Happy Tuesday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in GOP Senate Race….In a move that is less strategic and more impulsive, Donald Trump jumped into Texas’s Senate GOP runoff at the eleventh hour—backing ethically challenged Attorney General Ken Paxton over establishment incumbent John Cornyn. After months of dodging the decision, Trump’s sudden endorsement reshapes the race just days before voters head to the polls. The decision is clear: loyalty over electability. Paxton has spent years mired in legal and ethical controversies, from impeachment to ongoing investigations, raising real concerns among Republicans that he could turn a safe red seat into a costly battleground. Democrats, meanwhile, see an opening, with nominee James Talarico emerging as a credible challenger in a state that hasn’t been this competitive statewide in decades.
Common Sense Takeaway: This is so classic. Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton because in his opinion, Paxton was more loyal to him throughout the years than John Cornyn. He chose personal grievances over his own party’s election chances. But hey I’m not complaining. Hilariously, Cornyn posted a photo of him reading “The Art of the Deal” on social media just a few months ago in an attempt to appeal to Trump. That clearly didn’t work out!
Spanberger Moves to Protect Virginia Polling Sites….Abigail Spanberger announced she will issue an executive order aimed at guiding election workers on how to respond if federal agents appear at polling locations—amid growing concerns about potential voter intimidation. The move comes as some Democrats warn that rhetoric from Donald Trump and his allies could escalate fears around election interference, even as federal officials insist there are no plans for law enforcement like ICE to be present at voting sites.
Common Sense Takeaway: I would not be surprised in the slightest if the Trump Administration starts stationing ICE agents at polling locations around the country in the name of “election security.” But what it really is, is voter intimidation. ICE has no place in our election system, and I’m glad Abigail Spanberger is taking action here, along with other progressive District Attorneys around the country.
Today is Election Day Across the Country….Voters across the country are heading to the polls today in a wave of high-stakes primaries and special elections that could offer an early preview of the 2026 midterms. Major races are unfolding in battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, where competitive primaries for governor, Senate, and House seats are happening. Meanwhile, Republican infighting is taking center stage in places like Kentucky and Texas, as Donald Trump continues trying to reshape the GOP around loyalty to him and the MAGA movement. Democrats are also closely watching turnout numbers and special election performance after a string of overperformances in state legislative races over the past year. In Georgia alone, more than one million early votes were cast before Election Day, with Democratic turnout reportedly outpacing Republicans in early voting.
Common Sense Takeaway: All eyes on Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky! Besides Virginia and New Jersey last cycle (which showed great things for Democrats), this will be the first real tell-tale sign of voter trends before the midterms in November. I will be watching closely to see what happens and report back tomorrow with a full break-down of the results.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
Thanks Ally- love your COMMON SENSE updates
Let’s go peeps. It’s our way of life being messed with by these cheating ass republicans. Vote accordingly.