The House is on recess, and we're all breathing a sigh of relief. More legislation is on the horizon, and the 2026 elections are going to be heating up in a couple of months. Cook Political Report's Erin Covey, House analyst and elections expert, walks us through what to expect for this year's competitive election season.

The House is on recess, and we're all breathing a sigh of relief. More legislation is on the horizon, and the 2026 elections are going to be heating up in a couple of months. Cook Political Report's Erin Covey, House analyst and elections expert, walks us through what to expect for this year's competitive election season.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble. Not us — we’re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast. For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we’re here for you, too! We’ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation’s lawmakers.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble. Not us &mdash; we&rsquo;re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast. For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we&rsquo;re here for you, too! We&rsquo;ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation&rsquo;s lawmakers.

Capitol Conversations

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble.

Not us — we’re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast.

For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we’re here for you, too! We’ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation’s lawmakers.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble.
Not us &mdash; we&rsquo;re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast.
For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we&rsquo;re here for you, too! We&rsquo;ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation&rsquo;s lawmakers.

House is out on recess and 2026 preview with Cook Political Report's Erin Covey

Last week was heavily centered in the Senate, with funding for Homeland Security stalled as Democrats and Republicans dug their heels in. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is asking for a $200 billion supplemental package for the war in Iran - how is that going to go down in the House? We have the latest. 
Read more here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4495646/trump-will-not-submit-budget-request-without-iran-dhs-stability/

#washingtonexaminer #dhs #dhsfunding #iranwar Check out our website: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/

Last week was heavily centered in the Senate, with funding for Homeland Security stalled as Democrats and Republicans dug their heels in. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is asking for a $200 billion supplemental package for the war in Iran - how is that going to go down in the House? We have the latest. Read more here: <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4495646/trump-will-not-submit-budget-request-without-iran-dhs-stability/">https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4495646/trump-will-not-submit-budget-request-without-iran-dhs-stability/</a> #washingtonexaminer #dhs #dhsfunding #iranwar Check out our website: <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/">https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/</a>

Update on DHS funding and war in Iran comes to Congress

Rachel and Lauren recap their week in Miami, covering the Republican retreat at Trump National Doral, where lawmakers gathered to map out strategy for the 2026 midterms. While Republicans still hold the trifecta, the mood was more cautious than last year as members wrestled with how to craft a winning message.

The hosts break down the party’s growing focus on affordability and the economy, the challenge of communicating the impact of the “big beautiful bill,” and why Republicans believe tax cuts and no-tax-on-tips could help their case with voters. They also discuss the tension between House messaging and President Trump’s priorities, including the SAVE Act and foreign policy developments involving Iran.

With narrow margins in Congress, a possible second reconciliation bill, and historical trends working against the party in midterms, Republicans face a tough path to keeping the House. Rachel and Lauren explain what lawmakers are saying behind the scenes—and what it all could mean for the fight for control of Congress in 2026.

Rachel and Lauren recap their week in Miami, covering the Republican retreat at Trump National Doral, where lawmakers gathered to map out strategy for the 2026 midterms. While Republicans still hold the trifecta, the mood was more cautious than last year as members wrestled with how to craft a winning message.
The hosts break down the party&rsquo;s growing focus on affordability and the economy, the challenge of communicating the impact of the &ldquo;big beautiful bill,&rdquo; and why Republicans believe tax cuts and no-tax-on-tips could help their case with voters. They also discuss the tension between House messaging and President Trump&rsquo;s priorities, including the SAVE Act and foreign policy developments involving Iran.
With narrow margins in Congress, a possible second reconciliation bill, and historical trends working against the party in midterms, Republicans face a tough path to keeping the House. Rachel and Lauren explain what lawmakers are saying behind the scenes&mdash;and what it all could mean for the fight for control of Congress in 2026.

Inside the GOP retreat: Messaging, midterms, and Trump’s ggenda

The Texas primaries delivered major surprises — and could reshape the political landscape heading into the 2026 elections.

In this episode of Capitol Conversations, Rachel and Lauren break down the biggest takeaways from a chaotic primary week across Texas. From James Talarico’s unexpected win over social-media powerhouse Jasmine Crockett to the high-stakes Republican runoffs involving Ken Paxton, John Cornyn allies, Tony Gonzalez, and Brandon Herrera, the political battle lines are shifting fast.

Lauren reports from the ground after traveling across Texas and speaking directly with voters, revealing what Beltway insiders often miss: the real issues driving voters in the state.

They discuss:


Why Talarico’s “Texas-first” campaign strategy worked


The limits of social media influence in real elections


What Christian messaging and kitchen-table issues mean for Democrats


The explosive Tony Gonzalez vs. Brandon Herrera runoff


How the Allred vs. Julie Johnson Democratic fight could shape the party


Whether the 2026 midterms are turning into a battle for the political center

With multiple races heading to May runoffs, the fight for Texas — and potentially control of the Senate — is far from over.

Subscribe to Capitol Conversations for weekly insights into the biggest political battles shaping Washington and the country.

The Texas primaries delivered major surprises &mdash; and could reshape the political landscape heading into the 2026 elections.
In this episode of Capitol Conversations, Rachel and Lauren break down the biggest takeaways from a chaotic primary week across Texas. From James Talarico&rsquo;s unexpected win over social-media powerhouse Jasmine Crockett to the high-stakes Republican runoffs involving Ken Paxton, John Cornyn allies, Tony Gonzalez, and Brandon Herrera, the political battle lines are shifting fast.
Lauren reports from the ground after traveling across Texas and speaking directly with voters, revealing what Beltway insiders often miss: the real issues driving voters in the state.
They discuss:
<ul data-start="1258" data-end="1675">
<li data-section-id="1tpyczn" data-start="1258" data-end="1317">
Why Talarico&rsquo;s &ldquo;Texas-first&rdquo; campaign strategy worked
</li>
<li data-section-id="mhcxs9" data-start="1318" data-end="1378">
The limits of social media influence in real elections
</li>
<li data-section-id="6lzxw1" data-start="1379" data-end="1453">
What Christian messaging and kitchen-table issues mean for Democrats
</li>
<li data-section-id="1b7krp4" data-start="1454" data-end="1514">
The explosive Tony Gonzalez vs. Brandon Herrera runoff
</li>
<li data-section-id="a72hba" data-start="1515" data-end="1592">
How the Allred vs. Julie Johnson Democratic fight could shape the party
</li>
<li data-section-id="1vt3rd3" data-start="1593" data-end="1675">
Whether the 2026 midterms are turning into a battle for the political center
</li>
</ul>
With multiple races heading to May runoffs, the fight for Texas &mdash; and potentially control of the Senate &mdash; is far from over.
Subscribe to Capitol Conversations for weekly insights into the biggest political battles shaping Washington and the country.

House is out on recess and 2026 preview with Cook Political Report's Erin Covey

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