Midterm Elections: Democrats Lead, Megadonor Spending, Voter Sentiment

A new CNN poll shows Democrats leading by 8 points, with voters favoring Democrats on key issues and a shift in 'party of change' perception. DSA membership growing. $1.6B in megadonor spending (Republican-leaning 3-to-1) and a Pew survey showing engaged voters prefer fighters over compromisers shape the landscape. House passed clean CR and weak stock trading ban; Senate appropriators reached a bipartisan CR funding through Dec. 11, blocking OMB's grant rule and averting a shutdown. Senate dynamics uncertain after Graham's death.