CNN anchor Omar Jimenez is taking his reporting on the road ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The journalist will host a multi-hour livestream each day this week, visiting battleground states and meeting voters.
What We Know: Jimenez’s livestream will run from 10 AM to 5 PM ET each day this week, with stops planned in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. On Monday, CNN aired the first two hours of the broadcast on YouTube, while viewers could watch the remainder through the CNN app. The coverage will combine political reporting with travel, food, and local activities as Jimenez visits communities in key states ahead of the November midterm elections. The format also gives CNN an opportunity to bring its reporting to digital audiences beyond its traditional television broadcasts.
What They Said: “I’m doing something this week that I don’t think CNN has ever done. I’m hosting a 7+ hour livestream every day as we drive through battleground states, meet voters/candidates, and just have fun with local unique activities. It’s part travel show, part food show, part politics.” -Omar Jimenez
What Remains Unclear: CNN hasn’t outlined whether the livestream will continue beyond this week or become a recurring feature of its digital coverage. The network also hasn’t detailed how much time Jimenez will spend interviewing candidates compared with talking to voters and participating in local activities.
What It Means: The project gives CNN another way to connect with audiences during a critical stretch of the election cycle. By combining political reporting with travel and community visits, Jimenez’s livestream offers a less conventional approach to covering battleground states. Additionally, distributing the coverage across YouTube and the CNN app allows the network to reach viewers on multiple digital platforms as campaigns compete for attention ahead of Election Day.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
