Political Action Committees, or PACs, are organisations registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for federal office in the US. Interestingly, they are tax-exempt organisations that pool campaign contributions from members, employees, or other groups and donate those funds to help or defeat political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. Traditional PACs, formed by corporations, unions or interest groups, operate under strict limits. A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates. Super PACs operate under an entirely different set of rules. They are a type of nonconnected committee; the FEC calls them independent expenditure-only political committees, and they can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labour unions and other PACs, which they then use to fund independent expenditures rather than direct candidate donations. The FEC counted 2,236 such super PACs through March 2026. This structure traces back to a landmark legal shift. Super PACs emerged following the 2010 SpeechNow v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which struck down limits on contributions to committees making independent political expenditures. This decision built on the broader deregulation triggered by Citizens United v. FEC the same year. The financial scale involved is significant. PACs and party committees accounted for over 75 per cent of funds raised for the 2024 election, with PACs alone contributing more than 65 per cent, or nearly $5.6 billion.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-iran-peace-proposal-trump-enriched-uranium-russia-1791654770394">Putin conveys Iran’s proposal to Trump, offers to take Tehran’s enriched uranium</a><h3>How PACs work and corporate influence</h3>Direct Contributions vs. Independent Spending: Traditional PACs can give limited, direct financial contributions to a candidate's official campaign (up to $5,000 per candidate per election), whereas Super PACs cannot give money directly to candidates but can spend unlimited amounts on independent advertising and messaging.&nbsp;The Role of Citizens United (2010): A landmark Supreme Court ruling and related court decisions (such as SpeechNow.org v. FEC) determined that independent political expenditures by corporations and unions are protected speech under the First Amendment. This allowed for Super PACs, which can accept unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals.&nbsp;Coordination Rules: By law, Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating their messaging or strategy directly with candidate campaigns, though critics argue close-knit political networks often blur these lines.

A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates.

Political Action Committees, or PACs, are organisations registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for federal office in the US. Interestingly, they are tax-exempt organisations that pool campaign contributions from members, employees, or other groups and donate those funds to help or defeat political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. Traditional PACs, formed by corporations, unions or interest groups, operate under strict limits. A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates. Super PACs operate under an entirely different set of rules. They are a type of nonconnected committee; the FEC calls them independent expenditure-only political committees, and they can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labour unions and other PACs, which they then use to fund independent expenditures rather than direct candidate donations. The FEC counted 2,236 such super PACs through March 2026. This structure traces back to a landmark legal shift. Super PACs emerged following the 2010 SpeechNow v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which struck down limits on contributions to committees making independent political expenditures. This decision built on the broader deregulation triggered by Citizens United v. FEC the same year. The financial scale involved is significant. PACs and party committees accounted for over 75 per cent of funds raised for the 2024 election, with PACs alone contributing more than 65 per cent, or nearly $5.6 billion. Also read: Putin conveys Iran’s proposal to Trump, offers to take Tehran’s enriched uranium How PACs work and corporate influence Direct Contributions vs. Independent Spending: Traditional PACs can give limited, direct financial contributions to a candidate's official campaign (up to $5,000 per candidate per election), whereas Super PACs cannot give money directly to candidates but can spend unlimited amounts on independent advertising and messaging. The Role of Citizens United (2010): A landmark Supreme Court ruling and related court decisions (such as SpeechNow.org v. FEC) determined that independent political expenditures by corporations and unions are protected speech under the First Amendment. This allowed for Super PACs, which can accept unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals. Coordination Rules: By law, Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating their messaging or strategy directly with candidate campaigns, though critics argue close-knit political networks often blur these lines.

A PAC that qualifies as a multicandidate committee can give a federal candidate $5,000 per election, provided it has been registered for at least six months, has at least 51 contributors, and has donated to five or more federal candidates.

US mid-term elections: What are PACs - Unique American System that lets corporates shape voting

The White House, as per reports, has asked the Pentagon to develop military options for striking Iranian targets ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections. Citing two unnamed US administration officials, The Atlantic reported that the scale and targets of any potential operation remain under discussion, and no decision has been made to launch strikes. The US Central Command, which is overseeing the war effort, is preparing options, it added. This comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to show progress in the much-criticised eight-month-old conflict and ease pressure from soaring fuel prices ahead of the November 2026 mid-term elections.<h2>Trump attempting to project strength ahead of midterms</h2>Administration officials have acknowledged that limited military action alone would be unlikely to force Tehran back to negotiations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz or bring down gasoline prices before Election Day. Supporters of the idea, however, believe a limited operation could allow Trump to project strength and claim progress before voters head to the polls. A more extensive military campaign could then follow the midterms.Trump has repeatedly suggested that the conflict could resume after the election. In a recent interview with Time, he said the US had been “stocking up for the last six months”. Last week, he said the US would win the war “right after the election”, while adding, “Maybe before the election.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-victory-claims-200-days-of-war-is-trump-s-iran-gamble-turning-into-a-midterm-nightmare-us-midterms-2026-1790843647554">100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare?</a><h2>Iran war becomes US election issue</h2>The conflict has become a growing political liability for Republicans as higher oil and gasoline prices weigh on voters. Oil prices surged to nearly $118 a barrel earlier in the conflict and have remained around $100 since then. US gasoline prices are now averaging $4.37 a gallon, according to AAA, compared with just under $3 before the US and Israeli strikes began on February 28.Energy analysts have warned that renewed military action could push prices higher. The US Energy Information Administration has also found that crude prices have typically risen when American strikes resume after pauses.Trump's approval rating, meanwhile, is at a record low thanks to these rising prices. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in September put the second-term president's approval rating at a new low of 32 per cent, while Democrats led Republicans by eight points among registered voters. The poll results also show that only 34 per cent of Americans support Trump's handling of the Iran war, and just 17 per cent approve of his handling of the cost of living.Another poll by CNN/SSRS also showed similar results. According to it, only about one in four Americans approve of his administration's handling of the conflict with Iran, and a majority say the conflict has hurt the United States. The poll, conducted among 1,206 US adults from September 16 to 17, found that 26 per cent approve of Trump's handling of the situation in Iran, while 73 per cent disapprove. That is down from 33 per cent approval in a CNN/SSRS poll conducted in March, shortly after the conflict began.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-how-grocery-bills-cost-of-living-are-turning-the-nov-3-election-into-a-test-of-trump-1791022350055">US Midterms 2026: How grocery bills, cost of living are turning the Nov 3 election into a test of Trump</a><h2>Any attack carries risks</h2>A renewed campaign would put roughly 50,000 US troops stationed across the region and Gulf allies at risk of Iranian retaliation. It could also further strain American weapons stocks. “The military action has done nothing to drive down oil prices; in fact, it has done the opposite,” Will Walldorf, an international-affairs professor at Wake Forest University and senior fellow at Defense Priorities, said.Washington is simultaneously pursuing indirect talks with Tehran, but major differences remain over a cease-fire, the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and reopening the vital waterway.

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing pre-midterm strikes on Iran as the White House seeks to show progress in the eight-month war. Any attack could risk Iranian retaliation, higher oil prices and renewed political backlash. All you need to know.

The White House, as per reports, has asked the Pentagon to develop military options for striking Iranian targets ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections. Citing two unnamed US administration officials, The Atlantic reported that the scale and targets of any potential operation remain under discussion, and no decision has been made to launch strikes. The US Central Command, which is overseeing the war effort, is preparing options, it added. This comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to show progress in the much-criticised eight-month-old conflict and ease pressure from soaring fuel prices ahead of the November 2026 mid-term elections. Trump attempting to project strength ahead of midterms Administration officials have acknowledged that limited military action alone would be unlikely to force Tehran back to negotiations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz or bring down gasoline prices before Election Day. Supporters of the idea, however, believe a limited operation could allow Trump to project strength and claim progress before voters head to the polls. A more extensive military campaign could then follow the midterms. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the conflict could resume after the election. In a recent interview with Time, he said the US had been “stocking up for the last six months”. Last week, he said the US would win the war “right after the election”, while adding, “Maybe before the election.” Also read | 100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare? Iran war becomes US election issue The conflict has become a growing political liability for Republicans as higher oil and gasoline prices weigh on voters. Oil prices surged to nearly $118 a barrel earlier in the conflict and have remained around $100 since then. US gasoline prices are now averaging $4.37 a gallon, according to AAA, compared with just under $3 before the US and Israeli strikes began on February 28. Energy analysts have warned that renewed military action could push prices higher. The US Energy Information Administration has also found that crude prices have typically risen when American strikes resume after pauses. Trump's approval rating, meanwhile, is at a record low thanks to these rising prices. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in September put the second-term president's approval rating at a new low of 32 per cent, while Democrats led Republicans by eight points among registered voters. The poll results also show that only 34 per cent of Americans support Trump's handling of the Iran war, and just 17 per cent approve of his handling of the cost of living. Another poll by CNN/SSRS also showed similar results. According to it, only about one in four Americans approve of his administration's handling of the conflict with Iran, and a majority say the conflict has hurt the United States. The poll, conducted among 1,206 US adults from September 16 to 17, found that 26 per cent approve of Trump's handling of the situation in Iran, while 73 per cent disapprove. That is down from 33 per cent approval in a CNN/SSRS poll conducted in March, shortly after the conflict began. Also read | US Midterms 2026: How grocery bills, cost of living are turning the Nov 3 election into a test of Trump Any attack carries risks A renewed campaign would put roughly 50,000 US troops stationed across the region and Gulf allies at risk of Iranian retaliation. It could also further strain American weapons stocks. “The military action has done nothing to drive down oil prices; in fact, it has done the opposite,” Will Walldorf, an international-affairs professor at Wake Forest University and senior fellow at Defense Priorities, said. Washington is simultaneously pursuing indirect talks with Tehran, but major differences remain over a cease-fire, the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and reopening the vital waterway.

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing pre-midterm strikes on Iran as the White House seeks to show progress in the eight-month war. Any attack could risk Iranian retaliation, higher oil prices and renewed political backlash. All you need to know.

US readying to strike Iran? Report suggests Trump preparing to put on show of strength ahead of US midterms

The 2026 US midterms are being fought not just by candidates, but over the maps voters will use to choose them. From Texas and Florida to California and Utah, an unusual wave of mid-decade redistricting is reshaping the battle for control of the House. Here's all you need to know.

The 2026 US midterms are being fought not just by candidates, but over the maps voters will use to choose them. From Texas and Florida to California and Utah, an unusual wave of mid-decade redistricting is reshaping the battle for control of the House. Here's all you need to know.

What is Gerrymandering? These new US maps could decide the 2026 US midterms

One of the most closely watched Senate races has taken shape in Maine as US mid-term elections in 2026 approach, pitting five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins against sitting Democratic Governor Janet Mills. In this contest, both parties see it as central to the battle for control of the chamber. Earlier, Janet Mills suspended her US Senate campaign on April 30, 2026, ending her primary challenge against Susan Collins due to a lack of financial resources and trailing poll numbers. Collins, in the Senate since 1997, officially launched her bid for a sixth term in February, framing her campaign around experience and independence. She chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and has long positioned herself as one of the chamber's more moderate Republicans, though Democrats argue she has increasingly aligned with President Trump's agenda.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-lost-complete-control-of-hormuz-us-able-to-provide-security-in-middle-east-says-rubio-1791370061661">Iran has lost ‘complete control’ of Hormuz, US able to ‘provide security’ in Middle East, says Rubio</a><h3>Mills enters race in October 2025</h3>Mills, Maine's two-term governor and the first woman elected to that office, entered the race in October 2025 after months of public deliberation. Barred from seeking a third term as governor, she framed her Senate run as a stand against Trump, and stated that she won't sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal. The race carries outsized national stakes. Of the 20 Senate seats Republicans are defending in 2026, Maine is the only one in a state Democrats carried in the 2024 presidential election, making it a top Democratic pickup target in their push to retake the Senate majority. Collins has never lost a Senate race in Maine; her only electoral defeat came in a 1994 gubernatorial bid. She defeated Democrat Sara Gideon by more than 8 points in 2020. But Maine has trended bluer since then, with registered Democrats now outnumbering unenrolled independent voters, a shift that could work against her. Mills, however, must first navigate a contested Democratic primary. Progressive oysterman Graham Platner has emerged as a serious rival, winning an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders and outraising both Mills and Collins in recent fundraising filings. Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban are also running. Sanders has publicly criticised national Democrats for pushing Mills into the race, calling Platner the stronger candidate to beat Collins.

Of the 20 Senate seats Republicans are defending in 2026, Maine is the only one in a state Democrats carried in the 2024 presidential election, making it a top Democratic pickup target in their push to retake the Senate majority.

One of the most closely watched Senate races has taken shape in Maine as US mid-term elections in 2026 approach, pitting five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins against sitting Democratic Governor Janet Mills. In this contest, both parties see it as central to the battle for control of the chamber. Earlier, Janet Mills suspended her US Senate campaign on April 30, 2026, ending her primary challenge against Susan Collins due to a lack of financial resources and trailing poll numbers. Collins, in the Senate since 1997, officially launched her bid for a sixth term in February, framing her campaign around experience and independence. She chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and has long positioned herself as one of the chamber's more moderate Republicans, though Democrats argue she has increasingly aligned with President Trump's agenda. Also read: Iran has lost ‘complete control’ of Hormuz, US able to ‘provide security’ in Middle East, says Rubio Mills enters race in October 2025 Mills, Maine's two-term governor and the first woman elected to that office, entered the race in October 2025 after months of public deliberation. Barred from seeking a third term as governor, she framed her Senate run as a stand against Trump, and stated that she won't sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal. The race carries outsized national stakes. Of the 20 Senate seats Republicans are defending in 2026, Maine is the only one in a state Democrats carried in the 2024 presidential election, making it a top Democratic pickup target in their push to retake the Senate majority. Collins has never lost a Senate race in Maine; her only electoral defeat came in a 1994 gubernatorial bid. She defeated Democrat Sara Gideon by more than 8 points in 2020. But Maine has trended bluer since then, with registered Democrats now outnumbering unenrolled independent voters, a shift that could work against her. Mills, however, must first navigate a contested Democratic primary. Progressive oysterman Graham Platner has emerged as a serious rival, winning an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders and outraising both Mills and Collins in recent fundraising filings. Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban are also running. Sanders has publicly criticised national Democrats for pushing Mills into the race, calling Platner the stronger candidate to beat Collins.

Of the 20 Senate seats Republicans are defending in 2026, Maine is the only one in a state Democrats carried in the 2024 presidential election, making it a top Democratic pickup target in their push to retake the Senate majority.

Collins vs. Mills: A five-term incumbent against a sitting governor in in Maine — who will set up 2026 midterm race?

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which will be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and popularity among the American people. And if we go by the latest approval average poll of September, Trump seems to be loosing his hold as the rating nears its lowest levels of his second term.&nbsp;According to FiftyPlusOne, a polling and elections tracking website that aggregates major polls, Trump's average approval rating as of Sept 25 was 34.9%, while his disapproval rating stood at 62.1% among US adults.&nbsp;The highest average approval rating of his second term was 54%, last seen on Jan. 22, 2025.&nbsp;The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran.&nbsp;In another poll conducted by the Ney York Times poll (Oct. 1, 2026) 37% of Americans are in favour of Trump while 61% disapprove of him.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-tennessee-for-murderer-christa-pike-s-failed-lethal-injection-execution-should-be-easy-to-do-1790906336229">Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’</a>&nbsp;While the latest Rasmussen poll (Sept. 30, 2026) puts the approval rating at 44% and disapproval at 55%.&nbsp;The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms.&nbsp;Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate.&nbsp;<h2>US midterm elections</h2>&nbsp;The 2026 US midterm elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, with early and mail voting already underway in several states. All 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate are up for election, along with 36 governorships.&nbsp;Trump is maintaining an active travel schedule and urging his supporters to turn out in the midterms. His campaign message focuses on defending his policies, strict border security and financial relief, among other things.&nbsp;While issues that are bothering American voters are persistent inflation, high energy costs, and rising fuel prices linked to the wars in West Asia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns over the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war and immigration enforcement efforts, among other things.

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which will be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and popularity among the American people. And if we go by the latest approval average poll of September, Trump seems to be loosing his hold as the rating nears its lowest levels of his second term. According to FiftyPlusOne, a polling and elections tracking website that aggregates major polls, Trump's average approval rating as of Sept 25 was 34.9%, while his disapproval rating stood at 62.1% among US adults. The highest average approval rating of his second term was 54%, last seen on Jan. 22, 2025. The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran. In another poll conducted by the Ney York Times poll (Oct. 1, 2026) 37% of Americans are in favour of Trump while 61% disapprove of him. ALSO READ: Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’ While the latest Rasmussen poll (Sept. 30, 2026) puts the approval rating at 44% and disapproval at 55%. The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms. Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate. US midterm elections The 2026 US midterm elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, with early and mail voting already underway in several states. All 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate are up for election, along with 36 governorships. Trump is maintaining an active travel schedule and urging his supporters to turn out in the midterms. His campaign message focuses on defending his policies, strict border security and financial relief, among other things. While issues that are bothering American voters are persistent inflation, high energy costs, and rising fuel prices linked to the wars in West Asia and Ukraine.

The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns over the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war and immigration enforcement efforts, among other things.

Trump's average approval rating of his second term is lowest in September. Where they stand

Democrat John Fetterman won the crucial Senate race in Pennsylvania, the home state of President Joe Biden of the United States. Fetterman, who had won the support of American celebrity Oprah Winfrey for his run for Senate last week, gave Democrats a significant boost in their effort to retain the majority in the Senate.

"I'm just so proud of the race that we ran," Fetterman told a group of media persons.&nbsp;

"This campaign has always been about fighting for everyone who's ever been got knocked down, that ever got back up," he was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Wall Street Journal.

Why Fetterman's win is crucial for Democrats?

In the ageing world of the US Democrats —&nbsp;President Joe Biden (79), Nancy Pelosi (82) — Fetterman, at 53 years of age, finds himself among those uniquely placed Democrat leaders, who have managed to gain a pan-United States political identity for themselves.&nbsp;

His opposition to the overturning of the Joe Vs. Wade verdict concerning abortion rights&nbsp;earlier this year, gained him new followers among traditional Democrats looking for an alternative amid Joe Biden's declining popularity. Whereas, his political success in Pennsylvania in breaking the Republican Party's grip on the white working-class vote, has turned many heads in Washington's Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-democrats-flip-pennsylvania-senate-seat-532622">US Midterm Elections: Democrats flip Pennsylvania senate seat</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-democrats-flip-pennsylvania-senate-seat-532622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, he made legalising marijuana his signature issue and worked in his role as leader of the state Board of Pardons to grant pardons to larger numbers of incarcerated individuals.

Fetterman cut a unique and rather&nbsp;untraditional profile as a politician, becoming famous in the state for wearing gym shorts and a hoodie sweatshirt to public events, rather than the traditional tailored suit&nbsp;and necktie.&nbsp;

Analysts had expected a close election in Pennsylvania, given the country’s history of nail-baiting presidential contests in recent years. President Joe Biden had won the state in 2020 by less than 1.2 percentage points after his party had lost it by an even smaller margin four years earlier.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Democrat John Fetterman won the crucial Senate race in Pennsylvania, the home state of President Joe Biden of the United States. Fetterman, who had won the support of American celebrity Oprah Winfrey for his run for Senate last week, gave Democrats a significant boost in their effort to retain the majority in the Senate.

Democrat John Fetterman won the crucial Senate race in Pennsylvania, the home state of President Joe Biden of the United States. Fetterman, who had won the support of American celebrity Oprah Winfrey for his run for Senate last week, gave Democrats a significant boost in their effort to retain the majority in the Senate. "I'm just so proud of the race that we ran," Fetterman told a group of media persons. "This campaign has always been about fighting for everyone who's ever been got knocked down, that ever got back up," he was quoted as saying by Wall Street Journal. Why Fetterman's win is crucial for Democrats? In the ageing world of the US Democrats — President Joe Biden (79), Nancy Pelosi (82) — Fetterman, at 53 years of age, finds himself among those uniquely placed Democrat leaders, who have managed to gain a pan-United States political identity for themselves. His opposition to the overturning of the Joe Vs. Wade verdict concerning abortion rights earlier this year, gained him new followers among traditional Democrats looking for an alternative amid Joe Biden's declining popularity. Whereas, his political success in Pennsylvania in breaking the Republican Party's grip on the white working-class vote, has turned many heads in Washington's Capitol Hill. ALSO READ | US Midterm Elections: Democrats flip Pennsylvania senate seat × As Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, he made legalising marijuana his signature issue and worked in his role as leader of the state Board of Pardons to grant pardons to larger numbers of incarcerated individuals. Fetterman cut a unique and rather untraditional profile as a politician, becoming famous in the state for wearing gym shorts and a hoodie sweatshirt to public events, rather than the traditional tailored suit and necktie. Analysts had expected a close election in Pennsylvania, given the country’s history of nail-baiting presidential contests in recent years. President Joe Biden had won the state in 2020 by less than 1.2 percentage points after his party had lost it by an even smaller margin four years earlier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Meet John Fetterman, the man who flipped Pennsylvania for Democrats

The United States midterm elections are underway with the Democrats and Republicans fighting to secure a majority of&nbsp;the two chambers of Congress,&nbsp;the House of Representatives and the Senate. The recent exit polls show signs of a bigger problem looming over the Dems for the next Presidential elections in 2024.&nbsp;

The early results of the national exit poll conducted for CNN and other news networks by Edison Research show that more than two-thirds of those who voted for House candidates do not want incumbent president Joe Biden to run for re-election in&nbsp;two years. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2022-live-updates-voting-begins-with-experts-favouring-republicans-532269">US midterm election results 2022 LIVE updates |'Bloodbath!!!': Donald Trump's son tweets as Republicans surge in midterms</a>

More than seven in 10 independent voters, and at least nine in 10 Republican voters said that they don’t want&nbsp;Biden to be a part of the upcoming presidential race. While less than six in 10 Democratic voters thought that he should run again in 2024.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-donald-trump-vs-ron-desantis-cracks-within-the-republicans-532543">US Midterm Elections | Donald Trump vs Ron DeSantis: Cracks within the Republicans?</a> 
 
This comes as just under six in 10 independent voters and more than nine in 10 GOP voters have an unfavourable view of Biden as well as his work as president. While only one in 10 Democratic voters have an unfavourable view of the president and slightly more disapprove of his job performance.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poll-biden-and-his-party-struggle-ahead-of-midterms-dems-look-elsewhere-for-2024-519471">Poll: Biden, his party struggle ahead of midterms, as most Dems look elsewhere for 2024</a>

On the other hand, two-thirds of independent voters and more than nine in 10 Democratic voters held an unfavourable view of former President Donald Trump. While just over three-quarters of GOP voters held a favourable view of him. Notably, independent voters comprise about a quarter of the electorate, roughly one-third are Democratic voters and Republican voters are just over one-third of the electorate.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United States midterm elections are underway with the Democrats and Republicans fighting to secure a majority of the two chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The United States midterm elections are underway with the Democrats and Republicans fighting to secure a majority of the two chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The recent exit polls show signs of a bigger problem looming over the Dems for the next Presidential elections in 2024. The early results of the national exit poll conducted for CNN and other news networks by Edison Research show that more than two-thirds of those who voted for House candidates do not want incumbent president Joe Biden to run for re-election in two years. ALSO READ: US midterm election results 2022 LIVE updates |'Bloodbath!!!': Donald Trump's son tweets as Republicans surge in midterms More than seven in 10 independent voters, and at least nine in 10 Republican voters said that they don’t want Biden to be a part of the upcoming presidential race. While less than six in 10 Democratic voters thought that he should run again in 2024. ALSO WATCH: US Midterm Elections | Donald Trump vs Ron DeSantis: Cracks within the Republicans? This comes as just under six in 10 independent voters and more than nine in 10 GOP voters have an unfavourable view of Biden as well as his work as president. While only one in 10 Democratic voters have an unfavourable view of the president and slightly more disapprove of his job performance. ALSO READ: Poll: Biden, his party struggle ahead of midterms, as most Dems look elsewhere for 2024 On the other hand, two-thirds of independent voters and more than nine in 10 Democratic voters held an unfavourable view of former President Donald Trump. While just over three-quarters of GOP voters held a favourable view of him. Notably, independent voters comprise about a quarter of the electorate, roughly one-third are Democratic voters and Republican voters are just over one-third of the electorate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exit polls show most voters don’t want Joe Biden to run for US presidency in 2024

As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections. Talking to reporters Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the support will be unwavering and unflinching. "We are confident the United States' support will be unflinching and will be unwavering."

Watch now |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Republicans turn the tables in US Midterm Election?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-republicans-turn-the-tables-in-us-midterm-election-532012/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that communication channels between Washington and Moscow are still open.&nbsp;He said that it was "in the interests" of the country although they are "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with".

Reports have been doing the rounds that Sullivan has been in contact with Moscow to&nbsp;prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine.&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal reported that&nbsp;Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.

However, Republicans have expressed concerns about the level of expenditure the US is bearing on Ukraine's behalf.

There won't be a "blank check" for Ukraine if the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, said Kevin McCarthy, who could end up as speaker if Republicans take the edge.

Despite opposition from hard-right members sympathetic to the previous president Donald Trump, the Republican base as a whole supports Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-us-persistently-spreading-a-groundless-rumour-of-arms-dealings-between-it-and-russia-532032" hreflang="en">North Korea claims US persistently spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' between it and Russia</a>

Republicans who have been influenced by Donald Trump have criticised the magnitude of US aid to Ukraine, which includes an $11.2 billion request from President Biden and the $40 billion that was unanimously approved in May.

However, not all Republicans think that way. The head of the Senate's Republican party, Mitch McConnell, as per AFP has vowed to go further than Biden and expedite the acquisition of weapons, including ones with a greater range.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-boss-elon-musk-asks-us-voters-to-vote-for-republican-congress-531962" hreflang="en">US Midterms: Twitter boss Elon Musk asks Americans to vote for 'Republican Congress'</a>

Meanwhile, Mike Pence, who served as Trump's vice president, recently took direct aim at opponents of arming Ukraine.

As per Reuters Republicans would be able to suspend funding to Ukraine if they had control of Capitol Hill. However, as per the report, they are more likely to cut down or scale down the flow of economic and military help to Kyiv.

The outcome of certain close contests, as well as who will control Congress, may not be known for days or even weeks, according to experts.

According to the US Elections Project, which keeps track of early voting, more than 43 million Americans have already cast their ballots, either in person or by mail.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections.

As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections. Talking to reporters Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the support will be unwavering and unflinching. "We are confident the United States' support will be unflinching and will be unwavering." Watch now | Gravitas: Will Republicans turn the tables in US Midterm Election? Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that communication channels between Washington and Moscow are still open. He said that it was "in the interests" of the country although they are "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with". Reports have been doing the rounds that Sullivan has been in contact with Moscow to prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. However, Republicans have expressed concerns about the level of expenditure the US is bearing on Ukraine's behalf. There won't be a "blank check" for Ukraine if the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, said Kevin McCarthy, who could end up as speaker if Republicans take the edge. Despite opposition from hard-right members sympathetic to the previous president Donald Trump, the Republican base as a whole supports Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion. Also read | North Korea claims US persistently spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' between it and Russia Republicans who have been influenced by Donald Trump have criticised the magnitude of US aid to Ukraine, which includes an $11.2 billion request from President Biden and the $40 billion that was unanimously approved in May. However, not all Republicans think that way. The head of the Senate's Republican party, Mitch McConnell, as per AFP has vowed to go further than Biden and expedite the acquisition of weapons, including ones with a greater range. Also read | US Midterms: Twitter boss Elon Musk asks Americans to vote for 'Republican Congress' Meanwhile, Mike Pence, who served as Trump's vice president, recently took direct aim at opponents of arming Ukraine. As per Reuters Republicans would be able to suspend funding to Ukraine if they had control of Capitol Hill. However, as per the report, they are more likely to cut down or scale down the flow of economic and military help to Kyiv. The outcome of certain close contests, as well as who will control Congress, may not be known for days or even weeks, according to experts. According to the US Elections Project, which keeps track of early voting, more than 43 million Americans have already cast their ballots, either in person or by mail. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House vows 'unwavering' and 'unflinching' support for Ukraine, even if Republicans win midterm elections

As the US midterm elections approach their end, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lead the pack of likely Republican presidential hopefuls for 2024. While DeSantis has earned the label of 'Donald Trump incarnate' from President Joe Biden, Donald Trump has christened Florida governer 'Ron DeSanctimonious'.&nbsp;

Trump claims to have a loyal following among the conservatives. DeSantis is often praised by the Republicans as 'a more disciplined and less chaotic leader'.&nbsp;

DeSantis was endorsed by Trump in 2018 for Florida's governorship. The tables, however, have turned in 2022 for what is foreseen by the two top Republican presidential hopefuls of 2024.&nbsp;

Trump, DeSantis to maintain distance in Florida

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday, November 6 in Florida's Miami in which DeSantis remains has not been invited. Miami is DeSantis' home turf. DeSantis himself, however, is scheduled to campaign hundreds of miles away the same day, exposing the growing difference between the two leaders with respect to galvanising the Republican base for the midterms.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-donald-trump-says-red-wave-will-sweep-through-usa-once-again-531635">US Midterm Elections: Donald Trump says, 'Red wave will sweep through USA once again'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-donald-trump-says-red-wave-will-sweep-through-usa-once-again-531635/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"DeSantis would have lost in 2018 by 10, 20, maybe 30 points without Trump's endorsement. He definitely owes Trump. Big Time," outgoing Florida GOP state Rep. Anthony Sabatini was quoted as saying by Politico.&nbsp;

We are going to take back the White House: Donald Trump

After calling out his potential political rival 'Ron DeSanctimonious', Donald Trump in a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, also teased his own run for the White House in 2024.&nbsp;

“This is the year we are going to take back the House. We’re going to take back the Senate. And we are going to take back America. We are going to take it back,” Trump said. “And in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent, oh-so beautiful White House.”

Trump is widely expected to announce his presidential bid, soon after the mid-term election results.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As the US midterm elections approach their end, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lead the pack of likely Republican presidential hopefuls for 2024.

As the US midterm elections approach their end, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lead the pack of likely Republican presidential hopefuls for 2024. While DeSantis has earned the label of 'Donald Trump incarnate' from President Joe Biden, Donald Trump has christened Florida governer 'Ron DeSanctimonious'. Trump claims to have a loyal following among the conservatives. DeSantis is often praised by the Republicans as 'a more disciplined and less chaotic leader'. DeSantis was endorsed by Trump in 2018 for Florida's governorship. The tables, however, have turned in 2022 for what is foreseen by the two top Republican presidential hopefuls of 2024. Trump, DeSantis to maintain distance in Florida Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally on Sunday, November 6 in Florida's Miami in which DeSantis remains has not been invited. Miami is DeSantis' home turf. DeSantis himself, however, is scheduled to campaign hundreds of miles away the same day, exposing the growing difference between the two leaders with respect to galvanising the Republican base for the midterms. WATCH | US Midterm Elections: Donald Trump says, 'Red wave will sweep through USA once again' × "DeSantis would have lost in 2018 by 10, 20, maybe 30 points without Trump's endorsement. He definitely owes Trump. Big Time," outgoing Florida GOP state Rep. Anthony Sabatini was quoted as saying by Politico. We are going to take back the White House: Donald Trump After calling out his potential political rival 'Ron DeSanctimonious', Donald Trump in a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, also teased his own run for the White House in 2024. “This is the year we are going to take back the House. We’re going to take back the Senate. And we are going to take back America. We are going to take it back,” Trump said. “And in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent, oh-so beautiful White House.” Trump is widely expected to announce his presidential bid, soon after the mid-term election results. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Midterms 2022: Former president Trump teases 2024 bid, Ron DeSantis not invited to Miami rally

The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington.

As per AFP, the monumental milestone comes as the LGBTQ community has become an increasingly significant voting constituency. Analysts predict that the surge in transgender and gay voters might redraw the electoral landscape over the next generation, "nudging the conservative US heartland in a more liberal direction."

Watch |&nbsp;US Midterms 2022: Democrats and Republicans vying for control of Senate

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-2022-democrats-and-republicans-vying-for-control-of-senate-530186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Currently, the community represents around 10 per cent of American voters, however, as per an October report by a lobby group in collaboration with&nbsp;Bowling Green State University, Ohio, the number will by the end of this decade rise to one in seven or 14-plus per cent.

"Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ leaders to run for office," says Annise Parker, head of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-biden-targets-desantis-marco-rubio-during-campaign-rally-in-florida-530463" hreflang="en">US midterm elections: Biden targets DeSantis, Marco Rubio during campaign rally in Florida</a>

Parker's organisation in a recent report found that since 2020 there has been an 18 per cent increase in LGBTQ hopefuls who successfully made it onto ballots.

For the November midterms, 1,065 hopefuls ran primary campaigns and a historic 678 successfully made it onto ballots. AFP reports that almost 90 per cent of the LGBTQ candidates who entered this year's primary races belong to the Democrat party.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-is-at-stake-in-us-midterms-says-obama-at-georgia-rally-529489" hreflang="en">Democracy is at stake in US midterms, says Obama at Georgia rally</a>

Another significant first for the community is Vermont House candidate Becca Balint who would be the only lesbian ever sent by the state to Congress.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which is the United States' largest gay rights group pointed out that the candidate statistics stand for significant progress in 2022, a year that saw more than 340 anti-LGBTQ bill proposals across the country. These bills include the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bills and the ones seeking to ban transgender children from participating in school sports.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington.

The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington. As per AFP, the monumental milestone comes as the LGBTQ community has become an increasingly significant voting constituency. Analysts predict that the surge in transgender and gay voters might redraw the electoral landscape over the next generation, "nudging the conservative US heartland in a more liberal direction." Watch | US Midterms 2022: Democrats and Republicans vying for control of Senate Currently, the community represents around 10 per cent of American voters, however, as per an October report by a lobby group in collaboration with Bowling Green State University, Ohio, the number will by the end of this decade rise to one in seven or 14-plus per cent. "Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ leaders to run for office," says Annise Parker, head of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor. Also read | US midterm elections: Biden targets DeSantis, Marco Rubio during campaign rally in Florida Parker's organisation in a recent report found that since 2020 there has been an 18 per cent increase in LGBTQ hopefuls who successfully made it onto ballots. For the November midterms, 1,065 hopefuls ran primary campaigns and a historic 678 successfully made it onto ballots. AFP reports that almost 90 per cent of the LGBTQ candidates who entered this year's primary races belong to the Democrat party. Also read | Democracy is at stake in US midterms, says Obama at Georgia rally Another significant first for the community is Vermont House candidate Becca Balint who would be the only lesbian ever sent by the state to Congress. Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which is the United States' largest gay rights group pointed out that the candidate statistics stand for significant progress in 2022, a year that saw more than 340 anti-LGBTQ bill proposals across the country. These bills include the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bills and the ones seeking to ban transgender children from participating in school sports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states

On Wednesday, TikTok unveiled its strategy to combat the onslaught of false information that is anticipated to accompany the approaching US midterm elections. Tech companies typically determine how to address such issues on their own.

The firm announced that as part of its preparedness for the November midterm elections in the United States, it will work to prevent influencers from posting paid political messages on the short-form video app.

Head of US safety Eric Han wrote in a blog post that TikTok has started reminding users that its ban on political adverts includes videos that people are paid to make for the platform.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: US president Joe Biden signs climate bill into law

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-us-president-joe-biden-signs-climate-bill-into-law-507817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While TikTok has prohibited paid political advertisements since 2019, campaign strategists have found a loophole, they now pay influencers to promote political causes.

Han stated, "If we discover political content was paid for and not properly disclosed, it is promptly removed from the platform."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-critic-liz-cheney-ousted-in-the-wyoming-election-507776" hreflang="en">Donald Trump’s critic Liz Cheney ousted in the Wyoming election</a>

Critics and lawmakers have long accused TikTok and rival social media firms like Meta Platforms and Twitter of not doing enough to halt the spread of political misinformation and provocative content on their platforms, reports Reuters.

According to an AFP report, TikTok has launched an "Elections Center" that would inform users of where and how to cast their ballots as well as include videos aimed at inspiring critical thinking about online material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-knew-russias-plans-ukraine-war-but-it-struggled-to-convince-allies-report-507813" hreflang="en">US knew Russia's Ukraine war plans but struggled to convince allies: Report</a>

The popular video-sharing app will add links to its Elections Center to content identified as being connected to the midterm elections, as well as accounts belonging to governments, lawmakers, or political parties.

Han said&nbsp;TikTok will evaluate the veracity of content using both automated technologies and human fact-checkers, he also&nbsp;urged&nbsp;users to "reconsider" sharing posts with dubious claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Wednesday, TikTok unveiled its strategy to combat the onslaught of false information that is anticipated to accompany the approaching US midterm elections. Tech companies typically determine how to address such issues on their own.

On Wednesday, TikTok unveiled its strategy to combat the onslaught of false information that is anticipated to accompany the approaching US midterm elections. Tech companies typically determine how to address such issues on their own. The firm announced that as part of its preparedness for the November midterm elections in the United States, it will work to prevent influencers from posting paid political messages on the short-form video app. Head of US safety Eric Han wrote in a blog post that TikTok has started reminding users that its ban on political adverts includes videos that people are paid to make for the platform. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: US president Joe Biden signs climate bill into law While TikTok has prohibited paid political advertisements since 2019, campaign strategists have found a loophole, they now pay influencers to promote political causes. Han stated, "If we discover political content was paid for and not properly disclosed, it is promptly removed from the platform." Also read | Donald Trump’s critic Liz Cheney ousted in the Wyoming election Critics and lawmakers have long accused TikTok and rival social media firms like Meta Platforms and Twitter of not doing enough to halt the spread of political misinformation and provocative content on their platforms, reports Reuters. According to an AFP report, TikTok has launched an "Elections Center" that would inform users of where and how to cast their ballots as well as include videos aimed at inspiring critical thinking about online material. Also read | US knew Russia's Ukraine war plans but struggled to convince allies: Report The popular video-sharing app will add links to its Elections Center to content identified as being connected to the midterm elections, as well as accounts belonging to governments, lawmakers, or political parties. Han said TikTok will evaluate the veracity of content using both automated technologies and human fact-checkers, he also urged users to "reconsider" sharing posts with dubious claims. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahead of US mid-term elections, TikTok reveals plan to crack down on paid political posts

The first multistate contest of the US 2022 midterm election season unfolds on Tuesday. Ohio voters are to pick nominees for governor and the US Senate. The Ohio race will reveal if former President Donald Trump still has sway over Republicans. He has been especially involved in Ohio’s Senate primary. US President Joe Biden is gearing up for intense midterm campaigning. He will try to save Democrats in the House and Senate as a reelection campaign is expected to be announced by next spring.

US mid-term elections process kicks off. Will it spell doom for Biden?

Facebook said on Monday it will beef up its rules and safeguards around political adverts to prevent foreign interference in elections, including those in Europe this year.

The world's largest social network has faced pressure from regulators and the public after last year's revelation that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica had improperly acquired data on millions of US users to target election advertising.

"We will require those wanting to run political and issue ads to be authorised, and we will display a 'paid for by' disclaimer on those ads," Facebook's recently-appointed head of global affairs Nick Clegg told a news conference.

Clegg, a former British deputy prime minister hired by Facebook in October last year, said the new tools to be launched in late March aim to help protect the integrity of European Union elections due to be held this spring.

Facebook said that the transparency tools for electoral ads would be expanded globally before the end of June, while the tools would be in launched in India in February before its elections and in Ukraine and Israel before polls in both.

The tools are similar to those adopted for the US mid-term elections, Clegg said, adding that all political ads will be stored in a publicly searchable library for up to seven years.

This will contain information such as the amount of money spent and the number of impressions displayed, who paid for them and the demographics of those who saw them, including age, gender and location.

The new tools, which will be launched in March, will also cover 'issue ads' which do not explicitly back one candidate or political party but which focus on highly politicised topics like immigration.

Facebook said it will also set up two new regional operations centres focused on monitoring election-related content in its Dublin and Singapore offices.

Clegg denied that Facebook sells users' data.

"Selling people's information to advertisers would not only be the wrong thing to do, it would undermine the way we do business, because it would reduce the unique value of our service to advertisers," he said.

Facebook said on Monday it will beef up its rules and safeguards around political adverts to prevent foreign interference in elections, including those in Europe this year.

Facebook said on Monday it will beef up its rules and safeguards around political adverts to prevent foreign interference in elections, including those in Europe this year. The world's largest social network has faced pressure from regulators and the public after last year's revelation that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica had improperly acquired data on millions of US users to target election advertising. "We will require those wanting to run political and issue ads to be authorised, and we will display a 'paid for by' disclaimer on those ads," Facebook's recently-appointed head of global affairs Nick Clegg told a news conference. Clegg, a former British deputy prime minister hired by Facebook in October last year, said the new tools to be launched in late March aim to help protect the integrity of European Union elections due to be held this spring. Facebook said that the transparency tools for electoral ads would be expanded globally before the end of June, while the tools would be in launched in India in February before its elections and in Ukraine and Israel before polls in both. The tools are similar to those adopted for the US mid-term elections, Clegg said, adding that all political ads will be stored in a publicly searchable library for up to seven years. This will contain information such as the amount of money spent and the number of impressions displayed, who paid for them and the demographics of those who saw them, including age, gender and location. The new tools, which will be launched in March, will also cover 'issue ads' which do not explicitly back one candidate or political party but which focus on highly politicised topics like immigration. Facebook said it will also set up two new regional operations centres focused on monitoring election-related content in its Dublin and Singapore offices. Clegg denied that Facebook sells users' data. "Selling people's information to advertisers would not only be the wrong thing to do, it would undermine the way we do business, because it would reduce the unique value of our service to advertisers," he said.

Facebook tightens paid ads rules ahead of EU elections

us-mid-term-elections

Us Mid Term Elections, News on Us Mid Term Elections, stories on Us Mid Term Elections, articles on Us Mid Term Elections, Us Mid Term Elections stories at Wion, Us Mid Term Elections news, Us Mid Term Elections latest news

us mid-term-elections

US mid-term elections: What are PACs - Unique American System that lets corporates shape voting

US readying to strike Iran? Trump may put on show of strength ahead of midterms