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Elections desk

Elections

The rules, deadlines, turnout data, and vote-counting claims that shape American elections.

Verdict mix: 52 True · 6 Mostly True · 2 False

Follow elections by RSS →

Automated official data

Daily campaign-finance record

Refreshed Nov 4, 6:00 PM CST

Latest processed federal campaign-finance filings from the Federal Election Commission. Filing data are source records and may be amended or revised by the filer or agency.

The official provider is temporarily unavailable. This panel will retry automatically on the next scheduled refresh; the source desk and reviewed record remain available below.

Automated public filing data; not an endorsement, prediction, or evaluation of any campaign or candidate.

Open source desk

Start with the record.

This desk separates official election administration information from campaign rhetoric. Published checks appear below only after the relevant claim and sources have been reviewed.

What this desk watches

  • Registration and ballot-access rules
  • Early voting, absentee voting, and voter ID claims
  • Election funding and campaign finance
  • Certification, audits, and official results
↗U.S. Election Assistance CommissionFederal election administration guidance and data.↗Federal Election CommissionCampaign-finance records and filing data.↗National Conference of State LegislaturesState election-law tracking and legislative resources.↗State election officesOfficial registration, voting, and results information for each state.
Across the press

What newsrooms are covering on elections right now

From our own wire · ranked by independent newsrooms · not verdicts
01
27 newsrooms15 hours ago

High-stakes midterms are test for future of Congress and Trump's presidency ↗

  • NPR
  • The Independent
  • Bloomberg
  • Fox News
  • The New York Times
  • Kcra
Published record

60 reviewed checks

No automated verdicts.
Elections

JD Vance said the US war on Iran was the 'real reason' Republicans lost the midterm elections

Verdict: Mostly True
Following the 2026 midterms, JD Vance posted on X that "the reason we lost is the war" in Iran, which news outlets widely reported as calling the conflict the "real reason" for Republican defeats.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
Elections

Casey Askar is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Verdict: True
Records confirm that Casey Askar is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1987 to 1992.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
Elections

Donald Trump won Alaska three times, in 2016, 2020, and 2024

Verdict: True
Donald Trump won Alaska in all three presidential elections in 2016, 2020, and 2024.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
Elections
AboutMethodologyNewsMidterms 2026Ballot WatchTrump SocialTrackersPeopleVoicesSpeakersPodcastCorrectionsTransparencyAdvertiseNotesPrivacyTermsContactBack to top ↑
© 2026 The Baseline, published and edited by Cory Hepler. Every verdict cites its sources; automated checks are labeled until the editor has read them.Non-partisan in method · Press kit · RSS · Podcast RSS
CBS News
  • The Guardian
  • +19 more newsrooms
    • NBC News
    • USA Today
    • CNBC
    • Dw
    • Cpr
    • ABC News
    • The Hill
    • CNN
    • The Associated Press
    • Voanews
    • Theconversation
    • Theglobeandmail
    • MS NOW
    • Investinglive
    • BBC
    • In
    • Ca
    • The Washington Post
    • Newsweek
    02
    20 newsrooms9 hours ago

    Democrats win House in 2026 midterm elections in blow to Trump ↗

    • The Guardian
    • Abc7news
    • MS NOW
    • BBC
    • Wthr
    • The Hill
    • Ndtv
    • CNBC
    +12 more newsrooms
    • CBS News
    • The New York Times
    • NBC News
    • Fox News
    • Bloomberg
    • USA Today
    • Telegraph
    • Smh
    • Usnews
    • Forbes
    03
    11 newsrooms6 hours ago

    Trump boasts about ‘magnificent’ ballroom day after massive Republican losses ↗

    • The Guardian
    • CBS News
    • The Hill
    • NPR
    • NBC News
    • Axios
    • TIME
    • The Washington Times
    +3 more newsrooms
    • Politico
    • The Washington Post
    • USA Today
    04
    11 newsrooms7 hours ago

    Who won redistricted House seats? ↗

    • The Hill
    • NBC News
    • NPR
    • Nymag
    • Dw
    • CNBC
    • USA Today
    • CBS News
    +3 more newsrooms
    • The Independent
    • Wbaltv
    • The Associated Press
    05
    11 newsrooms9 hours ago

    Kansas just elected a Democrat. His message to Washington? Be decent ↗

    • The Hill
    • NPR
    • NBC News
    • Forbes
    • The New York Times
    • CBS News
    • The Guardian
    • Vanityfair
    +3 more newsrooms
    • Bloomberg
    • Inside Climate News
    • Newsweek

    Also on the wire

    1. The HillDemocrats flip open Arizona House seatNov 5
    2. The HillGluesenkamp Perez holds on to Washington House seatNov 5
    3. The HillRaman ousts Bass as Los Angeles mayorNov 5
    4. The HillLive updates: Trump blames Iran war for midterm loss while touting ballroom constructionNov 5
    5. NPRWhat's the future of the Democratic party in Texas, amid historic midterm wins?Nov 4
    6. NPRSouth Carolina winner Annie Andrews talks about her win and the path aheadNov 4
    7. NPRWhere voters stand on state ballot measures, from abortion to LGBTQ rights to gunsNov 4
    8. NPRRahm Emanuel maps out a vision for what Democrats can achieve after taking CongressNov 4
    9. CBS NewsMidterm elections could zap the data center buildout, experts sayNov 4
    10. NBC NewsMississippi Senate race heads to an extended vote count and possible ballot battleNov 4
    11. NBC News5 things to know after election night: From the Politics DeskNov 4
    12. NBC NewsMamdani: There is ‘absolutely’ a path for a progressive candidate in 2028 after Democratic victoryNov 4

    Headlines link to the newsroom that wrote them. Appearing here is not an endorsement, and a story many outlets carry is corroborated, not necessarily true. Claims worth checking go to the desk and land in the record below.

    Donald Trump said, "I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter"

    Verdict: True
    Following midterm election losses for Republicans in November 2026, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social stating that he was not on the ballot and claiming the GOP would have won in a landslide if he had been.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
    Elections

    Jenny Costa Honeycutt is running to represent South Carolina's 1st Congressional District

    Verdict: True
    Jenny Costa Honeycutt is indeed running for Congress to represent South Carolina's 1st Congressional District.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
    Elections

    Carlos De La Cruz is a 20-year Air Force veteran

    Verdict: True
    Carlos De La Cruz is indeed a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump was not on the ballot

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump accurately stated that he was not on the ballot during the 2026 midterm elections.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
    Elections

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott lost his election

    Verdict: True
    Reports confirm that Texas Governor Greg Abbott lost his reelection race to Democrat Gina Hinojosa and conceded.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 4, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump said 'Pretend I'm on the ticket'

    Verdict: Mostly True
    Donald Trump repeatedly told midterm campaign crowds, including in Kansas and South Carolina in 2026, to 'pretend' he was on the ballot even though he wasn't, urging them to vote for Republicans as if he himself were running.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 3, 2026
    Elections

    Debbie Dingell said Haley Stevens' endorsement of Mike Rogers is 'galvanizing' voters behind Abdul El-Sayed

    Verdict: True
    Debbie Dingell said in a Nov. 2026 interview on CBS's 'The Takeout with Major Garrett' that Haley Stevens' endorsement of Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed is 'galvanizing' communities and voters in a backlash behind El-Sayed, rather than helping Rogers as Stevens intended.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 3, 2026
    Elections

    Trump claims that lawyers have hidden Dan Sullivan and are coaching him on what to say to avoid a major fraud prosecution

    Verdict: True
    Trump did post on Truth Social claiming lawyers were hiding Dan Sullivan and coaching him to avoid a major fraud prosecution.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 3, 2026
    Elections

    Bernie Sanders said that GOP rhetoric about Abdul El-Sayed, including comments from Trump and Ted Cruz, is 'overt absolute racism' that is 'disgusting and should appall every decent American'

    Verdict: True
    On CBS's 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on November 1, 2026, Bernie Sanders said GOP rhetoric about Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, including comments from Trump, Ted Cruz, and Vance, was 'overt absolute racism' that is 'disgusting and should appall every decent American.'The Baseline automated desk · Nov 2, 2026
    Elections

    Mike Collins is running for the United States Senate in Georgia

    Verdict: True
    Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican congressman, is confirmed by multiple news outlets to be running for the U.S. Senate seat against Jon Ossoff.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 2, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump endorsed Mike LiPetri, who is running to represent New York's 3rd Congressional District, against the incumbent Congressman

    Verdict: True
    Trump did endorse Mike LiPetri against incumbent Tom Suozzi in NY's 3rd Congressional District.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 2, 2026
    Elections

    Trump said Jessica Steinmann is running to represent Texas' 8th Congressional District and is supported by Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Senator Ted Cruz

    Verdict: True
    Trump's Truth Social post confirms he said Jessica Steinmann is running for Texas' 8th Congressional District and is supported by Abbott, Patrick, and Cruz.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 2, 2026
    Elections

    Mary Peltola said she 'knew nothing' about an effort to put two Dan Sullivans on the ballot

    Verdict: True
    At a Thursday rally in Juneau, Alaska, in late October 2026, Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola told supporters 'I knew nothing about any other candidates' amid reports that operatives linked to her campaign recruited a decoy candidate also named Dan Sullivan, denying any involvement in the scheme.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 1, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump endorsed Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate in Michigan

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump formally endorsed Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan via a Truth Social post in March 2024.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 1, 2026
    Voting

    Early in-person voting is underway in Michigan and runs through November 1st

    Verdict: True
    Michigan's in-person early voting period was underway at the time of Trump's post and ran through November 1st, consistent with local reporting.The Baseline automated desk · Nov 1, 2026
    Elections

    Mike Dunleavy said he is directing the state's Department of Public Safety to determine 'whether criminal' activity occurred in connection with the Peltola campaign's reported recruitment of a second Dan Sullivan

    Verdict: Mostly True
    NBC News reported on October 29, 2026 that Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he is directing the state's Department of Public Safety to determine 'whether criminal charges or civil action are warranted' in connection with the Peltola campaign's alleged recruitment of a second Dan Sullivan to the Senate race.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 31, 2026
    Elections

    Mary Peltola said she knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except herself and the incumbent, and is not interested in tricking voters

    Verdict: True
    At a speech in a downtown bar in Juneau, Alaska, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Mary Peltola said, 'I knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except for me and the incumbent... I am not interested in tricking voters,' addressing the controversy over a spoiler candidate sharing her opponent's name.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 31, 2026
    Elections

    Trump cancelled his in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa planned for this weekend, replacing them with tele-rallies, and then reversed that decision and reinstated the in-person rallies

    Verdict: True
    Trump's campaign canceled planned in-person rallies in Kansas and Iowa in favor of tele-rallies, then reversed course and reinstated the in-person events ahead of the midterms.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 31, 2026
    Elections

    Dan Patrick served as Texas Chair of Trump's presidential campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024

    Verdict: True
    Dan Patrick himself confirmed he served as Texas Chair of Trump's presidential campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 31, 2026
    Elections

    Mary Peltola denied any involvement in or knowledge of the recruitment of the second Dan Sullivan candidate

    Verdict: True
    At a campaign event in Juneau, Alaska on October 29, 2026, Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola stated, 'I knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except for me and the incumbent,' denying any knowledge or involvement in recruiting a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to the ballot as a spoiler.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 30, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump endorsed Anthony Constantino to be the next U.S. Representative from New York's 21st Congressional District

    Verdict: True
    Trump publicly endorsed Anthony Constantino for New York's 21st Congressional District, confirmed by his own Truth Social post and independent news coverage.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 30, 2026
    Elections

    Mary Peltola said she knew nothing about the other Dan Sullivan and denied her campaign recruited Daniel J. Sullivan to run as a spoiler candidate

    Verdict: True
    At a rally in Juneau on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Mary Peltola told supporters 'I knew nothing about any other candidate on the ballot except for me and the incumbent' and said she is 'not interested in tricking voters,' denying her campaign recruited Daniel J. Sullivan as a spoiler candidate.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 30, 2026
    Elections

    Aaron Flint is a fifth-generation Montanan and a combat veteran who served as a Lieutenant Colonel, including service in Iraq

    Verdict: True
    Multiple independent sources corroborate that Aaron Flint is a fifth-generation Montanan and a retired Lieutenant Colonel combat veteran who served in Iraq, among other details.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 30, 2026
    Elections

    The Trump Justice Department filed a lawsuit seeking to block certification of the Alaska U.S. Senate election results if the Republican incumbent loses

    Verdict: True
    The DOJ, under AG Todd Blanche, did file a lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska's Senate election results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 29, 2026
    Voting

    Trump said he is offering a $1 million reward for tips on voter fraud that lead to convictions, covering past or upcoming elections

    Verdict: True
    On Monday, October 26, 2026, in a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump announced he would pay $1,000,000 to anyone reporting voter fraud in past elections or the upcoming 2026 midterm election, with payment contingent on arrest and conviction of those responsible.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 29, 2026
    Elections

    Mary Peltola and her family suffered minor injuries when a driver struck the car transporting them to a campaign stop on Saturday, while en route to the Alaska Federation of Natives event

    Verdict: True
    Multiple outlets confirm Mary Peltola and her family sustained minor injuries Saturday when another vehicle struck the car taking them to the Alaska Federation of Natives banquet.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 29, 2026
    Voting

    In-person early voting is underway now in Kansas

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump accurately stated that in-person early voting was underway in Kansas when he posted on October 27, 2026.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Mike Bouchard is a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient.

    Verdict: True
    Mike Bouchard is confirmed to be a U.S. Army veteran and a Bronze Star recipient.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Mike Beltran is a Harvard Law School graduate

    Verdict: True
    Mike Beltran is confirmed to be a graduate of Harvard Law School.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Eric Flores is a U.S. Army veteran and former criminal prosecutor running for Texas' 34th Congressional District

    Verdict: True
    Eric Flores is indeed a U.S. Army veteran and former prosecutor running for Texas's 34th Congressional District.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Tano Tijerina has served as a judge and is running to represent Texas' 28th Congressional District.

    Verdict: True
    Tano Tijerina has served as Webb County Judge and is running for Texas' 28th Congressional District.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Todd Blanche said it was not his intention to "improperly interfere with elections."

    Verdict: True
    Speaking to reporters in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 22, 2026, Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that it was not the Department of Justice's intention to "improperly interfere with elections," while leaving open hypotheticals regarding state election certifications.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump said he has "the right to run again" for president.

    Verdict: True
    During an October 2026 midterm election rally in Iowa, Donald Trump stated that he thinks he has the "right to run again" for president because he claimed the 2020 election was rigged against him.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 27, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump told Vivek Ramaswamy to thank God for an advertisement featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother.

    Verdict: True
    During midterm election coverage, Donald Trump told Vivek Ramaswamy to thank God for an advertisement featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 26, 2026
    Elections

    Vivek Ramaswamy said his campaign ad featuring Amy Acton's mother had nothing to do with allegations of sexual abuse

    Verdict: True
    Following backlash over an Ohio gubernatorial campaign ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, Vivek Ramaswamy stated that the ad had nothing to do with allegations of sexual abuse.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 26, 2026
    Elections

    The Justice Department could get involved in the vote certification process in a 'doomsday' scenario.

    Verdict: Mostly True
    Todd Blanche left open the possibility that the Justice Department could intervene in state vote certifications under extraordinary circumstances.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 26, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump called Abdul El-Sayed a "jihadist" and portrayed him as a threat to national security and questioned his loyalty to the United States.

    Verdict: True
    During a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, Donald Trump called Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a "jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member" and questioned his loyalty to the country.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 26, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump told his administration to sue to block certification of the Alaska Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump acknowledged ordering his administration to file a lawsuit to prevent the certification of Alaska's Senate race if incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 25, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump said he was "the one that said do it" regarding the DOJ lawsuit to block Alaska Senate election certification

    Verdict: Mostly True
    Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, October 23, 2026, "I'm the one that said do it" regarding the Justice Department lawsuit challenging the certification of the Alaska Senate race.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 25, 2026
    Elections

    Recent intelligence assessments show no indication of foreign efforts to manipulate voting machinery or vote counts.

    Verdict: True
    Recent intelligence assessments show no indication of foreign efforts to manipulate voting machinery or vote counts.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 25, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump ordered the Department of Justice to file a lawsuit over the Alaska U.S. Senate race certification.

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump explicitly confirmed that he told his administration to file a Department of Justice lawsuit regarding the certification of the Alaska U.S. Senate race.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 25, 2026
    Elections

    He has 'the right to run again' for president, potentially seeking a third term.

    Verdict: False
    Donald Trump does not have the constitutional right to run for a third presidential term, as the 22nd Amendment explicitly prohibits it.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 24, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump said of JD Vance, "He's a very talented person, and he's a very good person."

    Verdict: True
    In October 2026 in the Oval Office, Donald Trump praised Vice President JD Vance as 'a very talented person and he’s a very good person' while addressing reporters about whether he would endorse Vance for president in 2028.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 24, 2026
    Voting

    Early in-person voting is underway in New Mexico

    Verdict: True
    Early in-person voting is underway in New Mexico.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 24, 2026
    Elections

    Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign should take down an ad featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother

    Verdict: True
    On October 22, 2026, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called on Vivek Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign to take down an advertisement featuring his Democratic opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 23, 2026
    Elections

    Amy Acton has been estranged from her mother since she was abused as a child by her stepfather

    Verdict: Mostly True
    News reports confirm Amy Acton is estranged from her mother and that her stepfather was indicted for raping her during her childhood.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 23, 2026
    Voting

    Early, in-person voting is currently underway in Montana

    Verdict: True
    Data from NBC News confirms that early in-person and mail-in voting was actively underway in Montana.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 23, 2026
    Elections

    Vivek Ramaswamy put up an ad featuring the mother of Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton calling her a liar

    Verdict: True
    Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign produced and promoted an ad featuring the estranged mother of Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton calling her a liar.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 22, 2026
    Elections

    Roger Marshall said Adam Hamilton is going to say anything he can to lie to get into office and give control to Chuck Schumer

    Verdict: True
    During a Kansas Senate debate on October 21, 2026, Roger Marshall accused his opponent, Adam Hamilton, of being willing to say anything and lie to win office and hand Senate control to Chuck Schumer.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 22, 2026
    Voting

    In-person early voting is underway in South Carolina

    Verdict: True
    In-person early voting in South Carolina was indeed underway around October 21–22, 2026.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 22, 2026
    Voting

    The Department of Homeland Security's practice of knocking on doors to ask people about their immigration status and voting history is part of an effort to crack down on voting by noncitizens.

    Verdict: True
    The Trump administration stated that the Department of Homeland Security's door-knocking operations questioning residents about immigration status and voting history were part of an effort to crack down on noncitizen voting.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 22, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump said, "I'm going to go to every one of those 35 places and we're going to see if we can get everyone elected."

    Verdict: True
    At a White House Rose Garden dinner in early September 2026, Donald Trump pledged to campaign in 35 races to help elect Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 22, 2026
    Elections

    Former NFL coach Jon Gruden and Ohio Sen. Jon Husted were teammates.

    Verdict: True
    Former NFL coach Jon Gruden and Ohio politician Jon Husted were college football teammates at the University of Dayton.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 21, 2026
    Voting

    In-person early voting is underway in Minnesota

    Verdict: True
    In-person early voting has officially begun in Minnesota.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 21, 2026
    Elections

    Laura Kelly said Cindy Holscher is too extreme.

    Verdict: True
    Governor Laura Kelly did describe Cindy Holscher as too extreme, specifically calling her 'too extreme for Kansas' prior to later endorsing her.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 20, 2026
    Elections

    People waiting in lines for his rallies stretch for miles.

    Verdict: False
    Donald Trump's claim that lines for his rallies stretch for miles is contradicted by reports of dwindling attendance, empty seats, and reduced venue capacities.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 15, 2026
    Elections

    Donald Trump promised a $5,000 adult payment if Republicans win the 2026 midterms.

    Verdict: True
    Donald Trump explicitly promised in a video statement to give every adult citizen $5,000 if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterms.The Baseline automated desk · Oct 13, 2026
    The Associated Press
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