The Daily Punch

Allie Mutnick, a Congressional reporter who spent four days on the ground in Texas. She recounts driving between cities, contrasts on-the-ground energy with DC impressions, describes big Democratic turnouts and smaller GOP events, breaks down Tallarico vs Crockett dynamics, and outlines Paxton’s durable base and runoff math. Fun trail anecdotes and a lost Kindle finish the story.

A deep dive into the heated Texas Democratic Senate primary and whether one candidate can overtake the other. Fundraising, polling swings, and why Republicans are sitting this fight out get attention. A looming ethics probe into a GOP congressman and a misfired Democratic tariff resolution round out the conversation.

A forced House floor vote on Iran war powers and the slim chances it will pass. Diplomatic talks and parallel Senate moves shaping timing and pressure. A looming DHS funding standoff leaving employees unpaid. A massive surge of corporate and Big Tech spending gearing up for the 2026 midterms.

A deep dive into how a Texas attorney general weathered a $60M establishment spending blitz and the unconventional campaign tactics that kept him afloat. Discussion of a new three-way primary dynamic reshaping the race. Reporting on a sharp rise in threats at the Capitol, including an armed incident and data on increasing violent online threats.

Late-night counteroffer on DHS funding and the back-and-forth with the White House. Heated negotiations over ICE operations and which DHS tools are nonnegotiable. Countdown pressure tied to the State of the Union and potential shutdown impacts. Political maneuvering in Texas around immigration and ICE messaging. Congressional skepticism about funding for the so-called Golden Dome defense plan.

Coverage of a lapse in DHS funding and why essential staff may keep services running despite the gap. A look at bargaining positions in Congress and the likely timing for a return to negotiations. A deep dive into Palantir's rising role in Democratic primary fights and why its ties are drawing intense scrutiny.

Ally Mutnick, campaign reporter and co-author of The Tally who covers on-the-ground election reporting, breaks down top 2026 races. Short takes on Susan Collins' reelection dynamics in blue Maine. Quick looks at Texas Senate primary chaos and Paxton-Cornyn tensions. Notes shifting Democratic primary themes around immigration and candidate energy.

Jim Jordan, U.S. Representative from Ohio and Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, discusses DOJ handling of sensitive files and the balance between law and victim privacy. He tackles reactions to individuals named in documents and critiques DOJ prosecutorial choices. He also debates immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, FISA Section 702 reauthorization, and Republican messaging for the 2026 cycle.

A looming Department of Homeland Security shutdown and why it might not end quickly. Travel plans and rules for members who could be pulled back if a deal appears. Behind-the-scenes negotiation moves between the White House and Senate Democrats. Contentious demands around ISIS, ICE politics, and possible compromise areas like body cameras and use-of-force rules.

A late-night White House DHS funding text and Democrats' rush to judge whether it can avert a shutdown. Senate and House maneuvering around likely failed votes and the impact on TSA, FEMA and other services. Trump's threats to primary Republicans over tariffs and who might be vulnerable. AIPAC's New Jersey misstep energizing progressive opposition in primaries.