As the 2026 midterms approach, what makes this election feel different from other recent cycles?
First, there are a lot of similarities with other election cycles. Midterms are usually the first test of a President's political strength. And in many cases, it's a test of how much resilience they have in the face of headwinds, given that voters are often in an anti-establishment mood that works against the party in power.
This year, what's different is the scope of the discontent within the electorate. There's a strong sense among voters that President Trump is singularly responsible for the state of the country -- especially the economy. And they seem likely to punish the Republican Party in historic fashion.
What topics or regions should viewers be watching most closely—and why?
There could be some unexpected twists on election night. Some previously safe states, like Texas and even Kansas, could be in play. But also watch what happens in the Great Lakes states. Democrats need to keep or hold on to some seats there, and some could be more competitive than they’d like. Michigan's Senate race is probably closer than Democrats would like. And the Minnesota Senate race may also be tighter than Democrats had anticipated. In other words: neither party can take anything for granted in these final days.
Is there an under-the-radar storyline that could become decisive by election night?
Can Democrats show unexpected strength in the South? A combination of bad polling for Republicans among Hispanic voters, and an activated base of Black Democrats could make some deep South races more competitive this year. If the wave is big enough, can it lift boats in places like Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina? We'll see on election night!
What will your Sunday night program cover that viewers may get overlooked in the daily campaign coverage?
We'll have a lot more time to look at the big themes driving this year's campaigns and also what the biggest names in politics are doing about it in these final weeks. We'll learn a lot about what each party's priorities are by scrutinizing their travel.
How would you complete this sentence “Before the Midterm Elections, all voters should…”
...register to vote and learn about your state and local candidates! It's easy to forget when all the attention is on national races.
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