13 Questions for Politics in 2026 The United States is heading into a pivotal year for the country's political landscape. With the 2024 presidential election in the rearview mirror, the new administration in Washington will be tasked with navigating a complex set of domestic and global challenges. From the economy and healthcare to foreign policy and the partisan divide, the decisions made in 2026 could have lasting ramifications. As we look ahead to the new year, here are 13 key questions that will shape the political discourse and outcomes in the months to come: 1. Who will control Congress? The 2026 midterm elections will be a crucial test for both Democrats and Republicans, with control of the House and Senate hanging in the balance. The party that emerges victorious will have a major influence over the President's agenda for the second half of the term. 2. What will be the Republican Party's policy platform? The 2024 election saw a shift in the Republican Party, with a new generation of leaders taking the reins. As they look to solidify their power, the question is whether the party will double down on the populist, America First approach championed by former President Trump, or chart a new moderate course. 3. How will the Democratic Party respond? Democrats are still grappling with the fallout from their 2024 defeat and the loss of the White House. With control of Congress potentially at stake, the party will need to find a unifying message and strategy to energize their base and appeal to swing voters. 4. What will be the Biden administration's top priorities? President Biden will be entering the final two years of his term, and his administration will be under pressure to demonstrate tangible progress on key issues. From the economy and healthcare to climate change and foreign policy, the White House's agenda will be closely watched. 5. How will the Supreme Court shape policy? The Supreme Court has emerged as a major political battleground in recent years, with landmark rulings on issues like abortion and voting rights. With the potential for further changes to the Court's composition, its decisions could have far-reaching implications. 6. What will be the role of former President Trump? Despite his defeat in 2024, Donald Trump remains a dominant figure in the Republican Party. His involvement in the 2026 midterms, whether as a kingmaker or potential candidate, could have a significant impact on the political landscape. 7. How will the US-China relationship evolve? Tensions between the United States and China have been a defining feature of global politics in recent years. The Biden administration's approach to managing this complex relationship will be a key focus in 2026. 8. What will be the state of the US economy? The economy is always a central concern for voters, and the performance of the US economy in 2026 could play a major role in shaping the political fortunes of the incumbent administration. 9. How will the country address healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic? The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the United States, both in terms of public health and the economy. The Biden administration's handling of the ongoing crisis, as well as its plans for healthcare reform, will be closely scrutinized. 10. What will be the Biden administration's approach to climate change and energy policy? Climate change has emerged as a critical issue for many voters, and the Biden administration's actions on this front will be closely watched. From environmental regulations to investment in clean energy, these decisions could have far-reaching consequences. 11. How will the partisan divide impact policy and governance? The deep political polarization in the United States has made compromise and bipartisanship increasingly elusive. The ability of the President and Congress to work together, or the lack thereof, will shape the legislative agenda and the country's direction. 12. What role will social and cultural issues play? Hot-button issues like abortion, gun rights, and LGBTQ+ rights have become increasingly prominent in the political discourse. How these topics are addressed, both legislatively and through the courts, could have a significant impact on the 2026 elections. 13. How will the 2024 election's aftermath continue to reverberate? The 2024 presidential election was a contentious and divisive affair, with lingering questions and concerns about the integrity of the process. The political and legal fallout from this election could continue to play a role in the 2026 midterms and beyond. As the new year dawns, these 13 questions will be at the forefront of the political conversation in the United States. The decisions made and the outcomes that unfold in 2026 will have far-reaching consequences for the country's future. Voters, policymakers, and political observers will be watching closely to see how these issues play out in the months ahead.