The results of the 2025 off-year elections are giving political analysts a reason to believe Republicans could be in for another difficult cycle in the 2026 midterms. Across the country, Democrats secured key wins that are being read as a reflection of voter frustration over the economy and the direction of the nation.
On CNN Wednesday, former Barack Obama strategist David Axelrod and longtime Donald Trump ally Scott Jennings discussed the significance of the Democratic gains. Both agreed that the results sent a strong message, though they differed on what it means for Trump and his administration.
“You can’t jawbone people into feeling what they’re not experiencing,” Axelrod said, referring to Trump’s ongoing claim that the economy was far stronger under his leadership. “You know what you saw yesterday in really, really significant numbers all over the country where people [were] voting because they were really worried about the direction of the country and the direction of the economy,” he added.
CNN host Kaitlan Collins questioned whether the outcome might be an early warning that Democrats could retake the House in 2026, potentially limiting Trump’s influence in the final two years of his term.
“Just make everyone clear on how much they’re worried about Democrats taking back the House in the midterms or what that could look like, one White House staffer told me once that it’s the end of the presidency, if that happens,” Collins said.
She noted that inside the White House, there is growing concern about what a Democratic-controlled Congress could mean for Trump’s ability to push through his agenda. Officials reportedly remember well the frustrations of Trump’s first term, when losing the House to Democrats effectively stalled much of his legislative progress.
Jennings argued that the president should focus less on international travel and more on connecting with voters at home. “So, I would be looking for ways to keep him at home and keep him visible in those settings, and also just get him talking about what people are feeling and what he’s doing about it,” Jennings said.
The discussion highlighted how the off-year elections, while limited in scope, often serve as a barometer for national sentiment heading into the midterms. With voters expressing economic anxiety and dissatisfaction with Washington’s direction, both parties are already adjusting their strategies for what could be a pivotal 2026 race.