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Midterm elections live updates: Judge orders DOJ to halt threats to election workers

The judge granted a temporary restraining order through Nov. 16

The high-stakes midterm elections are just days away, and candidates are making their final pitches to voters.

There are several key House and Senate races that could determine the balance of power in Congress as well as significant races for governor around the country. The elections could ultimately determine how effective President Donald Trump's agenda is in the back half of his second term.

Oct 27, 2026, 8:50 PM EDT

Republican Murkowski endorses Democrat in Alaska governor race

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democratic candidate Jonathon S. Kreiss-Tomkins in the Alaska governor's race, his campaign announced Tuesday.

"Our future is too important to be hamstrung by partisan divisions," Murkowski said in a statement. "Alaska needs a serious conversation about our fiscal future, as well as a focus on the cost of energy and growing our economy. I believe Jonathan is committed to working toward solutions that serve all Alaskans, regardless of party."

PHOTO: Lisa Murkowski
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, emerges from a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans before final votes for the week at the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 24, 2026.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

Murkowski has a history of opposing President Donald Trump and bucking her party.

Trump on Saturday called her the "Republicans' Worst Senator" and "a DISGRACE to Alaska and our Country" over her opposition to the Justice Department's lawsuit seeking to block the certification of the Alaska Senate race if Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.

-ABC News' Emily Chang

Oct 27, 2026, 12:48 PM EDT

Trump says he'll respect midterm results 'if they're honest'

President Donald Trump, on his way to a campaign event in Texas on Tuesday, signaled that he would work with Democrats if they regained some control in Congress after the midterms -- but cautioned that he has a "strong veto." He also said he will respect the results of the elections -- but notably added "if they’re honest."

Trump has repeatedly made unfounded claims that there was widespread voter fraud in past elections.

President Donald Trump stops to speak to members of the media as he departs for Texas, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, October 27, 2026.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

ABC News White House Correspondent Karen Travers asked Trump about his level of concern about GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s chances in the competitive race against Democratic candidate James Talarico.

Trump left the door open to the possibility of Paxton’s loss, saying, "you never know -- it’s politics," but then claimed the Republican would do "very well."

-ABC News' Isabella Murray and Michelle Stoddart

Oct 27, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT

Trump heads to Texas again for 2 rallies

President Donald Trump on Tuesday makes his fourth campaign season (since Labor Day) trip to Texas where he is set to hold two rallies in the state as he and Republicans make their closing arguments in battleground races.

With just one week before Election Day, Trump will attend rallies in Lubbock and Corpus Christi.

All eyes are on the Texas Senate race as Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico remain locked in a neck-and-neck contest. Paxton confirmed he will attend and plans to deliver remarks at both rallies. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who is in a toss-up race in the 15th Congressional District against Tejano musician Bobby Pulido, said she will also be in attendance.

Republican Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton looks on as U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a campaign rally at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, October 13, 2026 in Tyler, Texas.
Pool/Getty Images

Talarico will also speak at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, according to a campaign advisory.

Democrat candidate for US Senate James Talarico speaks to supporters during his "Clear Eyes Full Hearts" campaign tour at the Hilton University of Houston in Houston, Texas, October 21, 2026.
Cecile Clocheret/AFP via Getty Images

More than 20% of registered voters in Texas have voted early.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie, Diana Paulsen and Emily Chang

Oct 27, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT

Election cycle of 2025-2026 now most expensive ever: AdImpact

The 2025-2026 election cycle has become the most expensive cycle on record, according to media tracking firm AdImpact.

As of Monday night, there has been $11.21 billion in ad spending and reservations in the 2025-2026 cycle, the firm said.

According to AdImpact, that is now more than the $11.20 billion spent for the full 2023-2024 election cycle.

A person casts their ballots at St. Mary's Episcopal Church during the first day of early voting in Los Angeles, October 24, 2026.
Chris Torres/EPA/Shutterstock

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim

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