Meet the Press NOW — July 30

Midterm elections usually shake up power in Washington – and Democrats are hoping that will hold true in November. But will the "Trump effect" change that calculus? Welcome to Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition. Every Saturday until Election Day, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Garrett Haake will bring on newsmakers to discuss the themes, issues and key players shaping the 2026 midterms. This week, Garrett’s looking at how Republicans and Democrats are positioning themselves to keep or take control of Congress next year, respectively, and he's speaking with two people at the crux of those decisions: former White House deputy chief of staff James Blair and California Democratic congressman Pete Aguilar. Blair left the West Wing to run President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc. He’s got $400 million to spend, a president itching to hit the campaign trail and a plan to keep Republican majorities in Washington for two more years. Meanwhile, Aguilar’s role as chair of the House Democratic Caucus means he’s in charge of crafting the party's message as it faces tough polling, deeper GOP coffers and new congressional maps.

The Republican midterm convention wraps up in Dallas as President Trump tries to rally his base with a promise of a $5,000 dividend if the GOP keeps control of Congress. Meanwhile, the GOP loses a major redistricting battle in Missouri after the Supreme Court blocked the use of a new map. Former White House chiefs of staff Andy Card and Leon Panetta join Meet the Press NOW to discuss their mission to “not let America forget” the terror attacks of Sept. 11 after 25 years.

Amid record fuel prices, President Donald Trump travels to Dallas to headline the first-ever Republican midterm convention. Following New Hampshire’s primary elections, NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki previews where the Senate race is headed. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) discusses the competitive Senate race in his state.

Republicans are set to gather in Dallas for their midterm convention even as President Trump is facing political headwinds ahead of November. NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki previews the key primaries in New Hampshire. Karishma Manzur (D-N.H.) and Scott Brown (R-N.H.) join Meet the Press NOW to discuss their bid to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Kristen Welker has exclusive interviews with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). Steve Kornacki breaks down a new NBC News Decision Desk Poll on artificial intelligence and data centers. Matt Gorman, Steve Ricchetti, Julie Tsirkin and Amy Walter join the roundtable.