Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* Virginia is one of two states that will hold gubernatorial elections this year, and with 42 weeks remaining, voters in the commonwealth should expect a close contest: The latest Mason-Dixon poll found former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger narrowly leading her likely Republican rival, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, 47% to 44%. (Click the link for additional information on the survey’s methodology and margin of error.)
* Americans for Prosperity, a political operation founded by the Koch Brothers, is reportedly investing $20 million into a public relations campaign in support of Republican tax breaks. According to a Fox News report, AFP’s “ad blitz” will target all 50 states.
* On a related note, The New York Times reported that a coalition of conservative groups has launched a campaign to pressure Republican senators to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next secretary of defense. Some of the efforts, the report added, are being coordinated with Donald Trump’s senior advisers.
* In Oklahoma, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond this week became the first leading Republican to launch a 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Incumbent GOP governor, Kevin Stitt, is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third term.
* Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke apparently isn’t done exploring political opportunities: The former congressman is reportedly interested in chairing the Texas Democratic Party. In recent years, O’Rourke has run unsuccessful gubernatorial, presidential and U.S. Senate campaigns.
* And former first lady Michelle Obama confirmed to the Associated Press that she will not attend Trump’s second inaugural, though Barack Obama will be in attendance. Her statement did not include an explanation.
