Disclaimer: Many of the developments discussed below are fluid and may change rapidly. The information is relevant and accurate as of 12:00pm EDT on September 9, 2026.
Federal Government Shutdown Averted
August recess has concluded, and lawmakers returned to Congress to pass a continuing resolution. On September 1st, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 11th and avert a government shutdown ahead of the midterm elections. The measure cleared the House by a bipartisan 370-48 vote, and the Senate previously approved the legislation on a bipartisan 90-6 vote.
By extending current funding levels through early December, lawmakers have postponed appropriations negotiations until after the midterm elections, but before the end of the 119th Congress. As a result, decisions on FY2027 spending priorities will be negotiated during the post-election lame-duck session.
Takeaway: Bipartisan support for the CR reflects a desire to avoid a government shutdown before the midterms, while setting up a high-stakes spending fight during the post-election lame-duck session.
House Cancels Votes in September Ahead of Midterms
Republican House leadership announced the cancellation of the final two weeks of the September legislative session. House lawmakers will now depart September 17th and return in November after the midterm elections. Members could be recalled if the Senate advances the budget reconciliation package.
This decision comes at a crucial time as House members focus on reelection efforts ahead of the midterms. The Senate so far has been reluctant to advance the budget reconciliation bill or abolish the Senate filibuster. The budget reconciliation has been a major legislative priority of President Trump, which has put him directly at odds with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
Takeaway: House Republicans are prioritizing campaign activity ahead of the midterms while leaving open the possibility of returning to Congress if budget reconciliation gains momentum in the Senate.
Notable Primary Elections
Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) fended off a high-profile primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-6), winning the Democratic nomination with 64.8% of the vote. Markey will now face Republican John Deaton in November for the Massachusetts Senate seat.
The race highlighted a key trend shaping Democratic primaries this cycle, as ideological divisions between progressives and moderates intersect with debates over generational change. Although Sen. Markey is 80 years old, he positioned himself as the progressive candidate in the race. Markey was backed by prominent liberal figures including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14).
In Florida, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) won the Republican nomination for Governor with 47.8% of the vote and will face David Jolly, a former Republican Congressman who secured the Democratic nomination with 60.9%.
Alaska’s Senate primary positioned incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and former Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK-At Large) for a closely watched general election matchup. Peltola led the primary field with 49.5% of the vote, while Sullivan received 41.4%.
Takeaway: The September primaries highlighted key fault lines heading into November, with progressives maintaining influence in Democratic contests, Republicans rallying behind Trump-aligned candidates, and Alaska emerging as a competitive Senate battleground.
