CNN This Morning

Americans cast their ballots in key races across the country as polls open on Election Day, with early voting already surpassing 2022 totals in dozens of states. Our early coverage includes:

** Voters explain the issues driving them to the polls, including health care, housing affordability and rising utility costs.

** A panel of political analysts discusses the final messages from both parties and what campaigns are emphasizing in the race's closing hours.

** The White House makes its closing case to voters as President Trump and his allies urge turnout while defending the administration's record.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A shock endorsement shakes up one of the nation's key Senate contests as Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens backs Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, prompting backlash from party leaders and raising questions about the race's final hours in Michigan... A federal judge rejects the Trump administration's effort to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election over concerns about two candidates named Dan Sullivan appearing on the ballot... As Election Day approaches, new polling boosts Democratic hopes in several critical Senate races while President Trump draws attention with campaign stops, controversial comments, and a final push for Republican candidates.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alaska officials investigate allegations that Democrats recruited a candidate with the same name as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, raising questions about the tight Senate race and certification of the results ... President Trump cancels campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas just days before the midterms, shifting instead to tele-rallies ... Pope Leo becomes the first sitting pontiff to request a ballot to vote in a US election.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New CNN polling shows Abdul El-Sayed with a seven-point lead over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, as Democrats rally behind their nominee and independents break his way ... James Talarico takes a narrow lead in deep-red Texas, but is he winning over voters or is his Republican opponent losing them? ... Democrats are accused of recruiting a second Dan Sullivan for Alaska's Senate ballot. Could the campaign tactics turn off voters?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With six days to go until the midterms, President Trump hits the campaign trail in Texas as Republicans fight to hold power. The President says he’ll accept the election results if they’re “honest” ... A new attack ad in Maine sparks a fight over the middle class ... The Cheesecake Factory becomes a bizarre new front in America’s political culture wars.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With one week until Election Day and more than 30 million ballots already cast, Republicans are focusing on voter fraud while Democrats hammer the Trump administration on corruption. ... A Democrat bucks his party with an ad opposing gender-affirming care in a bid for a red-state Senate seat. ... Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign distances itself from an ad linking high grocery prices to Israel.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just eight days until Election Day, President Trump and former President Barack Obama campaign in key battleground states with competing messages for voters as the midterm race enters its final stretch... Trump's Justice Department targets battleground states with new lawsuits, raising questions about the potential impact on voting... Elon Musk acknowledges his company slowed satellite service used by Ukraine in its defense against Russia, renewing scrutiny of the billionaire's influence on global affairs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the closure of the West Bank after two Palestinian gunmen open fire at an Israeli military checkpoint, wounding at least five Israelis. Two of the wounded are in critical condition.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate candidates in Michigan and Kansas go head to head in their final debates before Election Day ... JD Vance tells critics to “stop whining” over a GOP attack ad that dredges up a Democrat’s childhood trauma ... At least two Bush family members back James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton in Texas.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll shows Democrats entering the final stretch of the midterm campaign with a 10-point advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with their lead growing to 15 points among independent voters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is using violent protests in France to argue for hard-line immigration policies and warn voters about what he says could happen in the US, just two weeks before the midterms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is back on the campaign trail with his approval rating hitting a new low. Can he still turn out voters in key Senate races? ... A grieving military husband confronts JD Vance over failures in leadership. Could the moment become a bigger problem for the Vice President? ... Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed pushes back after being questioned about his loyalty to America. Is his Muslim faith being used against him?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three children and a teacher are dead after a shooting at an Oregon elementary school. A community member intervened before police arrived. ... Abdul El-Sayed and JD Vance trade attacks in Michigan. Does the political sparring resonate with voters? ... Protesters interrupt the Maine Senate debate, confronting Susan Collins as questions grow about Troy Jackson's ability to energize Democrats.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the US is making a fortune from high oil prices, even as gas prices hit a grim milestone and voters give him low marks on inflation and the economy. ... James Talarico faces questions over his "God is non-binary" remarks. Can his brand of liberal Christianity win in Texas? ... The Trump administration investigates Rep. Ilhan Omar for immigration fraud. Could she be stripped of her citizenship?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican Senate candidates in key battleground states break with President Trump over the war in Iran as voters focus on the economy and cost of living. ... Trump travels to a state that hasn't elected a Democratic senator in nearly two decades. What does that say about Republicans' midterm prospects? ... Sources are already questioning how long new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia will last after her first briefing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just three weeks until the midterm vote, Republicans are trying to shrink the map and pump out more cash. Can they save their Senate majority? ... Federal agents raid the home of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar just two days after Trump singled her out at a rally. Coincidence, or part of a pattern? ... The new White House press secretary gives her first briefing today. What could Katie Zakaria's past post tell us about her future at the podium?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A source tells CNN that President Trump is now weighing whether to fire his son's ex-fiancé Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US Ambassador to Greece, after a string of reports alleging misconduct ... Is Trump's diesel deal with Putin just weeks from the midterms a ploy to win the GOP some votes? ... The president wants people to watch a firing squad execution in the name of American values. Now the Pope is pushing back.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins we're tracking Hurricane Isaias, which has strengthened to Category 2 as it heads towards the Gulf, prompting a state of emergency in parts of Alabama and Florida ... The Pentagon is saying that the firing squad execution of the Fort Hood shooter will be livestreamed for the public. Is that even legal? US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle is accused of asking a Trump donor to pay off her credit card bill. How will the president respond to the scandal?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, now threatens the Gulf. Where will it make landfall and how powerful will it be when it does? ... Two Trump- backed Senate candidates buck the president. Is he costing them crucial votes? ... We reveal brand new CNN polling of a crucial midterm race in Iowa. Does either candidate have the upper hand?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The midterm Senate map is shifting toward Democrats. What does that mean for Republicans who are trying to keep control of government? ... Troy Jackson holds Susan Collins to account on Trump, abortion, and tariffs during a debate. Did it land with Maine voters? ... Three years after the October 7th attacks, we've got new details from the behind the scenes as President Biden tried to prevent an all-out regional war.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices