A Look Ahead at US Politics in 2026 With Karl Rove

The United States experienced a significant political and social change in 2025. From large-scale immigration raids to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the past year was marked by conflict and political upheaval that reshaped the nation’s political landscape. What do these shifts mean for American politics as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections?

In conversation with Ambassador David M. Satterfield, Karl Rove, one of the nation’s leading political strategists, will examine the current state of U.S. politics and the factors shaping the country’s political trajectory in 2026. The discussion will consider recent developments in voter behavior, emerging policy priorities, and the strategic dynamics guiding both major parties as they prepare for the midterm elections.

Topics may include shifts in party coalitions, turnout patterns among Republican and Democratic voters, and what the 2026 midterm elections could signal about the future balance of power in Congress. Drawing on experience in campaign strategy, governance, and public communication, Rove will offer perspective on how national political trends intersect with institutional and electoral processes.

The program aims to provide a clear, data-informed look at the challenges and opportunities facing American political leadership in the year ahead. It is free and open to the public.

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Host or Publisher Rice University's Baker Institute