Key takeaways: A new CNN poll shows Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot, with a much larger advantage among highly motivated voters. Former President Donald Trump publicly urged and endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow as a potential GOP challenger to Sen. Bill Cassidy. Redistricting battles are unfolding in Indiana and Virginia — the latter could allow Democrats to redraw maps and potentially gain up to four House seats. Gov. Gavin Newsom set an Aug. 4 special election to replace the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa, and in Texas the Ken Paxton campaign circulated an AI-generated video targeting Sen. John Cornyn.
Monday Campaign Round-Up — Jan. 19, 2026: Trump Endorses Julia Letlow; Redistricting Battles Intensify
Here’s today’s roundup of notable campaign developments from around the country.
Polls: Democrats Hold Edge, Especially Among Highly Motivated Voters
A new national CNN poll finds Democrats leading Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, 46% to 41%. That advantage grows sharply among Americans who say they are deeply motivated to vote, where Democrats hold a 16-point lead.
Trump Endorses Potential Challenger To Sen. Bill Cassidy
Rep. Julia Letlow has not yet announced whether she will challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in a Republican primary in Louisiana. On Saturday, former President Donald Trump publicly encouraged Letlow to run and issued an endorsement of her potential candidacy against the incumbent senator.
Indiana Redistricting Fight Continues
More than a month after Republican state senators in Indiana rejected a White House-backed redistricting plan, Trump remains publicly angry. Over the weekend he wrote online that he met with the Club for Growth’s David McIntosh and discussed plans to "take out" Indiana Senate Majority Leader Rod Bray. Trump added, "We're after you Bray, like no one has ever come after you before!"
Sen. Bill Cassidy.(2025 Getty Images)
Virginia Moves To Let Democrats Redraw Maps
Virginia lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment that would allow the Democratic-led legislature to redraw the commonwealth’s district lines. As The New York Times noted, if voters approve the amendment in a referendum this spring, Democrats could be positioned to pick up as many as four additional U.S. House seats.
California Special Election Date Set
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced late last week that the special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa will be held on Aug. 4. While GOP leaders favored a quicker replacement, the Democratic governor selected the latest date permitted under state law.
Early 2028 Primary Contests: A Race To Go First
It’s still unclear which states will lead the Democratic nominating calendar for 2028, but a field of 12 states is actively vying for the earliest slots — a race that could shape the primary debate and candidate momentum.
Controversy In Texas: AI-Generated Campaign Video
With roughly two months until a high-profile Republican Senate primary in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign released an AI-generated video depicting his chief rival, Sen. John Cornyn, dancing with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic contender. The clip was promoted online by the Paxton campaign but has not been purchased for broadcast airings.
Note: This roundup summarizes reporting and public posts from campaigns and media outlets including CNN and The New York Times.
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