From New York Post · · 1m 30s
JD Vance pushes turnout to save Trump agenda in 2026 midterms
The vice president warns Republicans must vote like it's a presidential year to keep control of Congress.
In brief
The vice president warns Republicans must vote like it's a presidential year to keep control of Congress. Trump's coalition voters historically skip midterm elections, and Republicans need 2-4% higher turnout than usual to hold Congress. Originally reported by New York Post.
Trump agenda on the ballot
Vance says Republicans need presidential-year turnout in 2026 to maintain control of Congress. Trump's voters haven't shown up for off-year elections before.
“The enthusiasm normally just isn't there among a lot of our voters for midterm elections; we're hoping we can get it there this time around.”
Democrats lead by 8 points
The generic congressional ballot favors Democrats by over eight percentage points. That's similar to their advantage before flipping the House in 2018.
Two different Republican voters
Trump Republicans stay engaged, but traditional conservatives are 26 points less likely to be excited to vote. Both groups are needed to win.
“They need to hear what the party will do next to make life more affordable, more stable, and more workable for their families.”
First GOP midterm convention
Trump hosted an unprecedented Republican midterm convention in Dallas last week to generate excitement. He's also pushing mid-decade redistricting for 11 more seats.
The turnout math
Midterms typically see 46% turnout versus 64% in presidential years. Republicans need just 2-4 percentage points more voters than usual to hold both chambers.
Pretend Trump's on the ballot
Trump told voters to pretend he's running this year. Vance echoed the message, saying the Trump agenda fails if voters elect the wrong Congress.
“The Trump agenda doesn't work if you elect a bunch of crazy people to Congress.”
Democrats are the party of hatred
Vance attacked Democrats as no longer the party of FDR or JFK, calling them the party that despises America. The rhetoric targets swing voters, not just the base.
“The Democrats are the party of hatred. They're the party that despises America and the people who built it.”
The short version
Trump's coalition voters historically skip midterm elections, and Republicans need 2-4% higher turnout than usual to hold Congress.
