Midterm Elections 2026
The 2026 primary season is already underway. High-profile Senate primaries in Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and Ohio will make headlines starting March 3, with key contests running through May.
Meanwhile, President Trump has repeatedly suggested canceling or federalizing the 2026 midterm elections, saying he'd only accept outcomes he deems "honest" (Brookings) and calling on Republicans to nationalize voting (New York Times). Despite aides framing these comments as jokes, Trump has consistently doubled down — even as the Constitution grants states electoral authority.
The information is in a swirl. If we could recommend just one article to cut through the noise this month, it's this one: Why Trump can't cancel the 2026 midterms — and why that fear distracts from the real risk.
Here's what we know: knowledge and action bring clarity and hope. At The Flourish Collective, we're committed to understanding what's at stake — and finding meaningful ways to engage.
The Plus One Challenge
To close our February 10 event, Midterm Elections 2026: From Insight to Action, co-founders Michele Sbrana and Lynnette Marshall issued a challenge to our community: whatever you've done in past elections, what's one (or two) more things you can do this year?
If you voted in 2024 and sent postcards, your PLUS ONE might be attending a candidates' forum or city council meeting, hosting a ballot party, becoming a poll worker, or simply talking with a neighbor about a local issue. (Remember we have this helpful guide on having Complex Conversations.)
Three Tips from Our February Speakers
Our guests, New York legislator Dr. Dana Stilley and TriValley community leader Kyoko Takayama, offered this:
Relationships are the foundation. The most impactful work comes from genuine conversations — getting to know people and their values.
Persuasion requires listening, not lecturing. Real understanding develops through relationship, not argument. (Don’t forget we offer this great guide on having Complex Conversations.)
Lead with your "why." Share what matters to you and approach others with curiosity.
Throughout 2026, follow our Midterm Mondays posts, newsletters, and events — and share your own story.
PS: We’ve got your back! Here’s a one page doc with Midterm Resources for you!
