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After Senate Loss, Cornyn Predicts ‘Miserable’ Final Two Years for Trump

In his first extensive interview since his defeat by a Trump-backed challenger, the Texas Republican said the Senate was in for a “bumpy ride” as he and others flex new political freedom.

© Pete Marovich for The New York Times

“There’s never going to be good enough for him, other than 100 percent, you know, slavish adherence to whatever he wants,” Senator John Cornyn said of President Trump. “But obviously that’s not what the senator’s role is supposed to be.”
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Justice Dept. Pushes Limits of Its Power Over State Elections

The department once tried to stay out of state elections, urging caution. It is now pressing forward with claims of fraud as President Trump revives his unfounded assertions that elections cannot be trusted.

© Philip Cheung for The New York Times

Voters casting their ballots in California’s primary races in Los Angeles last week.
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Can’t Pay Medical Bills? Trump Administration Suggests Getting a Loan

One-third of Americans shoulder health care debt. Insurers are being asked to consider lending money to Obamacare consumers who can’t afford higher deductibles.

© Cig Harvey for The New York Times

Kathleen Capetta’s family of five is paying an additional $750 a month this year for its Obamacare plan premium. She was already paying off debt from cancer treatment.
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Maine Senate Race Heats Up as Trump Attacks Platner

With Graham Platner now the Democratic nominee against Senator Susan Collins, signs of how hostile the race will be have quickly emerged.

© Sophie Park for The New York Times, Michael A. McCoy for The New York Times

Graham Platner and Senator Susan Collins are beginning what is expected to be a hugely expensive and contentious general election in Maine.
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Mace Defeat Heralds an Exodus of Rabble-Rousers From Congress

The Republican congresswoman from South Carolina, who made enemies on both sides of the political aisle, is just one of several flashy lawmakers to be leaving Capitol Hill.

© Eric Lee for The New York Times

Representative Nancy Mace, Republican of South Carolina, at the Capitol earlier this year.
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Evette and Wilson Advance to Runoff in South Carolina Republican Primary for Governor

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson, the state attorney general, now head to a runoff in the Republican contest for governor. President Trump vowed to “fight” for Ms. Evette in the second round.

© Meg Kinnard/Associated Press

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette of South Carolina at a campaign rally on Monday.
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Sanders-Backed Progressive Advances in California Swing District Against Valadao

Randy Villegas will face the incumbent, David Valadao, a Republican who has survived numerous challenges in a competitive district.

© Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images For Connor Treacy

Randy Villegas, a progressive backed by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, defeated Dr. Jasmeet Bains in the Democratic primary in California’s 22nd Congressional District. He will face Representative David Valadao, the Republican incumbent.
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House defies Johnson and passes Democratic-led labor bill

Twenty G.O.P lawmakers broke with Speaker Mike Johnson and joined Democrats in backing a bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act.

© Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

The vote on Tuesday was the latest reflection of Speaker Mike Johnson’s weak hold on his narrow majority.
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Blanche Was Once Seen as Tempering Trump’s Tactics. Now He’s All In.

The ascendancy of Todd Blanche shows how the practices that were initially deemed out of bounds even in President Trump’s Justice Department seem to be the order of the day.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, during a cabinet meeting at the White House in May.
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House Passes G.O.P.’s $70 Billion Immigration Bill

The vote gave final passage to Republicans’ megabill to fund immigration enforcement through the remainder of President Trump’s term, clearing it for his signature.

© Ashley Wu/The New York Times

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Maine Elections Test Democrats’ Support for Platner: What to Watch in Today’s Primaries

Any indication of tepid support for Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, will be seen as a warning sign about his chances against Senator Susan Collins, the Republican incumbent.

© Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine who is seeking to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the fall, has been mired in scandals in recent weeks.
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