The year 2026 just started, but people are already looking to the 2028 political realm. This year is a midterm election cycle that could shape the direction of either party and candidates in the presidential primaries in just two years.
Although the midterms tend to have historically low turnout, the political makeup of Congress can shape how policies are passed and vetoed. With the current administration's plans, this midterm is ever more important.
The unfavorability of party leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties has caused a divide between the government and the people. This suggests a lot of change can happen during this election cycle, from current officials being primaried to current party leadership being changed.
In 2026, all 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate are up for grabs. People are looking at key swing states like North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan and Ohio to make the shift for a Democratic majority in the Senate. Other key races are happening in Maine, Texas and Minnesota for competitive primaries that could shift the Democratic party further left.
A Democratic controlled Congress could have President Donald Trump worried about history repeating itself. After the 2018 primaries, Trump was impeached twice, which could hinder GOP plans heading into the last years of his term.
Democrats are worried interference could lead voters to avoid the polls on Election Day.
Beyond party strategy of how to gain or keep control of Congress, the midterms can shape how policy is controlled in the government and how aggressively the executive branch is checked.
The current skepticism of Congress’s effectiveness could come into play in how people vote on Election Day. According to Gallup, approval ratings of Congress hover only in the low double digits.
Hot-button issues can also affect the direction voters go in. Economic affordability, immigration and generative artificial intelligence infrastructure are all going to be highlighted going into the elections.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has become a double-edged sword for both Republicans and Democrats. Flawed policies and recent criticism have Republicans worried that it will affect how voters portray Republican candidates. Push back against immigration policies has Democrats worried it will affect how voters portray Democratic candidates.
Here in Athens and around the United States, thousands have come out to protest ICE and this current administration’s policies on immigration. There will be formidable pushback against Trump if the Democrats were to take back control of Congress.
The midterm elections can also be the playing ground for the direction of candidates come the 2028 primaries. Depending on changes in incumbency, party leadership and the political makeup of the federal government, this could shift potential presidential candidates further right, left or center.
Candidates who outperform in their primary and general elections gain media attention, donor support and credibility within their party. Candidates who campaign on either centrist or progressive platforms have the ability to create a political shift within the party.
This shift can have lasting impacts on the candidates who decide to run come 2028.
Ultimately, the 2026 midterm elections are not just about voting out current leadership; they are a preview of a political environment that could determine how 2028 goes. Voter dissatisfaction, party restructuring and emerging candidates will shape the direction of the future of the parties.
Although it can be easy to become disillusioned with the government and not care to vote in the midterms, 2026 can have lasting impacts on our future. Voting in this cycle can shape our options that will exist in 2028.
You can find how to register to vote and where to vote in these coming elections here.
Chase Borland is a junior studying journalism strategic communications at Ohio University. The views and opinions of this columnist do not necessarily reflect those of The Post. If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns then you can contact him at cb297222@ohio.edu.
