Why the 2026 election could reshape healthcare—and set up the next reform fight
Healthcare costs drive concern
A KFF poll found that 60 percent of US adults worry about medical care costs, more than about gasoline, food and groceries, or rent or a mortgage. A separate Pew Research Center survey found that one in three Americans worry daily or almost daily about affording healthcare.
More than 65 percent of Americans support the government spending additional tax dollars to reduce healthcare costs. The story says Democrats are seeking to turn that frustration against Republicans, who currently control Congress and the White House. Voters, by a 2-to-1 margin, say they trust Democrats more on healthcare.
Midterms shape future choices
The policy response could include single-payer Medicare-for-all, a public insurance option, or another approach. The outcome, the story says, will depend in part on November’s elections and the candidates who win seats.
Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate in Michigan’s Senate race, told CNN in August, “Medicare for all is where we need to go.” He said he hoped the 2026 midterms and the 2028 election would help produce a Senate majority able to pursue it. Natalie Davis, CEO and co-founder of United States of Care, said voters should view the 2026 and 2028 contests as elections that will guide the next major healthcare change. She said the results would show whether a future opportunity brings serious reforms or is missed.
Why turnout matters
Midterm turnout has traditionally lagged behind turnout in presidential election years, when the White House is also at stake. Although participation has risen in recent midterms, the story says the elections remain widely seen as less consequential.
Midterms can help determine the makeup of a Congress that might pass major legislation after the next presidential election. They also influence which ideas and policies receive priority.
A past election’s effects
The story points to the 2006 midterms as a comparison. At the time, President George W. Bush was unpopular, and Democrats won more than 30 House seats, gaining a comfortable majority.
Democrats also won six Senate seats and narrowly took control of that chamber. The story describes the results as a rejection of Bush’s administration that set up a decade of Democratic policymaking.
Key points
- More than 65 percent of Americans support increased government spending to lower healthcare costs.
- Voters say they trust Democrats over Republicans on healthcare by a 2-to-1 margin.
- The November 3 midterms could shape Congress and the prospects for future healthcare reform.