This midterm, like most, will be about the incumbent, principally the economy, corruption and the Iranian war.
There also are secondary controversies which can matter on the margins. They may only move or energize a handful of voters; that might matter in close contests.
In 2026, the Democrats have a plethora of such advantageous issues, including:
THE BILLION DOLLAR BALLROOM
Senate Republicans, as part of what’s euphemistically called “the East Wing Modernization Project,” propose $1 billion of taxpayer monies. That includes funds for underground security installations, but the catalyst is Trump’s gaudy new ballroom.
The President, without authorization, tore down the historic East Wing of the White House clearing the way for a ballroom which he vowed would be paid for by rich donors. He initially put the cost at $200 million, then it got to $400,000.
That $1 billion of taxpayer money instead could restore the Medicaid cuts in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” or build more than a dozen community hospitals in underserved rural areas.
Railing against the billion dollar ballroom, albeit exaggerated, in the context of Trump and his fellow billionaires getting richer due to government policies, will play anywhere from McAllen, TX to Maumee, OH.
THE POPE
Trump has attacked the first American Pontiff, who he says wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, “likes crime,” is “hurting the Catholic church,” and is an ingrate because he was only chosen to placate Trump.
All of that is untrue. What offends Trump is Pope Leo calling for peace.
A quick look at the politics shows Trump, in 2024, carried the Catholic vote by 53-46. Pope Leo is the most popular figure in U.S. public opinion polls. In one survey he has an 84% favorable rating with Catholics.
This fight is a loser for Trump.
SUPREME COURT
Democrats and Republicans have tried to make the High Court an election issue, usually with little success. But this patently political court might make it easier.
In opinions ranging from granting Trump, as president, extraordinary immunity from anything deemed an official act, even if illegal, to gutting voting rights, and then bending procedures to make sure it would take effect to help Republicans in this year’s elections.
Defenders of the Court point to the rejection of Trump’s tariff policy. True, but many Republicans and much of the business community agreed with the tariff decision. Rarely will you see the Republican majority on this court side against their party.
Look for candidates, with justification, calling for enlarging the Court and cracking down on ethical abuses.
ICE THUGS
Democrats can neutralize Republicans on immigration if they continue to strike distance from Biden’s permissive policies and focus on the brutal acts of ICE.
The murders in Minneapolis of Renee Good and Alex Pretti were horrendous. The made for TV ad is the picture of little five year old Liam Ramos, returning from pre-school in his snowsuit and Spider Man backpack, detained by ICE. He and his father were sent to a Texas deportation facility. A judge ordered them returned to Minneapolis.
The case is still pending but the picture of this little boy will remain a powerful indictment of the Trump policies.
KASH PATEL
We may be accustomed to an FBI director, experienced professional, with total integrity, a William Webster or Christopher Wray.
Patel is the polar opposite.
A devastating piece in the Atlantic outlined his drinking problems, missing in action at times, emotional outbursts and paranoia. There are reports of a mini staff revolt over improper demands the director is making, ordering them to investigate the reporter who wrote about him.
With politically inspired firings and with resignations, the nation’s top law enforcement agency, 38,000 once strong, has been decimated. Voters should be reminded of that.