The 2026 midterms: JMU experts on what voters, campaigns and candidates are facing

HARRISONBURG, Va., Oct. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the campaign for control of Congress is raising important questions about President Donald Trump’s influence, voter behavior and the political forces shaping competitive races.  

James Madison University has faculty experts available to discuss the election landscape, offering perspectives on the national political environment, the psychology of voters and the geographic factors shaping congressional contests. 

JMU experts available include: 

Marty Cohen: House races, Republican Party, Trump’s influence, Senate races, moral issues, interest groups 

“I am looking at the ways in which the so-called vibe shift toward President Trump and the Republicans turns out to be a mirage. Which groups of the many that shifted toward the Republicans in 2024 have shifted back a short two years later? Also, how might competitive Senate races portend what happens in 2028? For example, if Dems can win in Republican strongholds like Texas, Alaska and Ohio, might that put them in play for the next presidential election?” 

Adam Dohrenwend: Redistricting, electoral geography, political ecology 

“The war in Iran and rising prices are creating challenges for Republicans, but Democrats have struggled to offer a coherent, affirmative vision of their own. Those who dislike both parties could play an outsized role in the midterms, though turnout and voter preferences will vary significantly by geography and demographics.” “In Virginia, including in the Shenandoah Valley, we’ve seen a high turnout so far, but here and beyond, turnout and voter preferences are geographically uneven across economic and demographic factors.” 

Ben Blankenship: political psychology, trust in elections, trust in government, social identity and elections, personality and political behavior/attitudes, physical spaces and politics. 

David A. Jones: Media coverage of the midterms, media effects on polarization, public opinion, campaign strategy, and political communication. 

Chad Saylor
James Madison University
saylorcx@jmu.edu