Nebraska Senate 2026 Primary: Ricketts Wins Nomination | GOP Digest May 15, 2026

Capito Holds Nomination:

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) turned back primary challengers to clinch the Republican Senate nomination, advancing to face Democrat Fetty Anderson in November. Capito's incumbency and deep statewide ties proved decisive; West Virginia remains a safe Republican hold with Donald Trump carrying the state by over 30 points in 2024.

Trump Purge Complete:

Trump-backed challengers swept all five incumbent Republican state senators who voted to block the president's redistricting agenda. The clean sweep — confirmed by NBC News and The New York Times — underscores Donald Trump's continued grip on Republican primary voters and his ability to enforce party discipline. The results send a clear warning to any Republican who crosses the president ahead of November.

Cooper Widens Lead:

New May 2026 polling shows former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper extending a double-digit lead over Republican nominee Michael Whatley for North Carolina's open Senate seat. The Senate Majority PAC has committed $31.4 million to Cooper's campaign (WBT/Carolina Journal). Republicans will need a significant shift to hold the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.

Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns in Disgrace:

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) resigned from Congress minutes before the House was set to consider her expulsion, following a bipartisan Ethics Committee finding of financial misconduct. She faces criminal charges including allegations of stealing from disaster relief funds and misusing campaign finances. Her resignation adds to a growing list of Democratic congressional ethics scandals placing pressure on House Minority Leader Jeffries. Source: AP News, Reuters (May 15, 2026).

NRSC v. FEC Before Supreme Court:

The Supreme Court is expected to rule before July on the NRSC v. FEC challenge to coordination limits between party committees and candidates. A favorable ruling could allow the NRSC and NRCC to direct previously restricted funds directly into candidate campaigns — a potentially massive structural advantage as Republicans defend their Senate majority. Source: CBS News.