<ul class="summary-list"><li>Democratic messaging on masking is increasingly muddled.</li><li>The Biden administration wants to keep some mask requirements, while blue state governors ease them.</li></ul>Democrats' political unity on masking and other COVID-19 restrictions is cracking, and the division could have consequences for the party in November and beyond as pandemic-weary voters seek leaders who will help them return to some semblance of normalcy. Rank-and-file Democrats, hoping to defend their very tight majority in Congress, are struggling to discuss mask policies as President <keyword id="99719" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="joe-biden" source="Orion">Joe Biden</keyword>'s administration continues to recommend indoor face-coverings and blue-state governors in New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Oregon, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Biden's home state of Delaware relax different mandates. Democratic senators interviewed by Insider recently at the US Capitol were left trying to thread the needle between supporting federal and state responses."Everybody's doing their best to try to meet different circumstances," said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, one of the Democrat-led states unwinding its indoor mask policy. "Some of them are local circumstances. And frankly, I don't have any criticism of anybody."The messaging chaos within the party comes as Republicans are ridiculing Democrats for inconsistencies and hypocrisy on <keyword id="11917128" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="masks" source="Orion">masks</keyword>, highlighting photos on social media of unmasked Democrats such as Rep. <keyword id="11949072" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alexandria-ocasio-cortez" source="Orion">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</keyword> of New York, Georgia gubernatorial candidate <keyword id="12285104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stacey-abrams" source="Orion">Stacey Abrams</keyword>, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5001653/senator-mcconnell-suggests-democrats-shift-mask-mandates-motivated-polling">And on the Senate floor Monday, </a>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican of Kentucky suggested that Democrats' actions on masks were politically-motivated."The only science that's changed in the last two weeks is the political science," McConnell said. "The only data that's changed in the last two weeks is Democrats' polling data."T<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mask-mandates-democratic-governors-cdc-president-joe-biden-2022-2">he daylight between the Biden administration and governors in the president's party</a> on masking in public and in schools has left the party without a clear message on what comes next. Some would rather avoid the topic.Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, a Democratic-led state that will soon lift indoor mask mandates, demurred when asked whether Biden needs to change his message on masking. He instead pivoted to vaccinations, noting that he recently told constituents that his strongest hope is that everyone who can will get vaccinated. "And that seemed to be something that brought people together and that's what I'm going to be focused on," Wyden told Insider.Sen. <keyword id="12467728" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tim-kaine" source="Orion">Tim Kaine</keyword> of Virginia declined to comment on Democratic state senators <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/08/virginia-masks-schools-senate-democrats/">joining with Republicans in his state </a>on a measure allowing parents to opt out of mask-wearing for their children at school after members of the state party fought Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on the issue."I'm going to let the state guys do their state thing," Kaine said during an interview at the US Capitol. "I'll focus on my federal job. That's more than enough to keep me busy."<div type="image" title="People display signs protesting mask and vaccine mandates during the Kentucky Freedom Rally at the capitol building on August 28, 2021 in Frankfort, Kentucky." height="1331" width="2000" msid="89579282" hostid="261"></div><h2>'A tough call'</h2>During an interview with NBC released on February 10, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/nbc-news-exclusive-one-on-one-with-president-biden-132901957504">Biden acknowledged</a> what host Lester Holt described as "restlessness" and "leaders bowing to the political winds" on masks. "All the variants have a profound impact on the psyche of the American people," Biden said.Asked whether he feared some cities and states are moving too quickly to loosen indoor mask mandates, Biden said, "I committed that I would follow the science, the science as put forward by the CDC, and the federal people. And I think it's probably premature, but it's, you know, it's a tough call."There's discord between Democratic insiders, too, about how party members should talk about COVID-19 if they don't want to suffer major losses in the midterms."We've got to step up on COVID, and as you've seen Democratic governors do in recent days, start to normalize where we are and transition us from a pandemic," said Mark Longabaugh, a longtime Democratic operative who was a senior advisor on Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. "We're not out of a pandemic yet, but we gotta talk about and start transitioning our policies to where it's an endemic thing — rather than pandemic — when we can get society back and our country back to some sense of normalcy."Longabaugh said that Democrats focused too much of their time sparring with Republicans over masking and mandates, rather than conveying a message of, "Let's get schools back to normal, let's get back to a functioning society."Democratic pollster Celinda Lake, however, said Biden's message on masks is winning with voters, noting that 85 percent of Democrats support mask-mandates and face-coverings in school and a "solid majority" of voters overall support masking."The best way to deal with Covid fatigue is really deal with Covid," she wrote in an email to Insider. "And we certainly shouldn't be stopping too early or before spring breaks." During interviews at the Capitol, two Democratic senators facing re-election in states with Republican governors stayed on the pro-science messaging bandwagon when asked about mask mandates."I think we increase our likelihood of making mistakes when we let the <keyword id="11893346" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="politics" source="Orion">politics</keyword> guide us rather than the science," said Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia.Sen. <keyword id="13025090" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mark-kelly" source="Orion">Mark Kelly</keyword>, a Democrat of Arizona said, "I think it's best when it comes to science to listen to the scientists and not listen to the politicians."<h2>Republicans focus on 'hypocrisy' message</h2>Republicans, many of whom have long railed against face mask requirements even during the height of the pandemic, <a href="https://gop.com/research/democrats-masks-for-thee-but-not-for-me-continues-rsr/">are focused on painting Democrats</a> as hypocrites for breaking their rules with "masks for thee but not for me" positions. When Abrams appeared, maskless, with a group of masked school children in Decatur, Georgia, conservatives like Rep. <keyword id="11917797" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="marjorie-taylor-greene" source="Orion">Marjorie Taylor Greene</keyword> quickly pounced, labeling the voting rights activist"hypocritical" and making not-so-thinly disguised insults about Abrams' appearance.Ocasio-Cortez, who posted a video of herself dancing while on the trail for Democratic House candidate Jessica Cisneros in Texas this weekend, caught similar heat from Sen. <keyword id="11971766" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ted-cruz" source="Orion">Ted Cruz</keyword>, a Republican of that state."Only Dems can be such shameless mask hypocrites," Cruz tweeted.As the Super Bowl played out on Sunday, some conservatives were focused not on the game but on footage of celebrities and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti milling about VIP rooms with their famous faces unobstructed. The Republican National Committee even <a href="https://twitter.com/GOP/status/1491512983259914245?s=20&amp;t=xQBYJbdaQFPM2Kzgk-uuIw">cut a video</a> and began a recent issue of its weekly newsletter to the phenomenon."Despite forcing masks because they're 'following the science,' Democrats have no problem taking off their masks when it's inconvenient to themselves. Their hypocrisy is increasingly brazen," the RNC wrote. While new cases of the omicron variant <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases">are receding,</a> Covid still poses a threat to people who are immunocompromised or live with conditions that put them at extra risk for hospitalization or death — even if many are ready to get on with life.Sen. Tom Carper of Biden's home-state of Delaware seemed to embrace both his governor and president's messages when asked about mandates. At the time, he was looking forward to hitting the Wilmington YMCA a little later than usual on February 11 to take advantage of the state's indoor mask mandate lifting at 8 a.m. "These masks have saved a lot of our lives, probably including my own and my wife's, but I will welcome the day when we no longer have to wear them, and in Delaware it's 8 a.m. on Friday morning," he said. Asked what Biden should do, Carper said "I think we just follow the numbers, follow the science, listen to good advice and then allow the states to use discretion, governors to use discretion as well, and learn from what the states are doing."

Democrats are in mask messaging chaos as Republicans gleefully shame AOC and Stacey Abrams for going without face-coverings

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rep. <keyword id="12997779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="henry-cuellar" source="Orion">Henry Cuellar</keyword> released a video on Tuesday addressing last week's <keyword id="11964162" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fbi" source="Orion">FBI</keyword> <keyword id="11911196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="raid" source="Orion">raid</keyword> on his home.</li><li>The investigation "will show that there was no wrongdoing on my part," he said in the campaign video.</li></ul>Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of <keyword id="11896956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="texas" source="Orion">Texas</keyword> in a campaign video released on Tuesday addressed last week's FBI <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/henry-cuellar-fbi-court-authorized-raid-texas-home-2022-1">raid on his home,</a> and said the investigation "will show that there was no wrongdoing on my part."The FBI last Wednesday conducted a "court-authorized" search at Cuellar's Laredo, Texas, home and his campaign headquarters.ABC <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">News</keyword> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/henry-cuellar-fbi-raid-connected-to-federal-azerbaijan-probe-2022-1">reported</a> last week that the raid was connected to a broader probe relating to Azerbaijan. The FBI activity is "part of a wide-ranging federal probe relating to the former Soviet state of Azerbaijan and several U.S. businessmen," a source familiar with the matter told ABC News. Cuellar is a co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, but it's unclear why federal officials are specifically investigating him. Cuellar reiterated on Tuesday that he's fully cooperating with law enforcement officials and "committed to ensuring that justice and the law is upheld."The Texas Democrat spoke directly to his constituents in the campaign video, making clear that he is running for reelection this year and intends to win."I pride myself on being your congressman and always doing things honestly, ethically, in the right way," he said."This is my home, my community, and why I got into <keyword id="11893346" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="politics" source="Orion">politics</keyword>," Cuellar continued. "Nothing can distract me from being laser-focused on getting the job done for you and for south Texas, the way I always have."Cuellar has represented Texas' 28th Congressional District since 2005. A moderate Democrat, Cuellar <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-28th-district-dem-primary-cuellar-vs-cisneros-live-results-2020-3">defeated</a> his progressive Democratic primary challenger, 26-year-old immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros, in a closely-watched 2020 race. They will face off again this year.Just after the raid, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced she was endorsing Cisneros, whom she had backed in 2020. Politico reported that the New York Democrat's support was already planned before the raid, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/25/cuellar-cisneros-primary-challenge-00001579">but the race has received renewed attention.</a>Cisneros, now 28, responded to Cuellar's reelection campaign video shortly after it was posted on Twitter."Despite being investigated by the FBI, he's all in," she said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/JCisnerosTX/status/1486093196358737921?s=20">video</a> on Twitter. "Well so am I, and I'm ready to finish what we started."

Rep. Henry Cuellar says an investigation will show 'no wrongdoing on my part' after the FBI raided his home

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Wednesday's FBI raid on Rep. <keyword id="12997779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="henry-cuellar" source="Orion">Henry Cuellar</keyword>'s home is connected to <keyword id="12243502" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="azerbaijan" source="Orion">Azerbaijan</keyword>, ABC reports. </li><li>It was related to a "wide-ranging" federal probe into the country and "U.S. businessmen," ABC said.</li></ul>The FBI's Wednesday raid on Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar's home and campaign office is connected to a broader federal investigation regarding Azerbaijan, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/fbi-raid-house-democrats-home-related-azerbaijan-probe/story?id=82384118">ABC News reports. </a>Federal agents <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/henry-cuellar-fbi-court-authorized-raid-texas-home-2022-1">descended on Cuellar's campaign office and home in Laredo, Texas,</a> and agents were seen searching his house and removing multiple items, <a href="https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/01/19/fbi-activity-underway-near-rep-cuellars-home-in-laredo/">The Monitor</a> and CNN reported. "The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity," FBI spokeswoman Roseanne Hughes <a href="https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/01/19/fbi-activity-underway-near-rep-cuellars-home-in-laredo/">confirmed in a Wednesday statement</a>. "The FBI cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation."ABC, citing a source familiar with the matter, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/fbi-raid-house-democrats-home-related-azerbaijan-probe/story?id=82384118">said the FBI activity</a> was "part of a wide-ranging federal probe relating to the former Soviet state of Azerbaijan and several U.S. businessmen." It is so far unknown if Cuellar himself is a target of the investigation, which a grand jury is probing in Washington, D.C. Cuellar, as ABC noted, is a co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus. "Congressman Cuellar will fully cooperate in any investigation," Cuellar's office said in a Wednesday statement <a href="https://twitter.com/haleytalbotnbc/status/1483956746414706694">to multiple media outlets</a>. "He is committed to ensuring that justice and the law are upheld."The Texas Democrat, who has represented South Texas in Congress since 2005, now finds himself ensnared in a federal investigation less than six weeks before a high-stakes rematch against progressive primary challenger Jessica Cisneros on March 1. "We are aware of the news regarding Congressman Cuellar and the active FBI investigation," <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickSvitek/status/1484190031917031424?s=20">Cisneros said in a Thursday morning statement.</a> "We are closely watching as this develops. In the meantime, we are focused on our campaign to deliver change for South Texas families and will not be making any additional comments at this time."

The FBI raid on Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar is connected to a federal Azerbaijan probe, report says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11964162" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fbi" source="Orion">FBI</keyword> conducted a "court-authorized" raid on Democratic Rep. <keyword id="12997779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="henry-cuellar" source="Orion">Henry Cuellar</keyword>'s home in Laredo, Texas. </li><li>Cuellar's office said he would "fully cooperate" in any federal investigation. </li></ul>The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday conducted what it described as a "court-authorized" search on the Laredo, Texas, home of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar. It's unclear why the raid took place."The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity," FBI spokeswoman Roseanne Hughes <a href="https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/01/19/fbi-activity-underway-near-rep-cuellars-home-in-laredo/">confirmed in a statement to The Monitor</a> and other outlets. "The FBI cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation."<a href="https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/01/19/fbi-activity-underway-near-rep-cuellars-home-in-laredo/">The Monitor</a> reported that "federal vehicles were seen with cases and other items taken from the congressman's house as over two dozen agents filed in and out of the residence" throughout Wednesday afternoon. Agents and "several government vehicles" were also seen outside Cuellar's campaign office, The Monitor said. "Congressman Cuellar will fully cooperate in any investigation," Cuellar's office said in a Wednesday statement <a href="https://twitter.com/haleytalbotnbc/status/1483956746414706694">to multiple media outlets</a>. "He is committed to ensuring that justice and the law are upheld."Cuellar has represented South Texas in Congress since 2005 and is known for his moderate stances on issues like immigration and abortion.He will face a rematch against progressive primary challenger Jessica Cisneros in less than six weeks in Texas' March 1 primaries. Cisneros, a public defender who ran against Cuellar in 2020, <a href="https://jessicacisnerosforcongress.com/endorsements/">has been endorsed</a> by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and groups including Justice Democrats, NARAL Pro-Choice, and EMILY's List. "We are aware of the news regarding Congressman Cuellar and the active FBI investigation," <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickSvitek/status/1484190031917031424?s=20">Cisneros said in a Thursday morning statement.</a> "We are closely watching as this develops. In the meantime, we are focused on our campaign to deliver change for South Texas families and will not be making any additional comments at this time."

The FBI raided Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar's home in Texas but it's unclear why

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pro-Trump candidate in <keyword id="11896956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="texas" source="Orion">Texas</keyword> said an old anti-Trump post on his Facebook was actually a prank.</li><li>Ed Cabrera's campaign told The Texas Tribune it was actually posted by his son.</li></ul>A businessman and rancher running as a Republican for US Congress in Texas said an anti-Trump post shared on his Facebook page in 2016 could be chalked up to a prank by his son.Ed Cabrera, who is <a href="https://edcabreraforsouthtexas.com/issues/">campaigning</a> on finishing the "<keyword id="6354862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="trump" source="Orion">Trump</keyword> Border Wall," is running to represent the state's 28th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar currently occupies the seat.According to <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2022/01/18/trump-congress-ed-cabrera/">The Texas Tribune</a>, a 2016 post on Cabrera's Facebook page disparaged the former president."Better to be a Mexican than to be a citizen of a country that elects Trump as President. Don't pay for the wall, arriba Mejico!" the post read, according to the outlet. The caption was shared alongside a photo of Cabrera outside the Mexican consulate building in New York. The Tribune reported that the post appeared to have only been deleted in 2021 after Cabrera announced his campaign.Cabrera's campaign said the post was actually written by Cabrera's son, playing a practical joke on his dad."The social media post was a practical joke by Mr. Cabrera's son to mock Mr. Cabrera's strong support of President Trump," the campaign told the Tribune. "It was posted when Mr. Cabrera gave his son his phone to take a picture."Cabrera's <a href="https://edcabreraforsouthtexas.com/issues/">campaign website</a> said he would advocate for a secure border and to "finish building the Trump Border Wall in high traffic areas to stem the inflow of illegals since it is a powerful enforcement tool."Cabrera is primarying against a handful of other Republicans seeking to challenge Cuellar, who has represented southern Texas in Congress since 2005. Cuellar is also facing a primary challenge from progressive candidate Jessica Cisneros, a public defender who also ran against him in 2020.On Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/henry-cuellar-fbi-court-authorized-raid-texas-home-2022-1">search at Cuellar's residence</a> in Laredo, Texas, but the reason for the raid was unclear.

A GOP congressional candidate in Texas said an anti-Trump post on his Facebook was a prank by his son to mock his support for Trump

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Economic justice activist Morgan Harper is mounting a progressive primary challenge to Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty in <keyword id="15091" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Ohio">Ohio</keyword>'s 3rd congressional district.</li><li>This safely Democratic district encompasses almost all of the Columbus metro area in Central Ohio. </li><li>Ohio will start reporting results from its almost all-mail primary at 7:30 p.m. ET. Follow along here for live results. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Results from the Ohio primary will start being released at 7:30 p.m. ET. Follow along here for live results. <h2>Who are the candidates?</h2>Consumer protection lawyer and economic justice activist <a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20191217/beatty-gets-challenge-as-candidates-line-up-for-central-ohio-congressional-seats">Morgan Harper</a> is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-arizona-ohio-illinois-primaries-live-results-vote-counts-2020-3">mounting a nationally-watched primary challenge</a> to four-term congresswoman Rep. Joyce Beatty in Ohio's 3rd district, a safe Democratic seat which includes almost all of the Columbus metro area in Central Ohio. Harper, who is running a grassroots campaign focused on ensuring economic security and better opportunities for marginalized communities, has argued that in her view, Beatty and other Democratic incumbents haven't done enough to help working people in the districts they represent. "I'm not unique in running this type of primary challenge," <a href="https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a30797257/morgan-harper-ohio-third-district-congress-interview/">Harper told Elle magazine in February.</a> "There's hundreds of people running these types of races all over the country...more participation is better, from my perspective. And if you're doing your job, you have nothing to worry about. But where I'm coming from is, we see unmet needs in our communities. I think that we just have to normalize this type of race."So far, progressive challengers have had a mixed record in defeating House Democratic incumbents this year.In Illinois' solidly blue 3rd congressional district outside of Chicago, Marie Newman <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dan-lipinski-vs-marie-newman-illinois-primary-live-results-votes-2020-3">succeeded in her second attempt to beat Rep. Dan Lipinski</a>, one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, on March 17. But in Texas' 28th district near the US-Mexico border, progressive insurgent Jessica Cisneros <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-28th-district-dem-primary-cuellar-vs-cisneros-live-results-2020-3">failed to dispatch Rep. Henry Cuellar</a>, the only other anti-abortion House Democrat besides Lipinski, on Super Tuesday. Beatty currently <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Morgan_Harper#Endorsements">enjoys the backing</a> of the local Democratic Party in Franklin County, the Ohio chapter of powerful Service Employees International Union, and Planned Parenthood Action, the latter of which endorsed both Cisneros and Newman. Harper's campaign <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Morgan_Harper#Endorsements">has been endorsed</a> by Justice Democrats, which focuses on electing progressive primary challengers in safe Democratic seats, the Working Families Party, and the Sunrise Movement. In addition to being the incumbent, Beatty also has a significant financial advantage over Harper. According to the most recent filings with the Federal Election Commission, Beatty <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H2OH03125/?cycle=2020&amp;election_full=truetrue">has over $969,000 in cash-on-hand</a> compared to <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0OH03103/?cycle=2020&amp;election_full=truetrue">just $68,000 for Harper. </a><h4><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ohio-presidential-congressional-primaries-live-results-vote-counts-2020-4">Follow along with the results of the Democratic presidential primary and other races in Ohio here.</a></h4><h2>Ohio held its election almost entirely by mail due to the coronavirus</h2>Ohio was originally set to hold in-person voting for its presidential and congressional primaries on March 17, along with Arizona, Illinois, and Florida.But as confirmed cases of the virus in the state sharply increased, Gov. Mike DeWine made a last-minute effort to delay the election until June. But after being blocked by a judge, he and health commissioner Dr. Amy Acton <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ohio-postpones-march-17-primary-until-june-cancels-in-person-voting-2020-3">declared a public health emergency</a> to shut down polling places the day before the election. The Ohio legislature then moved <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/25/ohio-vote-by-mail-primary-election-149012">to extend mail-in voting</a> for the primaries through April 28 as well as offering very limited options in-person options on Tuesday for voters with disabilities who need additional assistance. Notably, the legislature did not authorize the Secretary of State's office to mail every voter an absentee ballot, or even an absentee request form. Instead, the office sent postcards to every voter outlining the procedures by which they can vote, requiring people to either print out a form from the website, or call a local election office to get a request form sent to them. The circumstances surrounding the election have led to considerably low voter turnout. <a href="https://www.sos.state.oh.us/media-center/press-releases/2020/2020-04-27/">According to April 27 figures</a> released by the Secretary of State's office, 1.97 million, or 26%, of Ohio's 7.7 million registered voters requested absentee ballots, with a little over 1.45 million voters returning their ballots by Monday. In <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/16/ohio-primary-election-vote-mail-coronavirus/">an interview with The Intercept</a>, Harper denounced the complicated procedures required to even get a ballot request, in addition to requiring voters to pay for the postage on the request form, as a modern-day poll tax."It's going to be a barrier for people always but particularly during a global health pandemic," she said of the election. "We're advising people to not really leave their homes."Her campaign also took the step of personally delivering ballot request forms to thousands of voters in the district. While Biden is virtually assured to win the state's presidential primary, election officials will still accept ballots received through May 8 as long as they are postmarked by April 27, meaning some closer races may not be decided until then. Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joyce-beatty-morgan-harper-ohio-dem-primary-live-results-votes-2020-4">Business Insider</a>

LIVE UPDATES: Watch the results for the Democratic primary in Ohio's 3rd congressional district.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was carjacked Monday evening blocks from the US Capitol.</li><li>The Texan's office said Cuellar was not harmed. His car was later recovered.</li></ul>Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas was carjacked Monday evening as armed assailants attacked him as he was parking his car blocks from the Capitol.Cuellar office said in a statement that three armed assailants approached the congressman. No injuries were reported. The car was later recovered. "Luckily, he was not harmed and is working with local law enforcement," Cuellar chief of staff Jacob Hochberg said in a statement. "Thank you to Metro PD and Capitol Police for their swift action and for recovering the Congressman's vehicle."The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/10/02/congressman-henry-cuellar-carjacked-southeast-dc/">reported</a> that the attack occurred in Navy Yard, an area where lots of members of Congress and aides live given its close proximity to the Capitol. US Capitol Police said it has investigators working with DC Metropolitan Police given that the victim was a member of Congress. Rising crime has been a major topic of conversation in the nation's capital as carjacking is increasing year-to-date, according to DC police statistics. There have been 753 carjackings throughout the District so far this year. Last year, there were 485 incidents in total.Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/minnesota-congresswoman-defended-herself-throwing-hot-coffee-at-attacker-elevator-2023-2">previously fended off</a> an attacker who followed her into an elevator by throwing hot coffee on him.Lawmakers <a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-house-of-representatives-district-columbia-feb0bf10eba51093132b67c0268fcff1">also previously opposed</a> a sweeping overhaul of DC's criminal code, using the special power they hold over the city after city councilors moved to reduce penalties for burglary and carjacking. Councilors also increased penalties for other crimes such as attempted murder. Both Craig and Cuellar voted in favor of the repeal along with 31 other House Democrats. While Democrats generally oppose congressional meddling and support DC statehood, some more centrist lawmakers felt the changes went too far. President Joe Biden also later promised to sign the repeal into law, which he did after it passed the Senate.The Post previously reported how carjackings <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/06/carjackings-dc-maryland-virginia-data/">are on the rise</a> throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. A 10-term congressman, Cuellar is regarded as a centrist within his party. His anti-abortion views helped lead to some progressive Democrats <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/henry-cuellar-jessica-cisneros-texas-28-runoff-live-results-2022-5">backing Jessica Cisneros</a> in her two unsuccessful primary challenges.

House Democrat was the victim of a carjacking just blocks from the Capitol

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rep. <keyword id="11949072" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alexandria-ocasio-cortez" source="Orion">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</keyword> said this weekend that it is "inevitable" that <keyword id="11896956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="texas" source="Orion">Texas</keyword> will go blue.</li><li>"It will happen — the only question is when, Texas?" she asked at a rally for progressive candidates.</li></ul>New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a bold statement in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, saying that "Texas turning blue is inevitable." Ocasio-Cortez made the claim <a href="https://www.expressnews.com/news/legislature/article/Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez-rallies-with-Texas-16912966.php">during a campaign stop for progressive candidates Jessica Cisneros and Greg Casar</a>.<a href="https://www.casarforcongress.com/">Casar</a>, a former Austin City Council member, is running in the primaries for Texas' 35th congressional district against Democratic lawmaker Lloyd Doggett. <a href="https://jessicacisnerosforcongress.com/">Cisneros</a>, a lawyer, is running in the state's 28th congressional district against another Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Henry Cuellar. "Here's what's exciting about Jessica's race and Greg's race, is that if we flip Texas, we flip the country," said Ocasio-Cortez, as <a href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez-Paper-Tiger-San-Antonio-16913450.php">reported by the San Antonio Express-News</a>."Texas turning blue is inevitable. Inevitable. It will happen — the only question is when, Texas?" <a href="https://twitter.com/cvasquezforus/status/1492665111206670338?s=21">she said</a>, to cheers from the crowd."The work that you put in today, the work that you put in tomorrow, the work that you put in on Monday — when you go one more door when you're tired, when you make one more call, when you feel exhausted. You're bringing that day one day sooner, one day faster," Ocasio-Cortez added, addressing supporters of the two Democratic lawmakers.She added that she thought support for the Democratic Party would eventually rise across San Antonio and Austin, and across the state to Houston and Dallas. "We are going to fight for a living wage as a minimum wage. We're going to make sure we unionize the hell out of this state. We're going to make sure that we confront corrupt industries and lobbyists and big money," said Ocasio-Cortez.She added that her party would also ensure that "not one dime" would be made from exploiting workers, especially those who are undocumented.Ocasio-Cortez's comments on Saturday were not the first time Democratic lawmakers have expressed hope that Texas will eventually go the way of the Democratic Party. In February, the intense backlash from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's trip to Cancun during a weather crisis <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/texas-democrats-chart-path-turn-lone-star-state/story?id=76041746">sparked hope amongst Democratic lawmakers</a> that mobilizing voter support ahead of the 2022 midterms could chart a path for the party to get a foothold in the state.However, Texas has remained solidly red in 11 of the last 12 presidential elections. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/30/us/elections/the-last-democratic-presidential-candidate-to-win-texas-jimmy-carter-seeks-to-turn-texas-blue.html">The last time the state went blue in a presidential race was 1976</a>, when the Lone Star State voted in Jimmy Carter. During the 2020 election, former president Donald Trump <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/election/2020/results/state/texas">won Texas</a> with 5,890,347 votes to President Joe Biden's 5,259,126 votes.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says it is 'inevitable' that Texas will turn blue

Insiders say RAINN, the nation's foremost organization for victims of sexual assault, is in crisis over allegations of racism and sexism

Thomas McKinless/CQ-Roll Call via Getty; Cliff Owen/AP; Shayanne Gal/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Progressive immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros is challenging conservative Democrat and incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar in Texas 28th district, a safe Democratic seat in South Texas.</li><li>This primary race, a direct clash between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic party playing out on the local level, has received significant national attention and campaign spending. </li><li>Polls in Texas close at 7 p.m. local time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. </li></ul><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Polls in Texas close at 7 p.m. Central Time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time <h2>Texas 28th district Democratic primary results: </h2><h2>What's at stake in the primary?</h2><a href="https://www.jessicacisnerosforcongress.com/">Jessica Cisneros</a>, a 26-year-old immigration and human rights attorney, is running to challenge Rep. Henry Cuellar from the left with a progressive, grassroots campaign - years after she worked as an intern in his congressional office. Cuellar, a member of the House Appropriations Committee who has the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and tens of local officials, is "one of the most conservative Hispanic Democrats" in the country, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/politics/texas-house-primary-jessica-cisneros-henry-cuellar/index.html">according to CNN</a>. Between January 2017 and January 2019, Cuellar voted in line with President Donald Trump's position more than 68% of the time, <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/henry-cuellar/">FiveThirtyEight found</a>.And similarly to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez' and Ayanna Pressley's primary challenges, Cisneros is arguing that Cuellar - who she calls "Trump's favorite Democrat" due to him voting with Trump's interests a majority of the time in the House - <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/addybaird/texas-primary-progressive-jessica-cisernos-henry-cueller">is fundamentally out of step</a> with the heavily Democratic district he represents. <h2>Catch up on live coverage from the primary:</h2>While you wait for Texas results to come in, head over to our main Super Tuesday post to follow all the action.Follow along with the results from the Democratic presidential primary in Texas, the Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas, and all Texas down-ballot races. <h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-democratic-nomination-delegate-selection-process-works-2020-1">Here's how Democrats will elect their presidential nominee over the next several months</a></h3>Cuellar is one of just two anti-abortion House Democrats along with Rep. Dan Lipinski of Illinois, and holds an A rating from the National Rifle Associaton, an organization reviled by most Democrats for its aggressive lobbying in favor of expanding gun rights. Cisneros has picked up high-profile endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, a slew of progressive House members, several influential national and Texas labor unions, Planned Parenthood's political arm, and EMILY's List, which supports pro-choice women running for office. Like many of her endorsers, Cisneros <a href="https://www.jessicacisnerosforcongress.com/issues">supports progressive policies</a> including the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. Meanwhile, both Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairwoman Rep. Cheri Bustos and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have personally traveled to the district in support of Cuellar.Groups including the powerful Koch Network are also contributing to Cuellar, marking the first time the Koch operation has supported a Democrat in a federal election. Cisneros is confident in her potential to win. "I haven't had a single person disagree with me in terms of my policies," <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2019/11/21/henry-cuellar-and-jessica-cisneros-duke-it-out-texas-primary/">she told the Texas Tribune</a> in November. But so is Cuellar, according to campaign spokesman Colin Strother. He will win "by a sizable, comfortable margin," Strother told CNN last week."We're not allowing a 26-year-old young lady who's never done anything question the character of a dedicated public servant," Strother <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/addybaird/texas-primary-progressive-jessica-cisernos-henry-cueller">recently told Buzzfeed News of Cisneros' challenge</a>. <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/presidential-debate-entertaining-problem-democratic-trump-reality-tv-show-2019-9">How networks treat the Democratic debates like reality TV</a></h3>

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the results of the Democratic primary in Texas' 28th district

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-elizabeth-warren-bio-age-family-key-positions-2019-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Sen. Elizabeth Warren</a> on Monday endorsed two progressive primary challengers to sitting House Democrats.</li><li>The challengers - both women - are running against two of the most conservative Democrats in the House and are both endorsed by Justice Democrats, the group that backed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio's 2018 bid.&#xa0;</li><li>Warren's move could be seen as a play for Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement.&#xa0;</li><li>But the decision to undermine two long-serving Democrats carries risk. Warren could alienate the Democratic establishment and more centrist voters.&#xa0;</li><li>Recently, the Democratic party cracked down on primary challengers.</li><li>The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the party's campaign arm, announced it will no longer work with political strategists and vendors that support candidates running against sitting Democrats.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-elizabeth-warren-bio-age-family-key-positions-2019-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Sen. Elizabeth Warren</a> on Monday endorsed two progressive primary challengers to sitting House Democrats - an unusual and controversial move that could be a play to win the endorsement of star freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.The two candidates Warren endorsed - both women - are challenging Rep. Dan Lipinski of Illinois and Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas. The veteran incumbents are among the most conservative in the House.Both Lipinski and Cuellar are anti-abortion and voted against marriage equality. While Lipinski opposed Obamacare, Cuellar has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/09/us/politics/henry-cuellar-nra.html">an A rating from the NRA</a>. The two congressmen represent deep blue districts that Republicans have no shot of flipping.&#xa0;"The people of Texas' 28th district are ready for systematic change and deserve a Democrat that will be on the side of working people; not the side of big money and obstructionist Republicans," Warren said in a statement in which she <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2019/09/09/elizabeth-warren-endorses-texas-us-rep-henry-cuellars-democratic-prima/">endorsed Jessica Cisneros'</a> bid against Cuellar.&#xa0;<h2>Ocasio-Cortez backers praise Warren</h2>Both Cisneros, a 26-year-old human rights and immigration lawyer, and Lipinski's challenger, Marie Newman, are endorsed by Justice Democrats - the progressive group that powered Ocasio-Cortez's insurgent primary campaign in 2018. The group praised Warren's move as "a breath of fresh air."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-got-2020-democrats-talk-climate-change-2019-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez got 2020 Democrats talking about climate change, but their plans to address it diverge wildly</a>Warren went on, "Jessica knows our diversity is our strength and that when progressives are unapologetic about our values and who we're in this battle for, we win. It's time Texans had a champion in Congress who does just that."Newman, a former marketing executive, is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/democratic-party-primary-challengers-crackdown-2019-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">challenging Lipinski for the second time</a> after coming within two points of being him in 2018.&#xa0;"At a time when women's reproductive rights are under attack daily from Republican lawmakers across America, Illinoisans deserve a leader with an unwavering commitment to fighting for women's access to reproductive healthcare," Warren said in a Monday statement. "Marie Newman is that leader."&#xa0;&#xa0;Warren is likely gunning for Ocasio-Cortez's eventual endorsement. And the 29-year-old lawmaker is pushing for more primary challengers in her mold in 2020, and has voiced support for both Warren and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.de/who-is-bernie-sanders-bio-age-family-key-positions-2019-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Sen. Bernie Sanders</a> as presidential candidates.&#xa0;The Massachusetts Senator might also be factoring in her strong poll numbers. An <a href="http://maristpoll.marist.edu/npr-pbs-newshour-marist-poll-results-8/#sthash.sOFojaz4.dpbs">NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll</a> this week found that she's the most popular 2020 candidate among Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters, with 75% favorability.&#xa0;Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/democratic-party-primary-challengers-crackdown-2019-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">The Democratic Party is cracking down on candidates who hope to be the next Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and progressives are fighting back</a><h2>A risky and controversial move</h2>Warren's decision to undermine two long-serving members of her own party could rub some Democrats the wrong way.She isn't the only presidential candidate to wade into primaries this year. Sens. Sanders and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.de/who-is-kirsten-gillibrand-bio-age-family-key-positions-2019-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Kirsten Gillibrand</a> and Washington <a href="https://www.businessinsider.de/who-is-jay-inslee-bio-age-family-key-positions-2019-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">Gov. Jay Inslee</a> also endorsed Newman earlier this year. But it is extremely rare for Democrats - particularly prominent and mainstream figures - to help unseat colleagues in their own party.&#xa0;But the endorsements mark a break for Warren, who's stayed away from Democratic primaries in the past. She didn't endorse either Hillary Clinton or Sanders in the 2016 presidential primary. Warren also declined to back progressive House challengers in 2018, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who went on to defeat a Democratic incumbent in Warren's home state of Massachusetts.&#xa0;And the Democratic party has in recent months cracked down on primary challengers - even in safe districts.&#xa0;In late March, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the party's campaign arm, <a href="https://action.dccc.org/sign-up/political-vendors">announced</a> it will no longer work with political strategists and vendors that support candidates running against sitting Democrats.The move - which many say simply formalized an unofficial practice - was met with fierce&#xa0;<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-slams-the-dccc-for-blackballing-challengers-2019-3">opposition largely from progressives</a>, who say it will hurt first-time candidates, particularly women and people of color.Ocasio-Cortez called the DCCC's policy "extremely divisive" and urged her supporters to "pause" their donations to the group.By endorsing these two House challengers, Warren's indicating she's on Ocasio-Cortez's side.&#xa0;<div></div>

Elizabeth Warren endorsed two left-wing primary challengers to House Democrats. It could be a risky play to win Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In addition <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-democratic-primary-live-results-vote-counts-2020-3">to the presidential primary</a>, Texas voters will be casting ballots in the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-us-senate-democratic-primary-live-updates-vote-counts-2020-3">Democratic primary for US Senate</a> and numerous US House primaries across the state. </li><li>While much of the attention will be focused on the Senate race, there are several competitive Democratic and Republican primaries in House seats across the state worth following.</li><li>Polls in Texas close at 7 p.m. local time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Polls in Texas close at 7 p.m. local time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.<h2>Texas Senate and House primary results: </h2>Democratic primaries in Texas districts 1-36:Republican primaries in Texas districts 1-36: <h2>What's at stake in the primaries?</h2>In addition to the Democratic primary for US Senate, which will determine who will face off against GOP Sen. John Cornyn in November, there are several important Democratic and Republican primaries in House seats across the state. In 2018, Democrats made significant headway in Texas, flipping two suburban congressional districts in the Dallas and Houston areas and on the Senate side, former Rep. Beto O'Rourke coming within three percentage points of defeating GOP Sen. Ted Cruz. While Texas is a long way from becoming a blue state, Democrats are hoping to keep it competitive. Over the past year, six Texas House Republicans announced their retirement in what some commentators dubbed a "Texodus," including three districts that Democrats now hope to turn blue. <ul><li>In Texas' 11th district, a safe Republican seat that stretches from the Fort Worth exurbs west to Midland, there will be a competitive GOP primary to replace retiring Rep. Mike Conaway. </li><li>Rep. Kay Granger in Texas' 12th district, located in the Fort Worth area, <a href="https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2020/02/28/high-profile-republican-primary-kay-granger-chris-putnam-texas-12th-congressional-district/">is facing a serious primary challenge from her right</a> from Mayor Chris Putnam, who argues that Granger is too liberal and not loyal enough to Trump. </li><li>In Texas 13th district, one of the most Republican-leaning districts in the country located in the panhandle, the crowded GOP primary to replace retiring Rep. Mac Thornberry <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/us/politics/ronny-jackson-congress-texas.html">includes Trump's former physician Dr. Ronny Jackson. </a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-22nd-congressional-district-primaries-live-results-vote-counts-2020-3">Texas' 22nd congressional district</a> in the Houston suburbs is a highly competitive open district with crowded Democratic and Republican primaries to replace retiring Rep. Pete Olson.</li><li>Democrats are also hoping to flip <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-24th-congressional-district-primary-live-results-vote-counts-2020-3">Texas' 24th congressional district</a> in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, currently held by retiring Rep. Kenny Marchant. On Tuesday, several Democratic candidates are facing off to win the nomination. </li><li>In Texas' <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-28th-district-dem-primary-cuellar-vs-cisneros-live-results-2020-3">28th congressional district</a> in South Texas, progressive immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros is mounting a primary challenge to conservative Rep. Henry Cuellar in a race that's received national attention.</li></ul>Texas is a runoff state, meaning that if no one candidate earns over 50% of the vote in a primary, the top two vote-getters will advance to a run-off election on May 26, 2020, to determine the nominee. <h2>Catch up on live coverage from the primary:</h2>While you wait for Texas results to come in, head over <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/super-tuesday-democratic-primary-live-results-vote-counts-every-state-2020-3">to our main Super Tuesday post</a> to follow all the action and follow along with the results of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-democratic-primary-live-results-vote-counts-2020-3">the Democratic presidential primary in Texas</a> here. <h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-democratic-nomination-delegate-selection-process-works-2020-1">Here's how Democrats will elect their presidential nominee over the next several months</a></h3>

You Searched For "jessica cisneros" and got 12 results

Democrats are in mask messaging chaos as Republicans gleefully shame AOC and Stacey Abrams for going without face-coverings

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Rep. Henry Cuellar says an investigation will show 'no wrongdoing on my part' after the FBI raided his home

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The FBI raid on Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar is connected to a federal Azerbaijan probe, report says

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The FBI raided Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar's home in Texas but it's unclear why

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A GOP congressional candidate in Texas said an anti-Trump post on his Facebook was a prank by his son to mock his support for Trump

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LIVE UPDATES: Watch the results for the Democratic primary in Ohio's 3rd congressional district.

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House Democrat was the victim of a carjacking just blocks from the Capitol

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says it is 'inevitable' that Texas will turn blue

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Insiders say RAINN, the nation's foremost organization for victims of sexual assault, is in crisis over allegations of racism and sexism

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LIVE UPDATES: Follow the results of the Democratic primary in Texas' 28th district

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Elizabeth Warren endorsed two left-wing primary challengers to House Democrats. It could be a risky play to win Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement.

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LIVE UPDATES: Watch the results for all of Texas' Senate and House primaries

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