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EXPLORE · WEEK OF OCT 5 – 11, 2026UPDATED 9:59 PM 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.

‹ SEP 28 – OCT 4THIS WEEK
TOP STORY · 1 CANDIDATE · OCT 1–5

Leaked Audio Captures Ken Paxton Discussing Campaign Control

Leaked audio captured Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton saying he had little control over his campaign and its messaging. Coverage differs on whether the remarks signal campaign weakness, report his account of Washington’s role, or highlight outside GOP support.

Ken PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX
OUTLETS11
ARTICLES12
LEFT4
CENTER3
RIGHT3
UNRATED1
PHOTO · ABC NEWSTexas 2026 live primary election results: Cornyn and Paxton headed to runoff, Talarico advances
HOW EACH SIDE TOLD ITUNRATED · 1 OUTLET, E.G. THE GUARDIAN
LEFT-LEANING4 OUTLETSCampaign weakness and blameLeft-leaning coverage links the recording to campaign troubles and Paxton’s outsider image, with some articles treating his remarks as blame-shifting.
“Ken Paxton Admits Team Trump Controls His Campaign in Leaked Audio”THE NEW REPUBLIC · CRED 64 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
CENTER3 OUTLETSHis account of campaign controlCenter coverage recounts Paxton’s recorded claim that Washington shapes his campaign, with wording ranging from critical to mostly descriptive.
“Texas 2026 live primary election results: Cornyn and Paxton headed to runoff, Talarico advances”ABC NEWS · CRED 85 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
RIGHT-LEANING3 OUTLETSWashington influence and GOP aidRight-leaning coverage presents Paxton’s complaint about Washington influence alongside outside Republican support, while one article criticizes broadcasters’ emphasis on negative GOP news.
“Paxton vents over lack of campaign control as DC establishment he once battled comes to his aid”FOX NEWS · CRED 70 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
Campaign weakness and blameLeft-leaning coverage links the recording to campaign troubles and Paxton’s outsider image, with some articles treating his remarks as blame-shifting.
“Ken Paxton Admits Team Trump Controls His Campaign in Leaked Audio”THE NEW REPUBLIC · CRED 64 · MOST CREDIBLE ON THIS SIDE
UNRATED · 1 OUTLET, E.G. THE GUARDIAN
LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER OUTLETS ARRIVED 45H LATEROpen the story →
MOST-COVERED STORIES · RANKED BY OUTLETS

What got covered most

11 of 17 stories reached 3+ outlets
11 of 17 stories reached 3+ outlets
EACH BAR SHOWS WHO COVERED THE STORYLeft-leaningCenterRight-leaningUnrated outletsHOW WE RATE OUTLETS →
1
Leaked Audio Captures Ken Paxton Discussing Campaign ControlLeaked audio captured Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton saying he had little control over his campaign and its messaging. Coverage differs on whether the remarks signal campaign weakness, report his account of Washington’s role, or highlight outside GOP support.Ken PaxtonR-TX11 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLES · OCT 1–5LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 45H LATER
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 12 ARTICLESOCT 1–54 left-leaning · 3 center · 3 right-leaning · 1 unrated.Covered across the spectrumLEFT & CENTER 45H LATER
2
Obama to Campaign With Abdul El-Sayed in DetroitObama plans to campaign with Abdul El-Sayed at a Detroit rally on Oct. 24. Coverage centers on the campaign appearance but differs in how prominently it presents Republican criticism of El-Sayed.Abdul El-SayedD-MI11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLES · OCT 5
WHO COVERED IT11 OUTLETS11 OUTLETS · 11 ARTICLESOCT 50 left-leaning · 7 center · 3 right-leaning · 1 unrated.No left-leaning outlets
3
Tillis Discusses Trump’s Possible Response to Midterm LossesTillis discussed his disagreements with Trump and the administration. Coverage diverges between his warning about Trump’s possible response to midterm losses and his regret over confirming Hegseth.Thom TillisR-NC7 OUTLETS · 8 ARTICLES · OCT 4–5LEFT- AND RIGHT-LEANING 23H LATER
WHO COVERED IT7 OUTLETS7 OUTLETS · 8 ARTICLESOCT 4–51 left-leaning · 5 center · 1 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & RIGHT 23H LATER
4
Hakeem Jeffries Says Democrats Target Trump-Won House DistrictsHakeem Jeffries said Democrats aim to regain the House by contesting Trump-won districts. Coverage centers on his prediction and the political indicators and Republican response around it.Hakeem S. JeffriesD-NY-86 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLES · OCT 4–5
WHO COVERED IT6 OUTLETS6 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLESOCT 4–50 left-leaning · 6 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Only center outlets
5
Jessica Killin Ad Features Giuffre Relatives Criticizing Jeff CrankJessica Killin’s campaign released an ad featuring Virginia Giuffre’s relatives criticizing Jeff Crank over efforts to release Epstein-related files. Coverage differs on Crank’s earlier opposition, the voting context, and a disputed meeting request.Jeff CrankR-CO-5Jessica KillinD-CO5 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLES · OCT 5RIGHT-LEANING 12H LATER
WHO COVERED IT5 OUTLETS5 OUTLETS · 6 ARTICLESOCT 51 left-leaning · 1 center · 1 right-leaning · 2 unrated.Covered across the spectrumRIGHT 12H LATER
7
Trump Plans Nebraska Campaign Stop With RickettsTrump is scheduled to campaign in Nebraska with Sen. Pete Ricketts as Ricketts seeks reelection. Center outlets link the visit to the Senate race and beef-import dispute, while left-leaning outlets emphasize Trump's broader red-state campaign push.Pete RickettsR-NE5 OUTLETS · 5 ARTICLES · OCT 2–5LEFT-LEANING AND CENTER 63H LATER
WHO COVERED IT5 OUTLETS5 OUTLETS · 5 ARTICLESOCT 2–51 left-leaning · 3 center · 1 right-leaning · 0 unrated.Mostly center outletsLEFT & CENTER 63H LATER
9
Senate Democrats Discuss Trump Judicial Nominee ConfirmationsSchumer and Blumenthal said Democrats could limit confirmation of Trump judicial nominees if they control the Senate. Center outlets emphasize election-dependent confirmation decisions, while left-leaning outlets link the prospect to Republicans’ treatment of Merrick Garland.Chuck SchumerD-NYRichard BlumenthalD-CT4 OUTLETS · 4 ARTICLES · OCT 5
WHO COVERED IT4 OUTLETS4 OUTLETS · 4 ARTICLESOCT 51 left-leaning · 3 center · 0 right-leaning · 0 unrated.No right-leaning outlets
Showing 10 of 11
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 OF43 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
ONE-SIDEDSEP 23–24Ramirez Proposes Legislation to Dismantle DHS and Abolish ICEDelia C. RamirezREP. · D-IL-3Brandon GillREP. · R-TX-268 outlets: 7 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 23–248 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 28 – OCT 1Grassley Questions Collection of Journalists’ Communications in Smith ProbeChuck GrassleySENATOR · R-IA7 outlets: 7 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 28 – OCT 17 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDOCT 1–2Hasan Piker Says He Will Pressure James Talarico to Move Left if ElectedJames TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX6 outlets: 6 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDOCT 1–26 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–26Rashida Tlaib Says ICE Caused Man's Death After Michigan CrashRashida TlaibREP. · D-MI-126 outlets: 6 right-leaning. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 24–266 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
ONE-SIDEDSEP 26–27Adina Flores Endorses Eric Jones for CongressEric JonesHOUSE CANDIDATE · D-CA5 outlets: 4 right-leaning, 1 unrated. No left-leaning or center outlets.
ONE-SIDEDSEP 26–275 OUTLETS · 100% RIGHT
RIGHT-LEANING READERS ARE SEEING LESS OF19 IN 30 DAYS · TOP 5
BLIND SPOTSEP 21–28Donalds Updates Campaign Website as Trump Disputes ReportsByron DonaldsREP. · R-FL-1927 outlets: 8 left-leaning, 10 center, 1 right-leaning, 8 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 21–2827 OUTLETS · 42% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 28 – OCT 3Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith’s Basketball AttendanceEric SchmittSENATOR · R-MOKatie Boyd BrittSENATOR · R-AL21 outlets: 9 left-leaning, 9 center, 2 right-leaning, 1 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 28 – OCT 321 OUTLETS · 45% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 1Senate Hearing Exchange Over Jack Smith's Basketball GameEric SchmittSENATOR · R-MOAmy KlobucharSENATOR · D-MN14 outlets: 5 left-leaning, 6 center, 3 unrated. No right-leaning outlets.
BLIND SPOTSEP 29 – OCT 114 OUTLETS · 45% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–20Tierra Walker's Family Sues Ken Paxton Over Her DeathKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX13 outlets: 6 left-leaning, 3 center, 1 right-leaning, 3 unrated.
BLIND SPOTSEP 16–2013 OUTLETS · 60% LEFT
BLIND SPOTSEP 9–21Trump Endorses Paxton’s Senate Bid at Texas Republican ConventionKen PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX10 outlets: 4 left-leaning, 5 center, 1 right-leaning.
BLIND SPOTSEP 9–2110 OUTLETS · 40% LEFT
HOW WE DECIDE →ALSO IN SOURCES →

Who’s in the news

BY OUTLETS
1▲7Abdul El-SayedSENATE CANDIDATE · D-MI18OUTLETSTone of 21 articles: 0 good look · 6 mixed · 15 neutral · 0 bad look.3 STORIESObama to Campaign With Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit
2▲1Ken PaxtonSENATE CANDIDATE · R-TX14OUTLETSTone of 19 articles: 2 good look · 5 mixed · 5 neutral · 7 bad look.2 STORIESLeaked Audio Captures Ken Paxton Discussing Campaign Control
3▲60Thom TillisSENATOR · R-NC10OUTLETSTone of 15 articles: 0 good look · 15 mixed · 0 neutral · 0 bad look.2 STORIESTillis Discusses Trump’s Possible Response to Midterm Losses
4▲3James TalaricoSENATE CANDIDATE · D-TX9OUTLETSTone of 13 articles: 0 good look · 3 mixed · 9 neutral · 1 bad look.1 STORYJames Talarico Questions Limits on Debate Over Police Defunding in 2020
5—Tom CottonSENATOR · R-AR7OUTLETSTone of 7 articles: 0 good look · 4 mixed · 3 neutral · 0 bad look.1 STORYTrump Urges Senate to Pass Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill
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, 20258 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE108
H.R. 139Sunshine Protection Act of 2025PASSED HOUSESunshine Protection Act of 2025PASSED HOUSE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE62
S. 1383Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTHVeterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025PASSED BOTH4 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE44
H.R. 4405Epstein Files Transparency ActBECAME LAWEpstein Files Transparency ActBECAME LAWNOV 19, 20252 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE32
H.R. 7296SAVE America ActIN COMMITTEESAVE America ActIN COMMITTEE2 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE22
S. 29Sunshine Protection Act of 2025IN COMMITTEESunshine Protection Act of 2025IN COMMITTEE3 PEOPLE IN COVERAGE23
VOTES IN THE NEWSOUTLETS
SENATE · ROLL 250 · SEP 28Protect College Sports Act of 2026 S. 4668PASSED 77–222
BILLS HUB →VOTES HUB →
NOV 3 · 29 DAYS AWAY

Races in the news

ELECTIONS HUB →ALL RACES →
TEXAS · SENATE30 ART.
Ken PaxtonRJames TalaricoD
20OUTLETS THIS WEEKLeaked Audio Captures Ken Paxton Discussing Campaign Control
MICHIGAN · SENATE22 ART.
Abdul El-SayedDMike RogersR
19OUTLETS THIS WEEKObama to Campaign With Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit
MAINE · SENATE9 ART.
Susan M. CollinsRINCTroy JacksonD
8OUTLETS THIS WEEKTroy Jackson and Susan Collins Set for First Debate
ARKANSAS · SENATE7 ART.
Tom CottonRINCHallie ShoffnerD
7OUTLETS THIS WEEKTrump Urges Senate to Pass Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill
COLORADO · HOUSE 56 ART.
Jeff CrankRINCJessica KillinD
5OUTLETS THIS WEEKJessica Killin Ad Features Giuffre Relatives Criticizing Jeff Crank
NEW HAMPSHIRE · SENATE5 ART.
Chris PappasDJohn SununuR
5OUTLETS THIS WEEK
25 TOPICS · STORIES THIS WEEK · CHANGE SINCE LAST WEEK

Browse by topic

Elections/Campaigns13Change since last week: ▼175Leaked Audio Captures Ken Paxton Discussing Campaign ControlCongress/Members4Change since last week: ▼11Tillis Discusses Trump’s Possible Response to Midterm LossesCriminal Justice2Change since last week: ▼39Tennessee Officials Address Failed Execution AttemptEconomy2Change since last week: ▼48Trump Plans Nebraska Campaign Stop With RickettsHealthcare2Change since last week: ▼30Paxton Investigates Texas Pediatricians Over Childhood VaccinationsAgriculture1Change since last week: ▼12Trump Plans Nebraska Campaign Stop With RickettsCivil Rights/Liberties1Change since last week: ▼10Don Davis Promotes His Position on Women’s Sports in Campaign AdCourts/Judiciary1Change since last week: —Senate Democrats Discuss Trump Judicial Nominee ConfirmationsDefense/Military1Change since last week: ▼15Pete Hegseth Plans 20 Percent Reduction in Senior Military OfficersEducation1Change since last week: ▼16Senate Passes Bipartisan College Sports BillEnvironment/Climate1Change since last week: ▼23Byron Donalds Announces Florida Coastal Corridor PlanEthics/Corruption1Change since last week: ▼57Tennessee Officials Address Failed Execution AttemptInfrastructure1Change since last week: ▼15Byron Donalds Announces Florida Coastal Corridor PlanTechnology/Privacy1Change since last week: ▼38Senate Passes Bipartisan College Sports BillAbortion/Reproductive Rights0Change since last week: ▼2Budget/Spending0Change since last week: ▼13Foreign Policy0Change since last week: ▼35Gun Policy0Change since last week: ▼1Housing0Change since last week: ▼6Immigration0Change since last week: ▼21Labor/Unions0Change since last week: ▼7Social Security/Medicare0Change since last week: ▼5Taxes0Change since last week: ▼14Veterans Affairs0Change since last week: ▼3Voting Rights0Change since last week: ▼10
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
The Hillthehill.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 78Articles this week 14Raw Storyrawstory.comCENTER-LEFTCENTER-LEFTCredibility 55Articles this week 13Mediaitemediaite.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 65Articles this week 10Washington Examinerwashingtonexaminer.comCENTER-RIGHTCENTER-RIGHTCredibility 69Articles this week 9Florida Politicsfloridapolitics.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 70Articles this week 8Newsweeknewsweek.comCENTERCENTERCredibility 75Articles this week 7
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