Fox News projects Sen. Mike Braun wins Indiana governor’s race
Fox News Decision Desk can report that Indiana voters chose Republican Mike Braun to be their next governor Tuesday, cementing the state’s solidly red status – even as his face-off against Jennifer McCormick had put some political observers on edge. In the end, Braun, who currently serves in the U.S. Senate, beat Democratic candidate McCormick, a former Indiana superintendent of public education, and Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater. Braun will replace outgoing two-term Gov. Eric Holcomb, also a Republican. Braun, McCormick and Rainwater each espoused a wide range of views on reproductive rights, fighting inflation, and how best to support the growers, farmers and small business owners in the state. But Braun had struggled to appeal to some moderate voters, and faced a tighter-than-expected race with McCormick, a Republican-turned-Democrat who ran heavily on issues of public education and expanding women’s reproductive rights. “The GOP is still clearly favored there but there’s been enough activity that it doesn’t seem like an average, sleepy ‘Safe’-rated contest,” analysts at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics wrote in a pre-election blog post. FLURRY OF PRE-ELECTION LEGAL CASES IS NOW ‘STANDARDIZED’ STRATEGY, EXPERTS SAY Despite their differences, all three candidates sought to appeal to voters on key issues: Among them, lowering property taxes, increasing support for small businesses, and creating new investments and economic opportunities in the state. Braun focused his policy plans on so-called “kitchen table” issues in a bid to attract moderate voters, such as lowering health care costs, increasing public safety, and helping Indiana farmers and growers. His campaign has released policy proposals designed to focus on lowering taxes for homeowners and small business owners in the Hoosier State, including a reduction on taxes for certain types of equipment used by farmers and other crop producers. SMALL TOWNS BUCKLING UNDER BURDEN OF MIGRANT SURGE On health care, Braun’s plan had included some provisions that Republicans previously attempted and failed to pass in recent legislative sessions, including reforming prior authorization and regulations on pharmacy benefit managers. McCormick, the Democrat, campaigned heavily on access to abortion and education in the final months of the race. Her support for abortion rights was a stark departure from the near-ban on abortions that state lawmakers approved in 2023 – but did win her appeal among some younger, female voters. If elected, she had pledged to appoint new Indiana Supreme Court justices that support women, immigrants, health care providers, and the LGBT+ community. All three also detailed plans for addressing Indiana’s affordable housing crisis, which is among the worst in the Midwest and the subject of a two-year task force. Their plans, however, were also strikingly different. While Braun is planning to look into any “burdensome state regulations” that could be behind the spike in property taxes, he has also stressed the role of businesses in the state in helping revive the local economy. McCormick, meanwhile, had called for a $600 million tax relief plan for property owners in the state. Rainwater introduced a proposal that seeks to cap property taxes at just 1% of the purchase price – a drastic step that would have required amending the state’s constitution. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Donald Trump wins Texas’ 40 electoral votes
The win continues the state’s streak of going red in every presidential election since it went for Jimmy Carter in 1976.
DeSantis claims victory over Florida abortion, marijuana amendments as supporters celebrate: ‘Praise God’
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed victory on Tuesday evening over the defeat of two amendments that would have, respectively, created a constitutional right to abortion and legalized recreational marijuana. “With polls now closed in Florida — Amendment 3 has failed. Amendment 4 has failed,” DeSantis posted to X shortly after polls closed in Florida. The two amendments are projected to fail, as they did not reach approval from 60% of Florida voters after polls closed at 7 p.m. in the state. Amendment 3 would have legalized recreational marijuana, which has increasingly been legalized in states across the nation. While on the issue of abortion, DeSantis signed The Heartbeat Protection Act into law last year, which banned most abortions after six weeks of gestation. This year, Florida residents voted on Amendment 4, the Right to Abortion Initiative, which works to overturn the ban. JD VANCE VOWS TRUMP WOULD NOT IMPOSE FEDERAL ABORTION BAN, VETO IT IF COMES ACROSS DESK Voting data on the amendments comes after Fox News Decision Desk projected earlier Tuesday that former President Donald Trump will win Florida in the general election. Conservative and pro-life social media users celebrated DeSantis’ victory lap over the amendments’ reported failures, calling the expected failure of Amendment 4 a “huge win for life.” “The demise of pro-abortion Amendment 4 is a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country,” said SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser in comment provided to Fox Digital Tuesday. “Thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis, when we wake up tomorrow, babies with beating hearts will still be protected in the free state of Florida. “The law that safeguards more than 50,000 lives annually will remain. Florida is a beacon to the places in this country which still allow abortion after the point a baby can feel pain and the model for how the pro-life movement will win future ballot measure fights. In a world where the abortion lobby has a hold of our major institutions, every Republican should take note of the leadership and courage that Ron DeSantis exhibited to expose Big Abortion’s agenda and defeat life-ending amendments,” she added. HARRIS CLAIMS TRUMP ABORTION PLATFORM MAKES ‘NO EXCEPTION,’ MOMENTS AFTER TRUMP SAYS THE OPPOSITE “March for Life applauds the people of Florida for seeing through an onslaught of well-funded lies and rejecting the radical, destructive Amendment 4. When voters know the truth about dangerous and far-reaching abortion amendments appearing on their ballots, they reject them wholeheartedly. We are grateful to Governor DeSantis for remaining courageously steadfast in his support for the most vulnerable, including using his resources and platform to effectively combat the onslaught of disinformation from Amendment 4 backers whose massive spending advantage was not enough to get this deceptive and dangerous proposal across the finish line,” Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said in a statement on Amendement 4 on Tuesday evening. Amendment 4 became a hot topic earlier in the campaign cycle, as reporters grilled Trump about how he would vote on the matter, as he is a Florida resident. ABORTION ‘ON THE BALLOT’ IN 10 STATES THIS ELECTION, BUT IT MIGHT NOT MATTER Trump did spark the condemnation of some pro-life conservatives for saying in August that Florida’s six-week abortion ban “is too short.” He later said that he would vote against the Florida amendment, and doubled down that abortion laws and issues should be left up to the states to decide. “You need more time than six weeks. I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries. When I heard about it, I disagreed with it. At the same time, the Democrats are radical because the nine months is just a ridiculous situation,” said Trump in August. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Elon Musk reveals his political PAC’s future amid tight presidential race
Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk said election night he plans to continue to be active in politics through the presidential election into the 2026 midterms. “America PAC is going to keep going after this election — and preparing for the midterms and any intermediate elections, as well as looking at elections at the district attorney and sort of judicial levels,” Musk said on X Spaces Tuesday. Musk has taken an active role on the campaign trail for the former president and has helped canvass for Trump in key battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina According to its website, America PAC aims to “promote free speech, free markets, and a merit-based society.” JOE ROGAN ENDORSES DONALD TRUMP ON THE EVE OF THE ELECTION Musk made waves on the Pennsylvania campaign trail in support of Trump’s campaign, including offering $1 million a day to swing-state voters who sign his political action committee’s petition backing the Constitution. Musk was sued by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who called the contest an “illegal lottery” aimed at influencing the results of a presidential election. PENNSYLVANIA JUDGE ALLOWS ELON MUSK’S PAC TO CONTINUE $1M A DAY GIVEAWAY On Monday, a Pennsylvania judge ruled Musk could continue his efforts. Reuters reported Tuesday evening that Musk has also been sued in a proposed class action over the giveaway. Musk has given at least $118 million to America PAC, The Washington Post reported. He is expected to spend election night with the former president in Florida. The New York Times first reported the news, citing two people familiar with Musk’s schedule, that Musk will be among a small group of people watching the election results with Trump. Musk, after the first assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, wrote on X, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.” Musk later appeared with Trump at a rally in Butler. “I want to say what an honor it is to be here, and, you know, the true test of someone’s character is how they behave under fire, right?” Musk said at the beginning of his remarks. “And we had one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot.”
Fox News projects Republican Kelly Armstrong will win North Dakota governor’s race
The Fox News Decision Desk projects Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., will win the North Dakota governor’s race. Armstrong, who holds North Dakota’s lone congressional seat, defeated Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller for the Republican nomination in the primary in June after winning the party’s endorsement earlier this year. He was challenged in the general election by Democrat Merrill Piepkorn and independent candidate Michael Coachman. Miller had won the backing of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who had run for the Republican presidential nomination and had also been reported to be a potential running mate for former President Trump. REP. ARMSTRONG WINS GOP NOMINATION TO SUCCEED GOV. DOUG BURGUM IN NORTH DAKOTA Burgum has served two terms and chose not to seek a third term. Armstrong was elected to the House in 2018 after serving in the state Senate. He is an attorney and the former state GOP chairman. “The short answer is I want to get home and start working — I miss people. I miss my friends. I miss my neighbors. I miss being in North Dakota, I really do,” Armstrong said in an interview with The Associated Press in January. “Serving the state in Congress has been an absolute — the greatest — privilege of my life, but I really want to come home. I miss my friends in the Legislature. I miss the people who are more interested in solving problems than finding some mediocre social media fame.” Republicans have held the governor’s office since 1992. A Democrat has not won a statewide election in North Dakota since 2012. Some legislative races only had Republican candidates. Armstrong will take office in mid-December and won the backing of former President Trump, who praised Armstrong for defending him through “two SHAM impeachments.” “Kelly Armstrong has my complete and total endorsement to be the next governor of the great state of North Dakota – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN,” Trump said on social media. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Fox News Decision Desk projects Democrats hold onto Senate seat in New Mexico
Fox News Decision Desk projected that Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico will defeat Republican Senate nominee Nella Domenici in a one-time swing state that now leans blue. Domenici, a businesswoman, was hoping to become the first Republican to win a Senate election in New Mexico in 22 years – since her father, the late Sen. Pete Domenici, in 2002, was re-elected to a sixth term. The younger Domenici used her powerful political brand and ample name recognition in New Mexico, as she battled Heinrich. She also showcased her resume of decades of experience in the finance industry at Bridgewater Associates, where she served as chief financial officer, Credit Suisse and Citadel Investment group. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS ELECTION 2024 RESULTS With his re-election, Heinrich will now serve a third term representing New Mexico in the Senate. In recent cycles, New Mexico, which was once a general election battleground, has shifted to the left and is no longer considered a crucial swing state. President Biden carried the state by 10 points in 2020. Additionally, Heinrich won re-election in 2018, which was a blue-wave cycle, by more than 30 points. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Babydog goes to Washington: West Virginia’s Justice flips Senate seat red
Republican Governor Jim Justice’s dog, beloved Babydog Justice, is headed to Washington after his owner won his Senate campaign – successfully flipping West Virginia red. The Fox News Decision Desk has projected that Republican Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia will defeat the Democrat Party’s nominee—Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott. Justice – along with his chunky companion, Babydog – first made headlines after the pair stole the shows during the Republican National Convenion (RNC) in July, with the governor entering the stage to chants of, “Babydog!” Onlookers fawned over the English bulldog, launching the pooch to stardom. His official X account states that the pooch, “Wendy’s nuggets, riding shotgun in dad’s Suburban, and napping.” FOX NEWS PROJECTS JUSTICE VICTORY IN WEST VIRGINIA AS GOP FLIPS SENATE SEAT Now, Babydog is headed to Washington D.C. after his owner easily defeated conservative Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., in a contentious GOP primary earlier this year and then moved on to defeat his Democratic opponent, Elliott. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS ELECTION RESULTS Babydog participated in his owner’s election bid, accompanying him to campaign events and meet-and-greets throughout his campaign. While the RNC appearance made the 5-year-old canine nationally recognized, Babydog has been a fixture in West Virginia’s political arena for some time. In June 2024, the beloved pooch joined the ranks of Abraham Lincoln, Civil War soldiers and odes to Appalachian folk music in new murals under the West Virginia state Capitol. In 2022, Justice hoisted her up during his State of the State address and pointed her rear end at the camera. “Babydog tells Bette Midler and all those out there: Kiss her heinie,” Justice said at the event. The move came after singer and actress Bette Middler wrote on what was then Twitter, had called West Virginians “poor, illiterate and strung out” after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., refused to support a bill promoted by President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. In 2019, Babydog encouraged West Virginia residents to participate in a COVID-19 “Do it for Babydog: Save a Life: Change Your Life” campaign. With Justice’s victory, Republicans will control both of West Virginia’s two Senate seats for the first time in nearly a century. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fox News projects Mike Kehoe to win Missouri governor’s race
The Fox News Decision Desk projects Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe to win the open Missouri governor’s race, defeating Democratic challenger Crystal Quade. During his candidacy, Kehoe served as the lieutenant governor of Missouri, and was a former state senator and businessman. He has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign by pledging to hire more law enforcement officers to reduce crime and enact harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers. Kehoe, endorsed by former President Trump, has also advocated for tax cuts, including eliminating the state’s income tax, and a strong pro-business agenda. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO THROW AN ELECTION PARTY AFTER YOU GET OUT AND VOTE Quade, the minority leader in the Missouri House, ran on a progressive platform centered around expanded access to abortion, child care and public education. Bill Slaintz, a libertarian challenger, is a business owner with a background in radio and television consulting. Slantz’s campaign focused on limiting government intervention, the abolition of income taxes, Social Security and minimum wage laws. Green Party candidate Paul Lehman, a retired farmer and former minister, campaigned on environmental sustainability and social justice. One of his policy proposals was implementing universal health care and shifting to renewable energy sources. Missouri’s gubernatorial elections have leaned Republican in the last several years, as Gov. Mike Parson won in 2020 after initially assuming office in 2018 when Eric Greitens, also a Republican, resigned. Prior to Parson, Greitens won the 2016 election, continuing the state’s trend of GOP leadership. Prior to that, Democrat Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon held office from 2009 until the 2016 election.
Milwaukee orders recount of 31,000 absentee ballots, likely delaying results in Wisconsin
Election officials in Milwaukee said Tuesday they will proceed with a recount of more than 30,000 absentee ballots due to tabulation issues, an error expected to delay the reporting of results from a hotly contested battleground state. Milwaukee city spokesperson Jeff Fleming told reporters Tuesday officials decided to order the recount for the 31,000 absentee ballots after they discovered issues with 13 tabulator machines. The machines either lacked their physical seals or were not secured properly by senior election officials, Fleming said. All will be reset and recounted. The decision to recount the absentee ballots was made in consultation with Republican and Democratic officials, according to a county spokesperson. GOP PREPARED FOR PIVOTAL COURT BATTLES THAT COULD DECIDE 2024 ELECTION Fleming told reporters Tuesday the decision to recount the ballots was made out of “an abundance of caution,” even as he acknowledged the delays the recount will likely create for the state’s broader election results. Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, one of seven battleground states considered key to determining the next president. Wisconsin is also one of the most competitive states in the 2024 election cycle. The Badger State is also one of three Rust Belt states that voted for Trump in 2016 before flipping in 2020 to select Joe Biden. Biden won the state narrowly in 2020 by a margin of 20,682 votes. The narrow victory gives the state an extra incentive to be as transparent and careful as possible in its ballot counting and reporting process, Fleming stressed Tuesday. “What has to be redone is just what’s happening against the wall at the machines,” Fleming told reporters. “It is gonna extend the time that we will get the totals here. We don’t know how much longer that will be. So, it’s not insignificant.” Republicans chastised Milwaukee for the error Tuesday evening, describing it as an “unacceptable example of incompetent election administration in a key swing state.” Voters “deserve better, and we are unambiguously calling on Milwaukee’s officials to do their jobs and count ballots quickly and effectively,” Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump said in a statement. “Anything less undermines voter confidence.” Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Fox News Decision Desk projects Rick Scott Senate re-election win in Florida
Republican Sen. Rick Scott is expected to win re-election to the Senate in Florida, and secure a second term in the upper chamber. The Fox News Decision Desk projected Scott would win his race on Tuesday night. Before running for Senate, Scott served two terms as the 45th governor of Florida, from 2011 to 2019. Scott, who has served one term in the Senate, was challenged by Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for the seat representing the Sunshine State. DEMS POUR $25M INTO GROUND GAME AS GOP INCHES CLOSER TO SENATE MAJORITY Mucarsel-Powell previously served one term representing Florida’s 26th Congressional District from 2019 to 2021, before being ousted by Trump-backed Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., in 2020. BIDEN’S PREFERRED CANDIDATE, MUCARSEL-POWELL, WINS FLORIDA DEM SENATE PRIMARY The Democrat immigrated to the U.S. from South America with her mother and sister when she was young, and said the reason for launching her Senate bid was because “our democracy, our economy, and our rights are all on the line,” according to her campaign website. During his campaign for re-election, Scott was also running in a separate race within the Senate GOP conference, announcing in May his candidacy for Republican leader in the next Senate. The Republican senator will face opponents Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who are also eyeing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s long-held position.