Susan Glasser on the Midterms as a Test of American Democracy
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from July 15, 2026 | America’s Midterm Elections: Will 2026 Be a Political Reckoning? The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Susan Glasser, a staff writer for The New Yorker and former editor of Politico and Foreign Policy, examined the political and institutional stakes surrounding the upcoming midterm elections. Drawing on her experience covering American politics and international affairs, Glasser argued that the election will test not only the popularity of the nation’s political parties but also its ability to protect legitimate results.
The Political Environment Favors Democrats
Traditional political indicators suggest that Democrats are well positioned to make gains. Glasser pointed to President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings, declining enthusiasm among Republican voters and stronger Democratic participation in primary elections.
The House appears to offer Democrats their clearest opportunity. The Senate map is more complicated, but races in states including North Carolina, Iowa, Alaska and Ohio have become more competitive than expected. Contests in Maine and Michigan could also help determine control of the chamber.
Under ordinary circumstances, these conditions would produce a largely conventional conversation about turnout, polling and individual candidates. Glasser cautioned, however, that uncertainty about how Trump might respond to unfavorable results makes this election fundamentally different.
Criticism Without Meaningful Resistance
Glasser distinguished between Republican criticism of Trump and genuine institutional opposition. Some Republican lawmakers have publicly or privately expressed concern about his conduct while continuing to support his nominees and policies.
Confirmation votes provide one measure of this pattern. Expressions of unease have rarely translated into enough opposition to constrain the administration. For Glasser, this demonstrates how thoroughly Trump has reshaped the Republican Party around personal loyalty.
How an Election Challenge Could Unfold
Efforts to disrupt the election would not require a nationwide seizure of ballots or voting equipment. Glasser warned that challenges could instead target a small number of competitive districts that determine control of Congress.
Close races could become the focus of delayed counts, litigation, attempts to impound election materials or pressure to prevent certified winners from taking office. Public demonstrations could create additional uncertainty if the administration responds by deploying federal forces.
Democratic erosion, Glasser stressed, does not always occur through one dramatic event. It can develop incrementally over weeks or months as individual actions weaken public confidence and established safeguards.
Are the Institutions Prepared?
Glasser questioned whether election officials, courts, political leaders and voters have adequately prepared for disputed results. Democrats may assume that a sufficiently large victory would prevent attempts to challenge the outcome. But even a broad national trend could be undermined by targeted disputes in the relatively few races that decide congressional control.
Participation as the Essential Safeguard
Despite these concerns, Glasser returned to the power of civic participation. Widespread voting, sustained public attention and peaceful engagement remain essential protections against attempts to overturn legitimate outcomes.
The midterms therefore represent more than a contest between Democrats and Republicans. They are a test of whether Americans will exercise—and defend—the democratic authority entrusted to them.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.