Senate Reconciliation Bill 2026: Anti-Weaponization Fight | GOP Digest May 22, 2026

Paxton Surges +22 Over Cornyn in New Poll:

A new SoCal Strategies poll shows Trump-backed state AG Ken Paxton leading incumbent Sen. John Cornyn by 22 points — 57% to 35% — in the GOP Senate runoff. Multiple Senate Republicans cited Trump's endorsement of Paxton over the highly respected former Senate Whip as "the straw that broke the camel's back" in their frustrations with the administration.

Trump's Endorsements Dominate; Massie and Cassidy Ousted:

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) lost his primary by more than 9 points to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein on Tuesday, following weeks of public feuding with the president over foreign policy. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also lost his primary. Republican operatives noted Trump's demonstrated ability to mobilize the GOP base remains unmatched heading into the midterms.

Trump Approval at Record Low Among Republicans:

A new Fox News poll shows Trump's approval among Republicans hit an all-time low of 80 percent, with non-MAGA Republicans at just 54 percent. A New York Times/Siena poll put his overall approval at 37 percent. Economy disapproval rose to 71 percent driven by inflation at 3.8 percent and national gas prices averaging over $4.50 per gallon. Pollster Daron Shaw noted: "Independents jumped ship in 2025, and now non-MAGA Republicans and other core constituencies are wavering."

Trump Campaigns with Lawler in NY-17 Swing District:

President Trump visited Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District on Friday, one of the nation's most competitive swing seats. The visit focused on touting the SALT deduction increase to $40,000 — a provision Lawler negotiated — as Republicans work to localize economic wins ahead of the midterms.

DNC Autopsy Triggers Resignation Calls for Chair Martin:

DNC Chair Ken Martin released a botched 192-page autopsy on the party's 2024 losses — riddled with factual errors and notable omissions including no mention of Biden's age, the Walz VP pick, or Gaza. The first House Democrat, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), called for Martin to resign, joining former DNC Vice Chair David Hogg. Martin himself admitted: "I am not proud of this product; it does not meet my standards." Democrats are in open disarray just six months before the midterms.