Todd Blanche formally takes the reins at the Justice Department and faces pressure from the president to go after his critics, including former FBI director James B. Comey.
Before going up against Republican Mike Rogers in November, Abdul El-Sayed must heal the wounds from his fierce race against Rep. Haley Stevens.
The Republican congressman, who denies claims of domestic abuse, has resisted growing calls to drop his bid for a third term.
A progressive group says messages that target the wealthy and large corporations appeal to a majority of Americans who see the economy as fundamentally rigged.