The 2026 midterms can create a Congressional check-and-balance to the Trump administration. Flipping the US Senate would change history, ending Trump’s ability to make party-line appointments to the Courts and Federal agencies and forcing only bipartisan legislation. 

Historically, the party in power during midterms loses ground—it’s happened in 20 of the 22 last midterm elections. What may turn 2026 into more of a “wave election,” in which the Democrats make significant gains in both Houses, is the fact that Trump himself will not be on the ballot (fewer of his voters will turn out) and his current disapproval rating among even members of his own party is significant.  

Without winning the Senate back, Democrats and allies can only play defense against MAGA even if they win the Presidency and House in 2028. A MAGA Senate will continue to have the final say on all legislation and all nominations. Right now, with momentum in going in our direction and the growing list of vulnerable Senators, the 2026 midterms are the best and most cost-efficient opportunity to win a durable majority.

In 2007, the Obama campaign’s mantra for every decision was, “Does this help win the Iowa Caucuses?” Today, we must ask, “Does this help win the Senate?”