The 2026 Midterms Could Save America — If We Show Up
Why Taking Back Congress in 2026 Is the Only Way to Stop Trump, Restore Accountability, and Protect What’s Left of Our Democracy
Executive Summary
This is an urgent and unflinching call to action that argues the 2026 midterms may be our last, best chance to stop Donald Trump’s dangerous grip on power, restore constitutional checks and balances, and protect the future of American democracy. With Congress currently enabling the White House, the piece lays out in plain, forceful terms how a Democratic majority in the House and Senate could block further damage, reverse harmful executive actions, hold corrupt officials accountable, and defend fundamental freedoms under siege.
It connects the dots across the economy, environment, global alliances, civil rights, and the rule of law, showing how much is at stake and how much power voters still hold. For anyone who thinks their vote won’t matter, this article makes one thing clear: it absolutely does. [audio version here]
How Do You Feel Right Now?
I’m going to be honest: like many of you, I’ve felt a knot of worry in my stomach when I think about our country lately. Over the past several months, I’ve heard friends and neighbors say they’re discouraged, that they feel our democracy is slipping away. I understand that fear deeply, because I feel it too. But I’m not writing today to dwell on despair. I’m here to share a path forward.
We are not powerless. We, the everyday Americans, have the ability to change the course of history in the 2026 midterms. By voting for Democrats to take back the majority in both the House and Senate, we can restore the checks and balances that safeguard our democracy and begin to repair the damage being done right now. This isn’t just a political preference; it’s a democratic necessity. It’s how we save our democracy from a real and present danger.
Democracy at the Brink
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 has brought our nation to a crisis point. In just a short time, his actions and rhetoric have inflicted serious harm on the pillars of American democracy.
We’ve watched as he casts aside constitutional norms and treats the presidency like a personal fiefdom. He’s openly undermining the rule of law, pardoning those who committed violence in his name and urging his Justice Department to target political rivals. He’s using words like “vermin” to describe his opponents and calling the free press the “enemy of the people,” language that shocks me as an American. This is not normal disagreement or routine politics; it’s an assault on the values that hold us together.
Our economy, too, is caught in the crossfire of chaos. Instead of working to lower costs for working families, Trump and his allies in Congress have focused on tax breaks for billionaires and gutting programs that everyday people rely on. They tried to slash health care for millions by cutting Medicaid, and they even moved to shrink food assistance for struggling families. While costs of groceries and gas went up for us, the only “plan” from this leadership has been more breaks for the wealthy and leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. It feels like the powerful are playing a different game entirely, one that leaves regular folks behind.
Socially, the fabric of our nation is being pulled apart. Rather than seek common ground, this administration doubles down on dividing us, by race, by religion, by who we love or where we come from. Hate crimes and violent extremism have been emboldened by wink-and-nod encouragement from our nation’s highest office.
Instead of firmly denouncing white supremacists and conspiracy theorists, Trump often echoes their slogans or welcomes their support. It’s no wonder so many Americans feel a sense of dread and disunity. We are all tired of the constant outrage cycle and the feeling that we’re at each other’s throats. This is not the America we know and love, where despite our differences we used to believe we were on the same team.
Internationally, the United States’ standing has plummeted. Longtime allies are questioning whether they can rely on us, as President Trump cozies up to dictators and strongmen around the world. He has hinted at abandoning NATO and other alliances that have kept us safe for generations.
He pulled back on global agreements, like those on climate and human rights, leaving America isolated on the world stage. I can’t tell you how heartbreaking it is to see the country that once championed democracy and freedom now shaking the confidence of our friends and giving comfort to our adversaries. When America doesn’t lead with its values, the world becomes a more dangerous and unstable place.
All of this sounds dire, and it is. We have to face that truth head on: our democracy is at the brink. The Constitution, the economy, our unity as a people, and our global reputation are all under assault by a president who will stop at nothing to aggrandize his own power. It’s easy to feel hopeless hearing that.
But here’s the thing I want you to remember: this story isn’t over. We are not helpless spectators. America’s strength has always been the ability of its people to course-correct, to come together and insist on change when it’s needed most. And right now, what’s needed is a restoration of checks and balances. We need a Congress that will stand up and say no to this march toward authoritarianism and division. We need a Congress that works for us, the people, not for the president’s whims.
Checks and Balances: Why Congress Matters So Much
When the founders of our nation wrote the Constitution, they were deeply worried about any one person having too much power. That’s why they built a system of checks and balances, so no president could act like a king.
The legislative branch, Congress, was given the duty to be the people’s voice and a check on the executive branch. In plain terms, it’s Congress’s job to rein in a president who goes off the rails. For most of our history, this system has (more or less) worked. No matter which party a president came from, Congress was there to question, to oversee, and sometimes to say “hold on, that’s not right.” Checks and balances are the brakes on the car when the driver is speeding toward a cliff.
Right now, those brakes aren’t working. With Trump in the Oval Office and his party holding slim majorities in the House and Senate, the usual safeguards are failing. Instead of putting country over party, too many current congressional leaders have chosen to be rubber stamps. They’re either too afraid or too complicit to stand up to the President’s worst instincts.
We’ve seen congressional committees that should be investigating genuine problems instead wasting time targeting the President’s perceived enemies or spreading his preferred narratives. We’ve seen silence or shrugs in response to blatant abuses of power. This lack of pushback is exactly what enables the dangerous trajectory we’re on. When one party controls all levers of government and refuses to police its own leader, the checks and balances are effectively gone.
But here’s the hopeful part: we can fix this by changing who’s in Congress. In our democracy, the people are the ultimate check. If our representatives won’t do their job, we can fire them at the ballot box.
By electing a Democratic majority to the House and Senate, we will restore the balance that our system needs. I’m not talking about giving one party power just for the sake of it. I’m talking about ensuring that someone in power is finally willing to stand up to the president and say, “Enough.” We need lawmakers who will actually perform oversight, who will act as a co-equal branch of government instead of a subordinate.
Throughout history, there have been moments when Americans chose a new Congress to correct the course of a runaway presidency, and it worked. I think of 1974 after Watergate, or the 2018 midterms after Trump’s first two years, when voters elected a House that could hold the administration accountable. Those were turning points that pulled our country back from the brink. We have that same kind of moment before us in 2026. By voting for Democrats, we aren’t handing power to a party so much as we are reclaiming power for the people, via a Congress that will actually do its job.
The Powers Congress Can Use to Stop the Damage
How exactly can Congress constrain a president gone rogue? It’s important to understand that the legislative branch has real, tangible powers, tools that, in the right hands, can halt abuse and even begin to undo it.
If we flip the House and Senate, a Democratic-controlled Congress can deploy these powers on our behalf. Here are the major ways Congress can act as a safeguard:
Oversight and Investigations: Congress has the authority to oversee the executive branch. This means they can hold hearings and launch investigations into misconduct, corruption, or unconstitutional actions by the President or his administration. With a Democratic majority, those committees investigating would no longer turn a blind eye.
They can shine a bright light on what’s been happening behind closed doors. Think about the power of truth, when wrongdoing is exposed in the public eye, it becomes a lot harder for it to continue. Hearings can reveal, for example, if officials are abusing power, if taxpayer money is being misused, or if rights are being violated.
We saw this work in the past: it was congressional investigations that uncovered the Watergate scandal long ago, and more recently, a Democratic-led House in 2019 was able to investigate and impeach Trump over abuse of power. Oversight is a way of saying, “We’re watching, and you will be held accountable.”
Subpoena Power: As part of oversight, Congress can issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify and produce documents. This might sound technical, but it’s basically the power to force the truth out into the open.
Right now, a lot of truth is being hidden from the American people, whether it’s details about backroom deals, communication with foreign powers, or internal decisions that affect all of us. A Congress willing to use subpoena power can drag those facts into the sunlight.
For instance, if there are allegations that the administration is using government agencies to persecute political opponents or that officials are violating ethics laws, subpoenas can bring those officials before Congress to answer under oath. It puts a real check on abuse because lying under oath is a crime, and refusing a lawful subpoena can lead to contempt charges. In short, subpoenas are how Congress says, “You must tell the truth, whether the president likes it or not.”
The Power of the Purse: This is one of Congress’s most critical powers. Only Congress can appropriate money for government operations. In practice, this means if the President wants to fund a controversial project or enforce a harmful policy, a determined Congress can say, “Not with taxpayer dollars, you won’t.” A Democratic majority could block funding for any number of Trump’s harmful initiatives.
For example, if Trump issues an executive order that hurts the environment or sets up some kind of overreaching task force to target his critics, Congress can pass a budget that explicitly prohibits spending money on that. On the positive side, Congress can direct funding toward the things that help people, education, healthcare, disaster relief, infrastructure, and away from things that do harm. It’s an immense leverage point. Even the most powerful president cannot spend money that Congress refuses to provide. By controlling the purse strings, a Democratic House and Senate can effectively stop many of the damaging policies in their tracks.
Legislative Authority (Passing and Blocking Laws): Congress is the only branch that can make federal laws. With a majority, Democrats could block any new laws Trump’s allies try to push that would hurt our democracy or rights.
Think about proposals that may be on the table: a national abortion ban, cuts to Social Security or Medicare, laws undermining voting rights, or extremist cultural laws that attack LGBTQ citizens or other groups. Right now, those kinds of bills might have a chance. With a Democratic majority, they would never see the light of day.
Blocking bad legislation is vital, it prevents further damage. But it’s not just about defense. A new majority can go on offense by passing bills that protect our democracy and our people. Now, it’s true that Trump as president could veto bills he doesn’t like, but passing them still matters. It forces a public conversation and pressures even members of his party to take stands. In some cases, if enough Republicans feel the heat, Congress could even override a veto.
For instance, a law to safeguard elections or to help veterans shouldn’t be something a president vetoes without paying a political price. A Democratic Congress can put good legislation on his desk and dare him to reject it. And in any must-pass bills (like funding the government), they can include provisions that rein in abuses, knowing the President has to sign or face a shutdown that he’d be blamed for. In these ways, writing and shaping laws gives Congress immense power to direct the country’s course.
Advice and Consent (Senate’s Confirmation Power): The Senate has a unique role in confirming or rejecting the President’s appointments for key positions, from Cabinet secretaries to federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. If Democrats have the majority in the Senate, they can ensure that unqualified or extreme nominees don’t get rubber-stamped into lifetime judgeships or critical agency roles.
This is huge, because Trump has been trying to stack the government with loyalists who often care more about pleasing him than serving the public. A Democratic Senate can refuse to confirm those who would, say, turn a blind eye to corruption or who have records of undermining the very agencies they’re tapped to lead. And if there are vacancies in the judiciary or anywhere else, a Democratic majority can insist on mainstream, ethical appointees or leave the seats unfilled until a president who will nominate suitable candidates comes along.
This power is about maintaining integrity in our institutions. It ensures that even if Trump wants to, he can’t hand the keys of government to people who’d help him break the rules.
Impeachment and Removal: Impeachment is a grave power and not something to be done lightly, but it exists for a reason. The House of Representatives can impeach a president (bring formal charges) and the Senate can hold a trial to remove them from office if convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors.
Now, realistically, removal requires a two-thirds Senate vote, which is a high bar. But the threat of impeachment itself is a powerful accountability tool. If Trump were to cross an obvious line, even beyond what he’s done so far, a Congress with a backbone could initiate this process. Impeachment hearings would lay out the facts for the American people in a way that cuts through the noise, and even if Senate removal is uncertain, the very act signals that a president is not above the law.
We saw it in action during Trump’s first term, when the Democratic House impeached him twice to stand up for the principle that no president should abuse power or incite insurrection without consequence. A Democratic majority would have that tool on the table again. The point isn’t that impeachment solves everything, but it’s the ultimate mechanism to say: “President or not, you will answer for your actions.” Sometimes just knowing that Congress is willing to go there is enough to deter the worst abuses.
In short, Congress has the authority to investigate, to expose, to fund or defund, to legislate, to approve or block appointments, and yes, if necessary, to remove. These are profound powers. Under the current leadership, these tools are sitting idle or being misused. But in the hands of a new Democratic majority, they will be put to work for us.
They form a powerful toolkit to halt further harm by this administration and to begin the hard work of reversing the damage that’s been done. Let’s talk about what that would look like on the issues that affect all of us every day.
Protecting the Economy and the American Worker
Right now, a lot of Americans are struggling. Wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, healthcare bills are piling up, and people worry about their retirement savings or their small businesses. Instead of helping, Trump and the current Congress have been making it worse.
They passed massive tax giveaways for the ultra-rich and giant corporations, blowing up the deficit and then pointing to that deficit as an excuse to cut programs for everyone else. They’ve threatened to use the debt ceiling and budget showdowns as political weapons, even if that risks economic disaster or a government shutdown. And under Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen policy by chaos, trade wars announced on Twitter that hurt farmers and manufacturers, budget proposals that slash job training and education, and a general climate of uncertainty that makes it hard for businesses and families to plan for the future.
A Democratic majority in Congress would change the economic game in a hurry. Using the power of the purse, they can stop the bleeding and redirect funds to where they’re needed most. For example, instead of budget plans that cut Medicaid or Social Security (plans we’ve seen floated by the current leadership), Democrats would refuse to even consider such cruel cuts. They’d protect these vital programs so that seniors can retire with dignity and low-income families can have medical care and food on the table.
Congress writes the budget, and a Democratic Congress would write one that invests in America’s working people: funding for infrastructure projects that create good jobs, support for small businesses, and relief measures when economic hard times hit. If Trump vetoes those budgets, he’d be directly blocking aid to Americans, and I doubt even he would relish that fight when the public is watching.
Just as importantly, a Democratic Congress would hold the administration accountable for economic decisions. They could haul in officials from the Treasury or Commerce Department to ask tough questions: Why are you giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas? Why did you bail out a billionaire’s business and not help the little guy? Through oversight hearings, they can expose corruption or incompetence that makes our economy unfair. If, say, a cabinet member is giving favorable deals to cronies or wasting taxpayer money, a hearing can put a stop to it.
Think too about consumer protections. Under Trump, agencies that were supposed to protect consumers from things like bank fraud or unsafe products have been defanged. A Democratic majority can pass laws to restore those protections, or at the very least, use hearings and budget control to pressure agencies into doing their jobs. For instance, they could say, “We will not increase funding for the Commerce Department unless it actually enforces laws against price gouging,” making it clear that protecting the public is non-negotiable.
The economy isn’t some abstract thing — it’s our jobs, our savings, our bills every month. We need a Congress that prioritizes regular Americans, not the ultra-wealthy or big donors. A Democratic House and Senate would focus on things like raising the minimum wage, making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable, and investing in communities that have been left behind. While Trump might oppose some of these policies, Congress can still push them forward and rally public support.
Even the act of passing a bill in Congress can set the agenda and force the debate onto turf that helps people. For example, imagine Congress passes a major infrastructure and jobs bill that also transitions us to cleaner energy (putting people to work and helping the planet). If Trump vetoes it, he has to explain to the American people why he’s against jobs and infrastructure, not a good look for him. And if he signs it because he feels pressure, well, then we’ve just gotten something positive done despite him.
Bottom line: Taking back Congress would mean an economy that works for us, not just the well-connected. It means when you’re worried about the price of insulin or the factory closing in your town, someone in power is actually responding with help, not tweets and excuses. It means instead of trickle-down nonsense, we get policies that lift up the middle class and those striving to get into it.
Our votes in 2026 can install leaders who fight inflation not by pointing fingers, but by addressing corporate greed where it exists, and who tackle unemployment by actually investing in job creation. We can have oversight that ensures emergency relief (for storms, pandemics, what have you) actually reaches communities, instead of disappearing into bureaucratic black holes or the pockets of the President’s friends. In short, a Democratic Congress can stop the harmful economic policies and start advancing a fairer, stronger economy for everyday Americans.
Defending Rights and Personal Freedoms
Perhaps nowhere is the difference between the current path and a better future more stark than on the issue of our personal rights and freedoms. Over the first four years of Trump’s first term, we’ve witnessed a rollback of rights many of us assumed were secure. Women’s reproductive rights have been under relentless assault. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many states rushed to ban abortion, even in cases of rape or danger to a mother’s life. Donald Trump has cheered this on, and Republicans in Congress have hinted at a national abortion ban. It’s a terrifying prospect: politicians in Washington dictating personal health decisions for women across America.
Since he started his second term, Trump and his enablers have doubled down on reducing our personal rights. Especially those of due process, privacy and habeas corpus. For those of us who believe deeply in individual freedom and the right to privacy, this has been a clarion call.
A Democratic Congress would be a bulwark for reproductive freedom. First, they can block any federal abortion ban from ever becoming law. As long as Democrats hold the majority, bills that restrict women’s rights won’t even get a vote.
And beyond playing defense, they can go on offense: pushing for legislation to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. That means establishing the right to choose as law of the land, so no future Supreme Court or president can easily take it away. Now, we know Trump would oppose such a law, he’d likely veto a bill protecting abortion rights. But the fight itself is valuable. It forces every member of Congress to go on record, it shows the American people who stands for their freedoms and who doesn’t, and it builds momentum for change.
If a veto happens, a Democratic Congress can bring the issue back again and again, keeping it in the spotlight, and maybe even building a coalition strong enough to override the veto or enact protections in must-pass bills. They could attach amendments to funding bills, for example, that ensure funding for women’s health clinics or protect access to contraceptives, daring the President to shut down the government just to undermine women’s health. In essence, a Democratic majority could stalemate Trump’s war on reproductive rights and keep hope alive for expanding those rights in the near future.
Beyond reproductive rights, there’s a broader swath of personal freedoms under threat. We’ve seen attempts to curtail LGBTQ+ rights, whether it’s banning transgender Americans from serving their country or allowing discrimination under the guise of “religious liberty.” We’ve seen free speech threatened, with book bans in schools and laws that try to gag teachers from discussing history or diversity. We’ve even seen American citizens’ right to vote, the very bedrock of our democracy, come under attack through voter suppression tactics and the gutting of voting rights protections.
This is all part of a disturbing trend: the Trump movement doesn’t trust people to make their own decisions, whether it’s about their bodies, their identities, or the information they can access. It’s about control and power over others.
A Democratic Congress will stand up for the idea that freedom is for everyone. They can pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen protections against racial discrimination in voting, making it easier (not harder) for citizens to exercise their sacred right to vote. They can push the Freedom to Vote Act, which sets national standards to ensure fair elections, things like early voting, easy registration, and an end to partisan gerrymandering. Imagine a Congress that, instead of finding new ways to pick their voters, actually ensures voters can freely pick their leaders. That’s what we’d get with a Democratic majority.
Even if Trump’s administration tried to stonewall these efforts, Congress has ways to apply pressure. Oversight hearings could call out any officials in the Justice Department who refuse to enforce voting rights laws. Budgetary strings could be pulled to incentivize states to adopt voter-friendly practices. And Congress can shine a light on any abuses, for instance, if federal officials are looking the other way on voter intimidation or purging voter rolls, a public congressional hearing can make that known and rally public backlash to force a change.
In terms of other civil rights, a Democratic majority could advance laws like the Equality Act, which would ensure LGBTQ Americans are protected from discrimination nationwide. They could work on police reform and criminal justice reform, to ensure that all communities are treated fairly and that our justice system lives up to its promise of equal justice under law. And importantly, they would use their platform to push back against hate and bigotry, rather than inflame it.
Picture congressional hearings on the rise of white nationalist violence, treating it as the serious threat it is, instead of pretending the biggest threats come from school board meetings (as some in the current House have bizarrely suggested). A Congress that cares about rights will invite advocates, experts, and ordinary people to testify about these issues, whether it’s a transgender teen describing the impact of discriminatory laws, or a teacher explaining how book bans hurt our kids. Those stories being heard in the halls of Congress send a powerful message that in America everyone should count, everyone’s rights matter.
Defending rights also means protecting something as fundamental as the First Amendment. We need lawmakers who will push back when the President tries to weaponize the government against critics. Remember when Trump talked about “opening up libel laws” to sue journalists, or when he actually sicced federal officers on peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square back in 2020? We can’t allow that kind of abuse to become the norm.
A Democratic Congress could strengthen protections for freedom of the press and the right to protest. They could demand answers from any official who oversteps, for example, subpoenaing those who carry out heavy-handed crackdowns and making them answer publicly. And through funding decisions, Congress can ensure agencies like the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and others prioritize real threats (like violent extremism) rather than being misused to harass law-abiding citizens who simply disagree with the President.
In sum, taking back Congress means that our personal freedoms, from decisions about our own bodies, to whom we love, to how and when we vote, have champions in power again. It means moving the country back toward the promise of liberty and justice for all, rather than slipping into a regime that dictates and discriminates. It means that if you’re a woman, or LGBTQ, or a person of color, or an immigrant, or honestly anyone who cares about your rights, you’ll have people in Congress who hear you, who see you, and who will fight for you. That’s the America we believe in, and that’s what your vote in 2026 can help restore.
Rebuilding Social Cohesion and National Unity
One of the most painful things in recent years has been the feeling that we as Americans are hopelessly divided. Families argue, friendships strain, and every issue seems to become a bitter political fight.
The truth is, our divisions have been cynically widened by leaders who thrive on conflict. Donald Trump’s political style has always been to pit us against each other, red versus blue, urban versus rural, one race or religion against another. That might score points on cable news, but it’s tearing the fabric of our nation apart.
Social cohesion, the sense that we’re all in this together, has been a casualty of this presidency and the complicit Congress. When our leaders demean whole groups of Americans or spread conspiracy theories that make us distrust our neighbors, it’s no surprise that unity and basic goodwill are fraying.
I refuse to accept that this is just how it has to be. Americans have more in common than what separates us. We all want safety, opportunity, and respect. We all cherish our families and care about our communities.
A Democratic majority in Congress can begin the healing process by changing both the tone and the substance of what comes out of Washington. How? First, by leading with respect and truth. Instead of amplifying divisive rhetoric, a Democratic-led Congress would have leaders who speak about bringing people together. They can use hearings and public forums not to grandstand on wedge issues, but to actually listen to citizens from different walks of life.
Imagine a congressional town hall series that invites Americans of opposing views to discuss solutions on common problems, a kind of “unity caucus” effort. That might sound idealistic, but leadership sets a tone. If Congress makes it a priority to highlight constructive dialogue, the media and the public will notice and often follow suit.
On a practical level, a Democratic Congress would likely focus on issues that unify rather than divide. For example, investing in infrastructure or supporting veterans and first responders, these are things that aren’t partisan in our daily lives. Fixing roads and bridges, expanding rural broadband, funding opioid treatment programs, or improving services at the VA hospital in your town, those actions bring people together because they benefit everyone.
When people see progress on these fronts, it rebuilds a sense that “Hey, we can work together and government can do good things.” Many of Trump’s and the current Congress’s fights have been about hot-button cultural topics or personal grudges. Shifting the focus to bread-and-butter improvements can lower the temperature and show tangible results.
Additionally, a Democratic majority could hold hearings to expose and counter domestic extremism and disinformation, which have been major drivers of division. Right now, committees in Congress have sometimes been used to spread wild theories or to downplay events like the January 6th insurrection.
Flip that around: with new leadership, those same committees could zero in on rooting out the sources of violent extremism in our country. They could investigate how social media algorithms spread hate and recommend solutions. They could shine light on groups that are deliberately sowing chaos or encouraging political violence, making it clear that such behavior has no place in America. By treating threats to social cohesion seriously, whether it’s armed militias plotting attacks or foreign trolls spreading lies online, Congress can start to drain some of the poison from our national conversation.
Another important aspect is how Congress can elevate voices of unity. A Democratic House, for instance, could pass resolutions or even just use floor speeches to formally recognize the importance of things like interfaith cooperation, racial reconciliation, and community service. It might sound symbolic, but symbolism matters.
When the highest deliberative body in the land takes time to honor heroes of all backgrounds and reaffirm our shared American values, it sends a message that we belong to one nation, indivisible. That message has been lost amid the shout-fests and name-calling. It needs to be reclaimed.
I also believe a Democratic Congress would be more responsive to all parts of America, not just the base of one party. That means holding field hearings or visiting areas that feel forgotten, be it rural farming communities or inner cities, and actually listening to people’s concerns. Showing up is a big part of healing divides. If leaders only pay attention to certain states or districts and ignore others, of course resentment grows. But if Congress makes an effort to spread out and genuinely interact with constituents in every corner of the country, it can start to rebuild trust.
Let me be clear: no Congress can magically make all Americans get along overnight. This polarization didn’t happen in a day and it won’t vanish in a day. But leadership matters.
The difference between a Congress that eggs on our worst instincts and one that appeals to our better angels is night and day. With Democrats at the helm, we will at least have a chance at national reconciliation. We’ll have public servants who, even when we disagree with them, aren’t going to call us names or question our worth as Americans. Instead, they’ll say, “Let’s figure this out together.”
We need that spirit back. We need to remember that we — you, me, all of us — are on the same team in the end, and that our government should act like it.
Investing in Education and Our Children’s Future
Nothing will shape the future of America more than what we do for the next generation. As a parent (and even if you’re not a parent, as someone who cares about the future), I know the anxiety out there about our schools and our kids’ education. Unfortunately, instead of helping schools improve or supporting teachers and students, politicians have been turning classrooms into battlefields of the culture war.
We’ve seen book bans in school libraries, attempts to whitewash parts of our history curriculum, and attacks on teachers who dare to discuss topics like civil rights or climate change. The Trump administration and many in the current Congress have fanned these flames. They rail against so-called “wokeness” in schools as a distraction while doing next to nothing to actually fund or fix education.
It’s infuriating and tragic, because while they argue over banning novels or censoring lessons, our kids are falling behind in math, reading, and science, and our teachers are paying out of pocket for basic supplies.
A Democratic majority can refocus the conversation on what really matters in education: giving every child a chance to succeed. First off, Congress controls federal education funding. Democrats would use the power of the purse to invest more in our public schools, particularly those in underserved areas that have been historically neglected. This could mean more support for special education, updated textbooks and technology for classrooms, and grants to raise teacher pay (because if we don’t treat teachers with respect and pay them decently, we’re going to lose the good ones, and our kids suffer).
If Trump’s administration tries to gut the Department of Education or funnel public funds to unaccountable private programs at the expense of public schools, a Democratic Congress can block those moves. They can ensure that federal dollars go to strengthening public education, not undermining it.
Another big role for Congress is oversight of how education policies are implemented. For instance, if the Education Department under Trump is turning a blind eye while states purge discussions of Martin Luther King Jr. or evolution or the Holocaust from classrooms, Congress can hold hearings on that. They can call in experts, educators, and students to testify on the harm of censorship and politicization in education.
That kind of attention can really turn the tide, it rallies parents and citizens who might not have realized how bad things were getting. And Congress can go further by proposing national standards or incentives for a well-rounded education. Perhaps they encourage programs that teach critical thinking and media literacy (to combat misinformation) or provide funding for civics education (so the next generation understands how democracy works and why it’s important).
Imagine a Congress that partners with teachers and parents instead of treating them like enemies. Democrats could create panels of teachers to advise on policy, ensuring that those on the front lines have a voice in decisions. They could celebrate schools that foster inclusivity and critical thinking instead of vilifying them. Importantly, a Democratic Congress would approach issues like school safety with reason and compassion, not fear-mongering.
Take school shootings, for example: rather than just forcing teachers to carry guns or pretending the issue is something like “doors” (as we’ve heard some absurdly claim), they’d pursue common-sense gun safety legislation and funding for mental health counselors in schools. Again, Trump might not like such measures, but the pressure from a united Congress and the public can potentially move mountains, or at least lay the groundwork for future change if vetoes block immediate progress.
Education also ties directly into the economy and equality. A Congress concerned with our children’s future would work to make higher education and vocational training more affordable. They’d address the student debt crisis which is crushing so many young adults. They’d push for apprenticeships and community college funding, so that high school graduates have pathways to good jobs without going broke. All these things are pieces of the puzzle in giving our kids a brighter future.
I want our leaders to care as much about the quality of our kids’ classrooms as they do about their own campaign agendas. Right now, too many in power treat education as a political football. We can change that.
With new leadership in Congress, we can prioritize actual solutions: smaller class sizes, better pay for teachers, modern curricula that prepare students for a high-tech world, and yes, a honest teaching of American history so that our children learn from the triumphs and mistakes of the past. Our children deserve the truth; they deserve knowledge, not political indoctrination or ignorance.
Voting in a Democratic majority isn’t about handing the keys to one party for partisan reasons, it’s about saying we value education over ideology. It’s saying we’d rather our representatives argue about how to get more laptops into kids’ hands, rather than argue about banning books that have been in libraries for decades.
When we fix our focus on education and opportunity for youth, we’re investing in our nation’s unity and prosperity long-term. That’s something Donald Trump and the current crop of culture warriors don’t seem to get. But I believe the American people get it. We know that if we shortchange our kids now, we all pay the price later. A Democratic Congress will act on that knowledge, and that’s another key way it will help save our democracy, by educating and empowering the next generation of citizens.
Protecting Our Planet and Environment
We all want to leave our children and grandchildren a healthy planet, clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a stable climate so their futures aren’t defined by catastrophe. Unfortunately, under President Trump, environmental protection has been treated as an enemy of economic growth, when in reality it’s part and parcel of long-term prosperity.
Trump famously once called climate change a “hoax,” and his actions in office show he’s doubling down on that disregard. In these past two years, he has rolled back countless environmental regulations, giving polluters free rein. Protections that keep our water supplies safe, that limit toxic emissions from factories, that preserve public lands, many have been slashed or outright eliminated.
He pulled the United States out of international climate efforts and scoffed at the science as our nation endured record heatwaves, wildfires, and hurricanes. The current Republican-led Congress has mostly cheered him on, even holding hearings to mock renewable energy while pushing bills to expand drilling and mining without care for the consequences.
For those of us who cherish the natural beauty of America and simply want a livable world for our families, his first term as president and the last several months of Trump’s second term have been frightening. But here’s the good news: a Democratic majority in Congress would slam the brakes on this environmental destruction and set us on a saner path. Using its legislative power, Congress could block harmful initiatives and even force proactive measures on climate and conservation.
One immediate step: block the rollback of environmental regulations. A Democratic Congress can pass laws reinstating crucial safeguards Trump tore down. For instance, if the administration weakened rules on clean water (say, allowing more toxic run-off from factories into rivers), Congress can write those protections into law so they can’t be whimsically undone by executive fiat.
If the administration opened previously protected lands to oil and gas drilling, a Democratic majority could pass a law re-protecting those lands or at least requiring much stricter safety and environmental standards. Sure, Trump might veto some of these measures, but many environmental issues have bipartisan public support. It’s not outlandish to think of a scenario where enough Republican lawmakers join Democrats, due to public pressure, to override a veto on something like disaster relief funding that also invests in climate resilience.
The power of the purse again is crucial here. Suppose Trump tries to defund renewable energy research and instead subsidizes fossil fuels heavily. A Democratic-controlled Appropriations Committee can write budgets that do the opposite: boost funding for solar and wind energy projects, for electric vehicle infrastructure, for climate adaptation in vulnerable communities.
They can insert language in spending bills that says “no funds shall be used to implement” some destructive policy (like, say, mining in the Grand Canyon or drilling off the coastline if that were on the table). The president would then face a stark choice when signing budgets: accept those pro-environment directives or be responsible for shutting down the government to get his way. A smart Congress can often win that game of chicken, especially when the public overwhelmingly favors protecting the environment.
Oversight is another piece of the puzzle. Right now, if an oil company has a cozy relationship with regulators or if a cabinet official is literally a former oil lobbyist letting his friends pollute, there’s scant oversight. A Democratic majority would haul those people in for questioning.
They’d demand accountability from agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, which under Trump’s appointees has been more about protecting polluters than the environment. Picture a hearing where community members from a town with poisoned water get to confront the officials who eased up on regulations, that kind of real accountability can force change that no amount of behind-the-scenes pleading ever will.
Congress can also investigate the ties between big polluters and policy decisions, exposing any corruption or undue influence. When these matters are brought to light, Americans get angry (as we should) and demand better. That creates a powerful impetus for reform.
A Democratic Congress can also bring the U.S. back into global leadership on climate change. While Trump might not want to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement or other global accords, Congress can work diplomatically by forming committees or delegations that coordinate with international allies. They can pass resolutions stating America’s commitment to these causes, showing the world that Trump doesn’t speak for all of us on this.
They could even condition certain trade deals or foreign aid on environmental standards, effectively nudging us back into cooperation with world efforts. For instance, the Senate can refuse to ratify any international agreement that weakens environmental protections, and push the administration to negotiate stronger environmental terms in trade deals.
Let’s not forget disaster preparedness and response. As climate change fuels more extreme weather, we need a government that helps, not one that denies what’s happening. A Democratic majority would prioritize funding for FEMA and other emergency services, and they’d likely be more aggressive in scrutinizing whether disaster responses (to hurricanes, wildfires, floods) are effective and equitable. If some communities aren’t getting the help they need because of incompetence or bias, you can bet a congressional investigation would be on it, forcing improvements.
The environment might not always dominate headlines, but it underpins everything, our health, our economy, our very lives. By saving our environmental protections and investing in clean energy, a Democratic Congress would also be saving countless American lives and livelihoods, not to mention preserving the country’s natural heritage.
We owe it to future generations to act as responsible stewards of the planet. Right now we’re headed in the opposite direction; 2026 is our chance to correct that course. If you care about the air your children will breathe or the water they’ll drink, if you care about your community not being underwater or on fire or hit by one superstorm after another, then using your vote to bring in a Congress that believes in science and accountability is absolutely essential.
Ensuring Justice, Oversight, and Ethical Government
At the heart of saving our democracy is the principle that no one is above the law, not even the President. Over the last few months, we’ve seen that principle tested as never before.
Donald Trump treats the Department of Justice as his personal law firm and the rest of the government as extensions of his will. He has expected federal agencies to go after his political opponents and to shield his allies, regardless of guilt or innocence. He’s fired or driven out independent-minded officials, replacing them with yes-men and yes-women. And he’s rewarded loyalty to himself over loyalty to the Constitution.
A democracy simply cannot function if this becomes the norm. We need to restore the rule of law and basic ethics in government, and that starts with Congress doing its job as an independent watchdog. A Democratic majority would bring real oversight back to Washington, the kind that puts country first.
For instance, if there are allegations of misconduct by high officials (and with this administration, there have been plenty), a Democratic-led Judiciary or Oversight Committee would actually investigate them, not sweep them under the rug. Whether it’s conflicts of interest (like officials using their position to enrich themselves or the President’s businesses) or outright abuses of power (like interfering in criminal investigations or defying court orders), Congress can and must dig in. They can subpoena documents and testimony to uncover the truth.
Think about the numerous scandals completely ignored just in the last four months: possible violations of the Emoluments Clause (Trump profiting from foreign governments and jets), the questionable pardons of cronies and insurrectionists, cryptocurrency deals, the manipulation of laws and facts to fit political narratives, and more.
A Democratic Congress could create select committees or task forces to get to the bottom of these. That transparency alone is a huge deterrent to further wrongdoing. When someone knows they might have to answer to Congress in public, they’re a lot less likely to, say, break the law at the president’s behest.
Crucially, a Democratic Senate would have a say in the judges and prosecutors who are supposed to be the impartial referees of our system. If Trump nominates extremist judges who have openly shown bias or a disregard for precedent, the Senate can refuse to confirm them. That protects our courts from becoming rubber stamps. Likewise, if the Attorney General or other justice officials are acting improperly, Congress can bring them in under oath.
We already know Trump’s second-term Attorney General has been more loyal to him than to justice (a hypothetical example: imagine an AG who drops investigations into the President’s friends but announces new probes of his opponents — sounds like a banana republic, right?). A Democratic Congress can expose such double standards and apply pressure through budgetary means, for example, by restricting funds if the DOJ doesn’t meet certain integrity benchmarks, or by empowering independent watchdogs within the agencies.
Ethics reforms would be high on the agenda too. Democrats in Congress have proposed acts like the Protecting Our Democracy Act in the past, which include measures to prevent abuse of power. With a majority, they could pass new rules: perhaps tightening the limits on a president’s emergency powers so they can’t be misused, or clarifying that presidents can’t pardon people to obstruct justice (imagine a law that says if a president pardons someone in a case directly implicating themselves, the full evidence must be turned over to Congress for review).
They could strengthen whistleblower protections so that honest public servants who report illegal orders are safe from retaliation. They might mandate more transparency around things like White House visitor logs and communications with the Justice Department, so that any improper meddling comes to light. Each of these steps would help fortify the rule of law, regardless of Trump’s desires.
Let’s talk about the Supreme Court and judiciary oversight as well. The highest court has made momentous decisions recently, including rolling back long-established rights. There have also been concerns about the ethical conduct of some justices (news about undisclosed gifts or conflicts of interest, for example).
A Democratic Senate could pass a judicial ethics law that applies to the Supreme Court, something that currently doesn’t formally exist. They could require a code of conduct to ensure our justices are held to high standards. Additionally, if there were a Supreme Court vacancy, a Democratic Senate would ensure that any new justice is someone committed to equal justice and not a partisan ideologue. That’s huge for the long term: it affects voting rights, health care, you name it.
And consider this: if egregious abuses of power have occurred during the first half of Trump’s second term, a Democratic House could even consider impeachment proceedings not just for the President, but for other officials who have betrayed the public trust. I’m not saying that’s a given, but the point is, if someone like the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General has been breaking laws or violating rights, Congress can hold them accountable through impeachment or other censures. Sometimes just the threat of that is enough to force a resignation or a change in behavior.
At the end of the day, ensuring justice is about demonstrating that this country is governed by laws, not by the whims of one man or party. A Democratic majority would be a loudspeaker for that principle. They would remind every official, in every hearing and with every action, that their duty is to the Constitution and the people, not to the person sitting in the Oval Office.
We desperately need that reminder right now. We need the rule of law back, and ethical government restored, so that Americans can trust their leaders again. Because if people lose total faith that the system is fair, democracy cannot stand.
By voting in 2026 to elect Democrats, we are really voting to re-establish the rule of law and accountability at the highest levels. We’re saying no one is above the law, and no one who breaks it will get a free pass.
Restoring America’s Standing in the World
The United States has long been a beacon of democracy and a leader on the world stage, not just because of our military or economic might, but because of the values we stood for.
We believed in freedom, human rights, and the idea that nations should work together for common good. By the time the midterms roll around, and looking back on his first two years of his second term, Donald Trump will have done incalculable damage to that reputation. He has publicly disparaged allies who have fought alongside us for decades while cozying up to authoritarian rulers who oppress their own people. He questions why we should support Ukraine in its fight for survival against aggression, sending chills through Eastern Europe and delighting the Kremlin. He withdraws from international agreements on a whim, whether it’s about climate, Iran’s nuclear program, or trade partnerships, leaving our allies feeling burned and our adversaries emboldened.
Some of his confidants have even hinted at pulling out of NATO or other drastic steps that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. The world is literally watching the American experiment teeter, wondering if we’ve abandoned the leadership role that has helped keep the world relatively stable and prosperous since World War II.
A Democratic Congress can’t single-handedly fix all the foreign policy issues, the President has a lot of control there, but it can make a significant difference. First, Congress has a say in war and peace. If Trump were to try launching some reckless military adventure or, conversely, if he tried to abandon allies in a way that Congress finds dangerous, they can step in. The Constitution gave Congress the power to declare war, and while that’s been murky in recent decades, a bold Congress can reassert itself.
For example, a Democratic majority could pass a law that the President cannot withdraw from NATO without Senate approval (this idea has been floated and has bipartisan support among those who value our alliances). That would put a legal barrier in front of any attempt by Trump to break up the Western alliance. Congress could also make clear that any funding for troop movements or base closures related to an alliance withdrawal won’t be approved.
Essentially, they hold the purse on defense spending, so if Trump wants to do something like yank U.S. troops out of South Korea or Germany overnight, Congress can condition funding on doing it responsibly (or not doing it at all).
Moreover, a Democratic Congress would support our allies through legislation and oversight. Take Ukraine: if Trump falters in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, Congress can appropriate aid directly.
In fact, in his first term, when Trump tried to extort Ukraine and hold up military aid (which led to his first impeachment), it was Congress that had approved that aid on a bipartisan basis and later insisted it go through. In 2025-2026, with more at stake, a Democratic majority could increase aid to Ukraine and attach it to must-pass bills, making it very hard for the President to stop it.
They can also pass sanctions on countries that commit human rights abuses or threaten global security, sanctions that the President might not like, but would be forced to implement if they pass with veto-proof majorities (and Democrats would certainly work to court the necessary Republican votes for things like standing up to dictators, many rank-and-file GOP members of Congress do actually support such measures, even if Trump does not).
On issues like climate change and pandemics, inherently global problems, Congress can ensure the U.S. participates in solutions. They could push funding for international climate finance (helping poorer countries transition to clean energy, which was something the previous administration committed to). They could fund the World Health Organization or other global health initiatives even if Trump tries to pull back from them, sending a signal that Americans don’t want to retreat from the world. They can invite foreign leaders to speak to Congress (as has happened historically), giving a platform to those who champion democracy and freedom.
Just picture, for instance, a joint session of Congress being addressed by a pro-democracy leader or a human rights advocate, reaffirming our values to the world. That image alone contrasts sharply with Trump’s photo ops with autocrats.
Another area: treaties. The Senate has to ratify treaties with a two-thirds vote. While reaching two-thirds is tough, a Democratic-led Senate can refuse to ratify any bad deals Trump might sign with authoritarians. Conversely, they can give advice on good agreements.
Even without formal treaties, there are informal alliances and statements Congress can make. A Democratic Congress might pass a resolution that the U.S. will always support Taiwan’s democracy, for example, putting pressure on the administration to maintain a firm stance there. Or they could demand the release of political prisoners abroad by tying foreign aid to human rights records.
Crucially, a Democratic Congress would restore the idea that American foreign policy should reflect American values. The world will hear a different message from Capitol Hill than the one coming from Trump’s X (or Truth Social or wherever). Congress can condemn atrocities like the slaughter of civilians by dictators, even if Trump stays silent or, worse, offers praise to those dictators. When President Trump was mute or praising Putin, remember that in his first term Congress still passed strong sanctions against Russia, showing the world at least part of the U.S. government stood on the right side. That needs to happen again, tenfold.
To everyday Americans, foreign policy can seem far away compared to the economy or rights at home. But it affects us intimately, jobs can be lost or created depending on trade policy, our sons and daughters might be called to fight if wars break out, terrorism can reach our shores if global stability falters, and of course things like pandemics and climate disasters ignore borders entirely. So having sane, steady leadership in international affairs is part of keeping Americans safe and prosperous.
A Democratic Congress will aim for that steadiness. They’ll push for consistent support of democracy abroad, which in turn makes us safer here (democracies tend not to go to war with each other, for example, and they’re more likely to trade fairly with us). They’ll also guard against any rash actions: for example, they could pass legislation requiring congressional authorization for certain military strikes, ensuring that no impulsive decision leads us into conflict without debate.
America’s word has to mean something again. Right now allies are unsure if we’ll keep our commitments, that makes them hedge their bets, and maybe cozy up to China or Russia because they think we’re unreliable. That’s bad for our influence and security.
By electing Democrats, we send a signal to the world that the United States is finding its way back to being a reliable partner and leader. It tells everyone watching that Trump’s brand of isolation and autocracy isn’t all there is to us, that the American people still believe in democracy and friendship across borders. We will have members of Congress traveling abroad, reassuring allies, attending climate summits or diplomatic meetings even if the White House won’t. They can be our ambassadors of goodwill, unofficially steering foreign policy toward engagement rather than retreat.
In short, flipping Congress will help stabilize the global ship that Trump has been rocking. It’s about making sure America’s foreign policy once again aligns with the ideals of democracy, human rights, and collective security that have long kept us and the world safer. And by doing so, we also protect our own democracy — because a world with more democracy and less authoritarian influence is a world where our system can thrive and not be undermined from outside. Our vote at home can literally reverberate globally. That’s the power we have in 2026.
A Call to Action: Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future
I know we’ve covered a lot of ground here, from the economy to education, from climate change to global diplomacy, from personal freedoms to checks and balances. It might feel overwhelming, and you might be thinking, “Can my one vote in 2026 really do all that?” I want to tell you emphatically: Yes, it can. Because your one vote joins with millions of others, and together we chart the course of this country.
That is the beauty of democracy, the very thing that those in power right now seem to forget or want us to forget. They want you to feel small and helpless, because if you believe that, you might not vote. But you are not helpless. You’re an American citizen, and that still means something incredible. It means the direction of this nation is ultimately in our hands.
If you’re discouraged or disillusioned, I don’t blame you. Trump’s first term and the last few months have been hard. We’ve seen things we never thought we’d see in America. We’ve been angry, and we’ve been heartbroken. Many of us have even been tempted to tune out politics entirely just to preserve our sanity. But I’m asking you, please don’t give up.
That frustration you feel, channel it into action. The hope that maybe we could have leaders who actually care, hold onto that, because it’s not naive. It’s exactly what has saved this country before in its darkest moments: people who refused to give up on the American experiment.
Think about the stakes. This isn’t just another partisan tussle where, if your team loses, oh well, better luck next time. We’re talking about the very soul of our democracy and the kind of nation our children will inherit. Do we want to live in a country where a president can bully and bulldoze his way over anyone who disagrees? Where rights are stripped away and only the loudest, most extreme voices get heard? Or do we want a country where decency, law, and respect mean something? Where no leader is above accountability, and no American is beneath dignity? I believe we want the latter. And to get it, we have to vote for it.
Voting for Democrats in the 2026 midterms is not a vote for a single politician or a single party line, it’s a vote to save our democracy from a very real threat. It’s a vote to bring back balance. It’s saying we, the people, demand a government that works for us and not for one man’s ego. It’s affirming that we cherish the Constitution, even if the current President does not. And it’s a vote of confidence in ourselves, that we have the power to correct our course peacefully, through the ballot box, as Americans have done time and again.
I won’t promise that everything will magically get better overnight if Democrats win Congress. Rebuilding what’s been broken will be hard work and will take time. But I can promise you this: it will make a difference. It will stop the bleeding. It will contain the damage. And it will open the door to progress.
Instead of waking up every day to a new crisis manufactured in Washington, we could wake up to some good news for a change, maybe a new bill to help working families, or a serious plan to address climate change, or a bipartisan committee actually solving a problem rather than creating one. At the very least, we’ll wake up knowing someone is watching the store, that someone with power is looking out for the public interest and holding the line against authoritarianism.
If you’re on the fence or skeptical, I get it. Maybe you’re not a fan of everything the Democratic Party has done in the past. Maybe you consider yourself independent or even conservative. But this moment transcends those old divisions. This is not left vs. right, it’s democracy vs. a slide into authoritarian rule.
Even some principled Republicans (the few who have spoken out) acknowledge that our democracy is in peril under Trump’s unchecked rule. If you normally lean Republican, I respect that, and I’m not asking you to change your core beliefs. I’m asking you to recognize that for now, the only viable check on Trump’s power is a Democratic majority. You can hold Democrats accountable too, and you should, but first we need to put out the fire in the house. We can debate the furniture placement later.
So here’s my personal ask: please vote in 2026. Vote for democracy. Vote for accountability. Vote for decency. Vote for the candidates who will stand up to an out-of-control president and stand up for your rights, your family, and your future. That almost certainly means voting Democrat this time around, because they are the ones committed to being that check and balance. And when you vote, take a friend or family member with you. Talk to those in your life who might not usually vote in midterms, help them see what’s at stake. We need a loud, collective voice saying, “We want our country back on track.”
Our American story has had low points before, war, division, corruption, but each time, people of courage and conscience pulled us through. This, right now, is one of those times. It’s our generation’s turn to step up. And stepping up can be as simple as showing up on Election Day and casting that ballot.
I believe in my heart that a better future is still possible. I have faith because I have seen the goodness and determination of ordinary Americans, in community meetings, in volunteer lines, in peaceful marches for justice. That’s where the real America lives, not in the hateful tweets or cynical TV punditry. The real America is generous, hopeful, and strong. The real America values democracy, even if we argue about politics. The real America is worth saving.
Democrats taking back the House and Senate in 2026 won’t solve everything, but it will give that real America a fighting chance again. It will empower the good people in government to do what’s right. It will put a check on the forces of division and authoritarianism. It will show the world that we can right our own ship.
So let’s do this together. Let’s vote like our country depends on it — because it does. Let’s remind those in power that in the United States of America, the government works for the people, not the other way around.
If you’ve read this far, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I ask you to keep the faith. A path forward is right in front of us. On Election Day 2026, let’s take that path together, and save our democracy for generations to come.
Mitch Jackson, Esq. | links
Bonus: How to Talk About This With People You Love
Reading and understanding what’s at stake in the 2026 midterms is one thing, but knowing how to share it with others is just as important. That’s where real change begins: in living rooms, text threads, and quiet conversations over coffee.
This bonus section gives you 7 practical, empowering tips to help you talk with family, friends, and neighbors about why this election matters. Each one offers a simple approach, a clear message, and a relatable way to make the facts stick, so you can plant seeds, inspire action, and help more people show up when it counts most.
__________
1. Use Personal Stories to Make Democracy Real
Approach: Start conversations by sharing how recent events have personally affected you or people you care about, and tie those experiences to the need for checks and balances.
Tip & Talking Point:
Tell a story like, “When my prescription cost doubled and no one in Washington seemed to care, I realized we need leaders who actually show up for regular people.”
Follow with: “If Democrats win Congress, they can finally stop policies that hurt families like mine — it’s not just politics, it’s personal.”
2. Break Down the Stakes Like a Simple Cause-and-Effect
Approach: When explaining the importance of the election, don’t overload with details, focus on cause and effect: if we vote, this good thing happens; if we don’t, here’s what continues.
Tip & Talking Point:
Say, “Right now, Trump’s Congress is rubber-stamping everything he does, but if we vote them out, we put the brakes on.”
Add: “Taking back Congress means blocking abortion bans, protecting rights, and stopping tax cuts for billionaires, one vote leads to real change.”
3. Use “Imagine If” to Paint a Clearer Picture
Approach: Help people visualize what’s possible if Congress flips, because hope is more motivating than fear.
Tip & Talking Point:
Say, “Imagine if Congress actually passed a law to protect your right to vote, or to lower drug prices, that can happen in 2026.”
Follow with: “We’re not stuck, this election can reopen the door to progress and stop the chaos coming from the White House.”
4. Focus on Shared Values, Not Party Labels
Approach: If someone’s skeptical of Democrats, focus on values like fairness, freedom, and accountability, not partisanship.
Tip & Talking Point:
Try, “I’m not asking you to love a political party. I’m asking you to support the side that still believes no one should be above the law.”
Then say: “When Congress is balanced, it protects all of us, not just one man’s ego.”
5. Translate Big Issues into Everyday Life
Approach: Take a national issue and connect it to someone’s day-to-day reality: their kids’ schools, rising bills, or extreme weather.
Tip & Talking Point:
Say, “The reason your kids’ school has outdated books or why your electricity bill spiked has everything to do with who controls Congress.”
Add: “A Democratic Congress would actually invest in education and clean energy instead of gutting those budgets.”
6. Repeat the Core Message in One Powerful Line
Approach: Help people remember and repeat what matters most by boiling it down to one unforgettable sentence.
Tip & Talking Point:
Say, “The 2026 election is about one thing: stopping Trump’s abuse of power by taking back Congress.”
Follow up with: “That’s how we defend our freedoms, protect our paychecks, and restore accountability, nothing changes unless we vote.”
7. Invite, Don’t Lecture: Make It a Conversation
Approach: Don’t try to win a debate, ask questions, listen, and then share what inspired you, so others feel safe joining the conversation.
Tip & Talking Point:
Say, “What’s one issue you really care about, education, jobs, rights? I started looking into how Congress can actually fix those, and I was shocked by how much power they have.”
Then invite: “Let’s both look at who’s running in our district, if we want real change, it starts by knowing who’s on the ballot.”
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You can post, protest, and push back all you want, but if we don’t show up at the polls, none of it will matter. The midterms are our shot. Our only shot. If we win back the majority, we take back control. It’s that simple. It’s that urgent. Let’s get it done.
Mitch, as you say, we need to vote to lead Congress. To reach those non voters, we need more communication by the party to reach groups in our community who don't have access to this great platform and the work of independent journalists to inform about what's at stake. Those who may not have a computer, or use a phone for social media, and only listen to Fox need awareness. Dems need to fire up the entire community with accessible, informational content over time until 2026, if they can create a coherent message that resonates. Events, door knocking that is strategic based on research, and messaging could help more people become aware of their civic duty, and especially at this moment. Thanks for all you do to help us move forward. Your bonus section is great as well!