stephen fowler
@stphnfwlr.com
political reporter in ATL covering the south + future of GOP/Dem parties + ??? for @npr.org | always thinking of bourbon, biscuits and buc-ee’s
newsletter: stphnfwlr.com
stories: https://www.npr.org/people/1219684807/stephen-fowler
newsletter: stphnfwlr.com
stories: https://www.npr.org/people/1219684807/stephen-fowler
Pinned
stephen fowler
@stphnfwlr.com
· Jun 25
Tired: 2026 midterm coverage
Wired (and also tired): 2026 newborn coverage
Inspired: Taking *some* of my parental leave between now + Labor Day to hang out with this cool little dude, his excited big sister and my awesome wife.
See you on the radio and the campaign trail…. much later!
Wired (and also tired): 2026 newborn coverage
Inspired: Taking *some* of my parental leave between now + Labor Day to hang out with this cool little dude, his excited big sister and my awesome wife.
See you on the radio and the campaign trail…. much later!
Reposted by stephen fowler
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats. n.pr/4hrSrjz
A tumultuous congressional primary season closes with record departures and defeats
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats.
n.pr
September 16, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats. n.pr/4hrSrjz
New: Nearly one in five lawmakers who started the 119th Congress will not return to their seats next year, driven by an historic level of retirements, resignations and runs for other office.
Plus deaths + defeats + more from the @npr.org retirement tracker:
Plus deaths + defeats + more from the @npr.org retirement tracker:
A tumultuous congressional primary season closes with record departures and defeats
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats.
www.npr.org
September 16, 2026 at 5:29 PM
New: Nearly one in five lawmakers who started the 119th Congress will not return to their seats next year, driven by an historic level of retirements, resignations and runs for other office.
Plus deaths + defeats + more from the @npr.org retirement tracker:
Plus deaths + defeats + more from the @npr.org retirement tracker:
Reposted by stephen fowler
ICYMI, @npr.org's @stphnfwlr.com and @nytimes.com's Lisa Lerer talk midterms and last week's GOP midterm gathering:
wnyc.org/browse/shows...
wnyc.org/browse/shows...
Monday Morning Politics: Midterms Ramp Up | WNYC
Stephen Fowler, political reporter with NPR's Washington desk, and Lisa Lerer, national political reporter for The New York Times, talk about the politics of the midterm elections, after Republicans h...
wnyc.org
September 14, 2026 at 6:48 PM
ICYMI, @npr.org's @stphnfwlr.com and @nytimes.com's Lisa Lerer talk midterms and last week's GOP midterm gathering:
wnyc.org/browse/shows...
wnyc.org/browse/shows...
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
www.npr.org
September 12, 2026 at 1:34 PM
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
Reposted by stephen fowler
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria.
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
www.npr.org
September 11, 2026 at 2:29 PM
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria.
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria.
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
www.npr.org
September 11, 2026 at 2:29 PM
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria.
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
"Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!"
But GOP chances are less optimistic…
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
Empty seats, socialism and other takeaways from the week in Dallas.
Empty seats, socialism and other takeaways from the week in Dallas.
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
www.npr.org
September 11, 2026 at 1:16 PM
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
Empty seats, socialism and other takeaways from the week in Dallas.
Empty seats, socialism and other takeaways from the week in Dallas.
Reposted by stephen fowler
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump. n.pr/4A8OV4Q
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
n.pr
September 11, 2026 at 9:25 AM
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump. n.pr/4A8OV4Q
Reposted by stephen fowler
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
September 11, 2026 at 1:04 AM
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
September 11, 2026 at 1:04 AM
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Today’s @npr.org Up First:
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
Trump gives primetime speech at GOP convention, promising payout if Republicans win
President Trump kicked off the Republican midterm convention with a primetime speech, outlining the Republican message and promising Americans a payout if the GOP wins the upcoming election.
www.npr.org
September 10, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Today’s @npr.org Up First:
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
Today’s @npr.org Up First:
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
Trump gives primetime speech at GOP convention, promising payout if Republicans win
President Trump kicked off the Republican midterm convention with a primetime speech, outlining the Republican message and promising Americans a payout if the GOP wins the upcoming election.
www.npr.org
September 10, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Today’s @npr.org Up First:
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts,
Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
Reposted by stephen fowler
Here’s a meta video of some of the large groups of empty seats you can see as President Trump is saying there aren’t any empty seats in the arena.
September 10, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Here’s a meta video of some of the large groups of empty seats you can see as President Trump is saying there aren’t any empty seats in the arena.
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump made a stunning and implausible pledge: to send every American adult a $5,000 cash dividend. But only if his party maintains control of the House and the Senate in November's midterms.
After Trump promised to pay $5,000 if Republicans win, here's what to expect Thursday
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night.
www.npr.org
September 10, 2026 at 9:25 AM
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump made a stunning and implausible pledge: to send every American adult a $5,000 cash dividend. But only if his party maintains control of the House and the Senate in November's midterms.
Reposted by stephen fowler
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night. n.pr/4xkW3ZA
After Trump promised to pay $5,000 if Republicans win, here's what to expect Thursday
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night.
n.pr
September 10, 2026 at 9:17 AM
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night. n.pr/4xkW3ZA
We are one UFC segment and Lee Greenwood performance before President Trump is set to speak at the RNC event and this is what the American Airlines arena looks like from the press box.
The upper level is mostly empty, with pockets of empty seats interspersed elsewhere, too.
The upper level is mostly empty, with pockets of empty seats interspersed elsewhere, too.
September 10, 2026 at 12:45 AM
We are one UFC segment and Lee Greenwood performance before President Trump is set to speak at the RNC event and this is what the American Airlines arena looks like from the press box.
The upper level is mostly empty, with pockets of empty seats interspersed elsewhere, too.
The upper level is mostly empty, with pockets of empty seats interspersed elsewhere, too.
Reaction inside the RNC hall to the surprise Fetterman video was… muted.
September 9, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Reaction inside the RNC hall to the surprise Fetterman video was… muted.
Live dispatch from the start of the RNC midterm convention on All Things Considered
As it stands, the Venn diagram of what voters want candidates to focus on, what GOP candidates want and what Trump is focused on has very little overlap.
As it stands, the Venn diagram of what voters want candidates to focus on, what GOP candidates want and what Trump is focused on has very little overlap.
Republicans kick off unconventional midterm convention in Dallas with Trump speech
Republicans' first midterm convention, being touted as a "Trumpapalooza" by the Republican Party chairman, kicks off in Dallas with a program focused heavily on tax cuts and border security.
www.npr.org
September 9, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Live dispatch from the start of the RNC midterm convention on All Things Considered
As it stands, the Venn diagram of what voters want candidates to focus on, what GOP candidates want and what Trump is focused on has very little overlap.
As it stands, the Venn diagram of what voters want candidates to focus on, what GOP candidates want and what Trump is focused on has very little overlap.
Hello from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where an unprecedented Republican National Committee midterm convention — dubbed “Trump-a-palooza” by supportive members — will soon get underway.
For both parties, the final weeks of 2026 will be (mostly) all about Trump.
More on @npr.org soon.
For both parties, the final weeks of 2026 will be (mostly) all about Trump.
More on @npr.org soon.
September 9, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Hello from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where an unprecedented Republican National Committee midterm convention — dubbed “Trump-a-palooza” by supportive members — will soon get underway.
For both parties, the final weeks of 2026 will be (mostly) all about Trump.
More on @npr.org soon.
For both parties, the final weeks of 2026 will be (mostly) all about Trump.
More on @npr.org soon.
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump.
Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks off in Dallas Wednesday.
Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks off in Dallas Wednesday.
Republicans kick off a 'Trumpapalooza' of a midterm convention Wednesday in Texas
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump. Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks of in Dallas Wednesday.
www.npr.org
September 9, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump.
Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks off in Dallas Wednesday.
Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks off in Dallas Wednesday.
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From The Field | A Face For Radio | stephen fowler | Substack
Subscribe here for quick email alerts when I have a new reporting on the air (like "Up First" or the "NPR Politics Podcast") or online at NPR.org. Click to read A Face For Radio, by stephen fowler, a ...
www.stphnfwlr.com
September 9, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Want to make sure you don't miss any of my reporting on NPR.org or shows like Up First and The NPR Politics Podcast?
I've set up an email newsletter where you'll get notified with a brief email + link to the reporting straight to your inbox.
Sign up:
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Sign up:
For now, the two main drivers of how the midterms unfold will be money and messaging.
On the $$$ front, Democratic candidates are outraising their opponents in key races, while Republican party committees and Trump's MAGA, Inc. have hundreds of millions of dollars more saved up.
On the $$$ front, Democratic candidates are outraising their opponents in key races, while Republican party committees and Trump's MAGA, Inc. have hundreds of millions of dollars more saved up.
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
www.npr.org
September 8, 2026 at 6:23 PM
For now, the two main drivers of how the midterms unfold will be money and messaging.
On the $$$ front, Democratic candidates are outraising their opponents in key races, while Republican party committees and Trump's MAGA, Inc. have hundreds of millions of dollars more saved up.
On the $$$ front, Democratic candidates are outraising their opponents in key races, while Republican party committees and Trump's MAGA, Inc. have hundreds of millions of dollars more saved up.
Reposted by stephen fowler
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot. n.pr/4iLtZuA
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
n.pr
September 8, 2026 at 9:09 AM
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot. n.pr/4iLtZuA
New on @npr.org:
Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.
Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
www.npr.org
September 8, 2026 at 11:41 AM
New on @npr.org:
Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.
Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.
Today on @npr.org Morning Edition:
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
With the midterms fast approaching, campaign season begins
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
www.npr.org
September 7, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Today on @npr.org Morning Edition:
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.