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The list of Republicans weighing 2028 presidential bids is growing as President Trump's approval ratings decline and Democrats appear favored for a strong showing in the November midterms. Sen. John Kennedy recently joined a field that already includes former Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Rand Paul, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Ted Cruz, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and possibly Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Some hopefuls are positioning themselves to inherit the MAGA base, including Donald Trump Jr., who denies interest but polls strongly among hypothetical candidates. Others, like Christie, are distancing themselves from Trump's legacy, arguing Vice President J.D. Vance would be hurt by association with an unpopular administration.

Polling shows Vance still leads the GOP field but has lost ground, with Trump Jr. gaining support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also draw notable backing, while Nikki Haley says she won't run. Cruz and Vance have publicly sparred, with most contenders waiting on midterm results before deciding.

Sen. John Fetterman, Pennsylvania Democrat, is facing sharp criticism from within his own party after recording a video message for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, praising GOP Sen. Dave McCormick as a colleague who "gets the job done." Rep. Madeleine Dean, also of Pennsylvania, called the move a "stunt" and said she is "gravely disappointed," adding that constituents who campaigned for Fetterman are "livid." Rep. Brendan Boyle renewed his past description of Fetterman as "Trump's favorite Democrat."

The backlash reflects broader frustration over Fetterman's ideological shift since 2022, including frequent votes aligned with President Trump and his lone defense within the party of Trump's actions toward Iran. Dean also criticized his reduced engagement with Senate duties, echoing a recent Wall Street Journal report on his disinterest in hearings and constituent meetings, which Fetterman dismissed as a hit piece. A group of former staffers has said it will soon release further details about his conduct in office. Fetterman maintains he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in federal court in Brownsville, seeking an order compelling extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who faces Minnesota charges of assault and falsely reporting a crime after allegedly shooting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during a Jan. 14 Minneapolis raid. Castro was arrested in Texas in May; prosecutors say he fired through a front door and then falsely claimed he was attacked with a broom and shovel, an account contradicted by video. DHS has called the prosecution a "political stunt" and asserts federal jurisdiction, while the lawsuit also names Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino.

Ellison warns Castro could be released under Texas' 90-day bail rule as early as Aug. 26 and potentially flee to Mexico, citing jailhouse calls in which Castro discussed marrying a woman there and buying a house. Abbott's office has repeatedly declined to comment on "pending extradition matters" and has not signed the warrant despite Ellison noting Texas normally processes such requests in about 30 days. Ellison cites a 1987 Supreme Court ruling making extradition compliance mandatory. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty calls the case "not about politics," while the dispute underscores broader friction between state and federal authority over immigration enforcement.