By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive defense policy bill on Wednesday authorizing a record $901 billion in annual military spending, paving the way for the must-pass measure to become law for a 65th straight year.

A significant number of politicians have already revealed they are not seeking reelection ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

From the Texas battle for U.S. Senate to who's running to be the state's next governor, here are the key races — and candidates — to be watching as we head into 2026.

"It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is a part of that process," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said

National Democrats are adding the Iowa House and Senate to their 2026 target map, citing recent over-performance in special elections and new opportunities to cut into GOP control in Des Moines.

In a last-minute shake-up, Democrat Colin Allred announced Monday morning he is dropping out of the U.S. Senate race in Texas, hours before Rep. Jasmine Crockett filed paperwork to enter the Democratic primary for the race.

The House on Wednesday advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, sending the massive defense policy bill to the Senate for final passage.

A release from U.S. Rep. Mike Turner’s office on “major wins” for Wright-Patterson in the compromise version of the NDAA did not mention funding for the runway. The House passed that bill Wednesday evening, and it has a date in the Senate, likely next week.