2026 Dem nominee running stronger in polls than Democratic candidate who'd been blue wave juggernaut while trailing Ted Cruz by 7 or 8 points on average en route to general election that incumbent won by less than 3 despite Trump rally before vote. more @baylisswagner shows Brandon Herrera and Ken Paxton on April 30   Donald Trump cuts in front of Queen Camilla to shake hands at WH April 28 Talarico up on Paxton by 8 in University of Texas poll of Texas Senate fight that has Democrat beating Cornyn by 7 one day after GOP loyalists dismiss findings by Democratic firm that has Austin rep ahead by smaller margins. more   Dem firm that found Paxton leading Cornyn by 8 in OT this month releases survey that shows Democrat beating either one of GOP runoff contenders he faces in fall with strong support of Latinos, indies and moderates. more Democrat Gina Hinojosa touts good schools in East Texas on April 26   Jimmy Kimmel cracked joke on Melania Trump on late night show April 23 President and wife demand late night TV host firing for expectant widow crack as conspiracies flood social media amid speculation that episode with gunman at D.C. press gala was orchestrated production. more   President doesn't address breakdown in his own security at Washington hotel but says incident shows why he's building a safe and secure ballroom that every American president for 150 years has been demanding. more Donald Trump and company all smiles after WHCA dinner April 25   Governor nominee Gina Hinojosa draws cheers from teachers April 18 Abbott and Cornyn trail Democrat nominees by 19 and 24 points respectively in Somos Votantes survey that finds Pulido and Cuellar with thin leads among Latino electorate that's turning against Trump due to inflation, Iran war and more. more   Congressional map in Old Dominion puts Dems ahead in congressional map-making war Texas started and GOP could knot up or lead again with plan to flip two or three districts in Florida on tap for upcoming special session. more Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger post April 21 on EXPO Richmond   Don Huffines soars to victory as primary challenger in the comptroller's race