Kornacki: Poll shows shift among those who call themselves a MAGA vs. traditional Republican

With 15 days left before Election Day, NBC News correspondent Steve Kornacki pointed to new polling showing movement among Republicans, split by whether they describe themselves as MAGA or as traditional members of the party. Kornacki discussed the midterm landscape with colleagues Julie Tsirkin and Ryan Chandler on Oct. 19, 2026, the same day President Trump began another week of travel meant to lift GOP candidates in red states.

Coverage surrounding the segment points to a contest in which Republicans are struggling to protect their House majority. The Cook Political Report has shifted 11 House races toward Democrats, and one program segment examines six frontline Republicans as the party tries to keep control of the chamber. Meanwhile, Brian Fitzpatrick's Democratic challenger says he is no moderate.

Other items in the news cycle include a Justice Department lawsuit against California over alleged noncitizen voters, and bipartisan criticism of a Trump diesel arrangement with Russia that he hopes will bring prices down. Trump is also trying to assure Republicans that he will not order military action in Iran before the midterms.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →