As they worked to hold the chamber, Democratic strategists used subtle maneuvers to try to discourage strong potential Republican candidates from running.
A class of political newcomers with remarkable military records are challenging old ideas about interventionism — and the assumption that electing veterans is a way to bring back bipartisanship.
G.O.P. candidates have been changing their positions, erasing sections about abortion from their websites and trying to focus on topics like inflation, crime and immigration.