NBC’s From the Politics Desk: Analysis on New Press Secretary and Midterm Elections
TL/DR –
The new White House Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia, held a short, 15-minute briefing with media, mostly from conservative outlets. In the briefing, she revealed that the administration has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. ambassador to Greece, to resign due to allegations of misconduct. Meanwhile, the Senate race in usually blue-leaning Minnesota is surprisingly tight, with Democrat Peggy Flanagan holding a 4-point lead over Republican Michele Tafoya, according to a KARE 11/Minnesota Star Tribune poll.
Join us at The Politics Desk for frequent updates from NBC News Politics team. Today’s insights involve the new White House press secretary and the political climate in the Midwest.
Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia’s brief debut
By Megan Brand
President Donald Trump’s new press secretary Katie Zacharia held a short first briefing today, answering questions from conservative outlets.
Zacharia, previously a conservative commentator, spent most of the briefing promoting Trump’s policies and her role to “amplify” the president.
She also announced that the administration has asked Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. ambassador to Greece, to resign due to misconduct allegations.
Read more about Katie Zacharia →
Surprising political tension in blue-leaning Minnesota
Analysis by Natasha Korecki
In this year’s midterm elections, one state stands out: Minnesota. Traditional red states appear in play for Democrats while Minnesota’s Senate race stays unusually tight according to recent polls.
A KARE 11/Minnesota Star Tribune poll shows Democrat Peggy Flanagan leading by 4%, with 9% of voters still undecided.
In response to statewide misconduct investigations by the Trump administration, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced he would not seek re-election. Read more.
Despite the tight race, Republicans have yet to invest significantly in the state. National Republicans and Senate Majority PAC have focused funds on Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina.
Yet, the NRSC spokesperson believes Minnesota is in play due to local fraud investigations under the current administration.
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