · 1 right-leaning · 4 unrated.No left-leaning outletsRIGHT 22H LATER
8
Trump Visits Houston for Fundraiser Tied to Paxton Senate CampaignDonald Trump visited Houston for an RNC fundraiser and to support Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign against James Talarico. Coverage differs on whether the event chiefly signals campaign support or raises questions about where the proceeds will go.Ken PaxtonR-TXJames TalaricoD-TX13 OUTLETS · 14 ARTICLES · AUG 24 – SEP 1LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 49H LATER
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 14 ARTICLESAUG 24 – SEP 12 left-leaning · 7 center · 2 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 49H LATER
9
Ossoff Calls on Collins to Address Former Staffer's PostsOssoff urged Collins to address allegations over a former staffer’s racist and Nazi/KKK posts and release campaign communications. Coverage casts the episode as either part of a wider pattern around Collins or politically motivated reporting.Mike CollinsR-GA-10Jon OssoffD-GA13 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLES · AUG 26–30BLIND SPOT · RIGHT-LEANING READERS SEE LESSCENTER AND RIGHT-LEANING 24H LATER
WHO COVERED IT13 OUTLETS13 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLESAUG 26–307 left-leaning · 3 center · 1 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Mostly left-leaning outletsBLIND SPOT · RIGHT-LEANING READERS SEE LESSCENTER & RIGHT 24H LATER
10
Markey and Moulton Compete in Massachusetts Senate PrimaryRep. Seth Moulton is challenging Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary. Coverage centers on whether age and generational change or Markey’s policy record should shape the contest.Seth MoultonD-MA-6Ed MarkeyD-MA12 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLES · AUG 30 – SEP 4
WHO COVERED IT12 OUTLETS12 OUTLETS · 13 ARTICLESAUG 30 – SEP 40 left-leaning · 11 center · 0 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Only center outlets
Showing 10 of 77
BLIND SPOTS · THIS WEEK

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.

HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →
LEFT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF12 THIS WEEK
BLIND SPOTAUG 29 – SEP 5Abdul El-Sayed Apologizes for Remarks After Synagogue AttackAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI14 outlets: 4 center, 8 right-leaning, 2 unrated. No left-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTAUG 29 – SEP 514 OUTLETS · 67% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 28–29Scott Bessent Responds to Elizabeth Warren’s Questions on Yen InterventionElizabeth WarrenSENATOR · D-MA6 outlets: 5 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 28–296 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 27Police Search Ilhan Omar’s Son’s Home; Roommate ArrestedIlhan OmarREP. · D-MN-55 outlets: 5 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 275 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 25Abdul El-Sayed Discusses Gender-Transition Care and Circumcision on Fox NewsAbdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI5 outlets: 4 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 255 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 24–25Trump Reposts Report on ICE Records Request Involving Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarREP. · D-MN-55 outlets: 4 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 24–255 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF3 THIS WEEK
BLIND SPOTAUG 26–30Ossoff Calls on Collins to Address Former Staffer's PostsMike CollinsREP. · R-GA-10Jon OssoffSENATOR · D-GA13 outlets: 7 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 2 unrated.
BLIND SPOTAUG 26–3013 OUTLETS · 64% LEFT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 25–31Darline Graham Criticizes Universal Health Care in Victory SpeechDarline GrahamSENATOR · R-SC4 outlets: 4 left-leaning. No center or right-leaning outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 25–314 OUTLETS · 100% LEFT
ONE-SIDEDAUG 25–26Ralph Norman Concedes South Carolina Senate Primary RunoffRalph NormanREP. · R-SC-5Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SC4 outlets: 3 left-leaning, 1 unrated. No center or right-leaning outlets.
ONE-SIDEDAUG 25–264 OUTLETS · 100% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1—Darline GrahamSENATOR · R-SC83OUTLETSTone of 170 articles: 2 good look · 69 mixed · 52 neutral · 47 bad look.21 STORIESDarline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff
2▲9Ralph NormanREP. · R-SC-568OUTLETSTone of 113 articles: 5 good look · 60 mixed · 45 neutral · 3 bad look.9 STORIESDarline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff
3▲5Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI62OUTLETSTone of 198 articles: 11 good look · 68 mixed · 12 neutral · 107 bad look.32 STORIESAbdul El-Sayed Praises Community in Egypt While Criticizing American Isolation
4▲8James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX41OUTLETSTone of 78 articles: 16 good look · 20 mixed · 21 neutral · 21 bad look.14 STORIESTrump Visits Houston for Fundraiser Tied to Paxton Senate Campaign
5▼1Dan SullivanSENATOR · R-AK39OUTLETSTone of 48 articles: 2 good look · 14 mixed · 25 neutral · 7 bad look.4 STORIESSame-Name Challenger Advances in Dan Sullivan’s Alaska Senate Race
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, 202527 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE2427
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH17 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE1517
H.R. 22SAVE ActPASSED HOUSESAVE ActPASSED HOUSE10 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE610
S. 3585DATA Act of 2026IN COMMITTEEDATA Act of 2026IN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE52
H.R. 3633CLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSECLARITY Act of 2025PASSED HOUSE5 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE35
H.R. 664421st Century ROAD to Housing ActBECAME LAW21st Century ROAD to Housing ActBECAME LAWJUL 113 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE33
H.R. 8400DATA Act of 2026IN COMMITTEEDATA Act of 2026IN COMMITTEE2 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 · 65 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
SOUTH CAROLINA · SENATE171 ART.
Darline GrahamRINCAnnie AndrewsD
83OUTLETS THIS WEEKDarline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Runoff
MICHIGAN · SENATE201 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
62OUTLETS THIS WEEKAbdul El-Sayed Praises Community in Egypt While Criticizing American Isolation
TEXAS · SENATE96 ART.
James TalaricoDKen PaxtonR
49OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump Visits Houston for Fundraiser Tied to Paxton Senate Campaign
ALASKA · SENATE49 ART.
Dan SullivanRINCMary PeltolaD
39OUTLETS THIS WEEKSame-Name Challenger Advances in Dan Sullivan’s Alaska Senate Race
MAINE · SENATE45 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
33OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump Raises Tariffs on Canadian Imports
NEW YORK · HOUSE 853 ART.
Hakeem S. JeffriesDINCLewis MizrahiR
29OUTLETS THIS WEEKHakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner Meet Privately
20 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Economy44Change since last week: ▼14Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner Meet PrivatelyEthics/Corruption40Change since last week: ▼12Abdul El-Sayed Apologizes for Remarks After Synagogue AttackForeign Policy32Change since last week: ▼1Darline Graham's Debate Answer on National Security Draws ScrutinyImmigration28Change since last week: ▲6Mike Johnson Campaigns for Greg Cunningham in AlbuquerqueHealthcare26Change since last week: ▼12Abdul El-Sayed Praises Community in Egypt While Criticizing American IsolationVoting Rights18Change since last week: ▼19Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate RunoffTaxes14Change since last week: ▼7Georgia’s 13th District Special-Election RunoffCriminal Justice9Change since last week: ▼7Appeals Court Allows Two Charges Against LaMonica McIver to ProceedAbortion/Reproductive Rights7Change since last week: —Reproductive Freedom for All Endorses Troy JacksonTechnology/Privacy7Change since last week: ▲2Markey and Moulton Compete in Massachusetts Senate PrimaryDefense/Military5Change since last week: ▼5Early Voting Opens for South Carolina RunoffEnvironment/Climate5Change since last week: ▼2Abdul El-Sayed Says He Would Not Defend Green New DealBudget/Spending3Change since last week: ▼10Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate RunoffEducation3Change since last week: ▼1Byron Donalds Names Bryan Avila as Running MateGun Policy3Change since last week: ▼2Police Search Ilhan Omar’s Son’s Home; Roommate ArrestedHousing3Change since last week: ▼2Everton Blair Wins Runoff for Georgia’s 13th Congressional DistrictAgriculture2Change since last week: ▼3Peter Welch Meets Vermont Farmers at Norwich Roundtable on Farm EconomicsInfrastructure2Change since last week: —Kennedy Center Naming Dispute and Demolition WarningLabor/Unions2Change since last week: ▼1Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Rejoins DSA After Membership LapseSocial Security/Medicare2Change since last week: ▲1Durbin and Cassidy Propose Social Security Solvency Process
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 66townhall.comtownhall.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 44Articles this week 51twitchy.comtwitchy.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 38Articles this week 42The Daily Beastthedailybeast.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 70Articles this week 36redstate.comredstate.comFAR RIGHTFAR RIGHTCredibility 43Articles this week 34Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 32
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