{
  "id": 1680095,
  "title": "Political dirty tricks upend midterm races across the country",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/political-dirty-tricks-upend-midterm-races-across-the-country",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T09:10:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Midterm elections in 2026 have been marred by unprecedented levels of political dirty tricks. Democrats are alleging that Green Party nominee Andrew Tupone in Pennsylvania's 7th District is attempting to siphon votes away from Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.) by enlisting Republicans to support his candidacy. Meanwhile, in Alaska, two Dan Sullivans are on the primary ballot, with Republicans accusing Democrats of creating confusion by allowing both to remain on the ballot. In Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota, Senate Democratic candidates have unexpectedly withdrawn, hoping to enable independent candidates to defeat Republicans. Montana's Democratic candidate, Alani Bankhead, may drop out to allow Independent Seth Bodnar to run, though she has confirmed her intention to continue. Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) both withdrew their reelection bids just before the deadline to file for their seats, presumably to prevent primary opposition for their designated successors. Federal Election Commission filings have revealed that Republicans orchestrated a series of pop-up super PACs, dubbed \"Lead Left PAC,\" \"Real Change PAC,\" and \"Progressive Champions PAC,\" to endorse scandal-tainted or left-wing Democratic primary candidates in crucial districts. Additionally, AIPAC, a pro-Israel group often associated with disdain among Democratic primary voters, also attempted to support House candidates through obscure super PACs and affiliated PACs.",
  "summary": "The 2026 midterms are becoming a watershed election for primary meddling, mysterious super PACs, alleged straw candidates and all other manner of political shenanigans. Why it matters: With the number of battleground House districts diminished by redistricting and the fight for the Senate extremely tight, each one of these schemes could have an outsized impact on control of Congress. Green Party…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}