“Professional Democrats have many fears about the 2022 midterm elections that keep them up at night,” the New York Times reports.

“Chief among them: losing Congress and handing over investigative powers and the ability to set the Washington agenda to Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell. Granting Republicans full control over states where abortion remains contested. Seeing President Biden turned prematurely into a lame duck.”

“Somewhere near the top of that list is the concern that voters will elect Donald Trump’s preferred candidates to the office of secretary of state, a job that in many states plays a critical role in safeguarding the right to vote, while also ensuring the smooth operation and fairness of the electoral system.”

“To put it plainly, the widespread worry on the left is that Trump’s loyalists will guarantee his re-election in 2024 if they take power in 2022. It’s not something either Trump or these candidates labor especially hard to rebut.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says former President Trump will face a lot of competition in a Republican primary if he runs for president in 2024, The Hill reports.

Said McConnell: “I think we’re going to have a crowded field for president. I assume most of that will unfold later and people will be picking their candidates in a crowded primary field.”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) said that helping election-denying candidates in Republican primaries could backfire on Democrats and lead to grave consequences for the country, the HuffPost reports.

Said Romney: “It’s not illegal but it sure is stupid. Be careful what you wish for. You may select somebody who actually wins and then you hurt the country as well as your own party.”

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the Justice Department’s investigation into various efforts by Donald Trump to undermine the 2020 election will continue regardless of whether the former president announces his intention to again seek office in 2024, The Hill reports.

Said Monaco: “We’re going to continue to do our job, to follow the facts wherever they go, no matter where they lead, no matter to what level.”

She added: “We’re going to continue to investigate what was fundamentally an attack on our democracy.”

A new CNN/SSRS poll finds Democrats and Republicans tied on the generic congressional ballot at 46% each.

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that he is dropping out of the congressional race in New York’s 10th congressional district.

Said de Blasio: “It’s clear to me that when it comes to this congressional district, people are looking for another option and I respect that. Time for me to leave electoral politics and focus on other ways to serve.”