The Midterm Election: What to Know

Written by: Milo Gavaghan (‘28)

While it may not be the presidential election, it is undeniably just as significant; the 2026 midterm election is approaching. 

During the midterms, voters are given a chance to change, or maintain the current political party and agenda which is dominating Congress, that being, President Trump’s Republican Administration. It serves as a public judgment of the administration, placed exactly halfway through the president’s 4 year term, hence the name “midterm.” 

Usually, voter’s demand for change results in the current president’s party losing support, causing a switch in the House  that has consistently occurred for 20 of the past 22 midterms, dating back to 1938. When congress and the president no longer have aligned agendas and beliefs, politics come to a forced slow, where bills struggle to be passed and thus, through a desperate resort, become enacted through executive orders.

The midterms occur every two years after the presidential election on the first Tuesday of November, marking this year’s election on November 3rd. All 435 positions for the House of Representatives are up for election, as their terms are two years long. Furthermore, around a third of Senate's seats are up for election each midterm, this year at 33; one of which is New Jersey's, currently occupied by Senator Cory Booker.

 Incumbent Booker has already served for two terms, but that is not stopping him from going after a third. Across his past two terms, he has placed great emphasis on creating equal opportunity for all, especially those who have been disproportionately hurt by the consequences of America’s major systemic inequalities, such as the growing wealth gap, racism, and the short-comings of the criminal justice system. 

With all that said however, he is not running unopposed. His republican counterpart, Justin Murphy, similar to him, has taken a strong stance on promoting economic opportunity, although through vastly different routes. He calls for the complete abolition of the Federal Department of Education  in order to replace it with a new system that may reduce the property taxes used to fund public education, as well as the importance of homeownership to economic freedom. 

America is undeniably experiencing a period of great change, both politically and socially. Currently, it  could not be more important of a time to use our public voices to create the change we not only want, but crucially need. Consult as many perspectives on each candidate as possible, and determine what your own stance is, free of bias. Get out there and vote, and if you are too  young, then tell your parents! Every vote counts!