The Daily The 2026 Battle for Control of Congress
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Jan 7, 2026 
Annie Karni, a congressional correspondent at The New York Times, and Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for the same outlet, dive into the pivotal stakes of the 2026 elections. They discuss the challenges facing Republicans, such as rising costs and low morale, while analyzing the Democrats' cautious optimism after recent special elections. Intriguingly, they explore the impact of redistricting and candidate quality on both parties' strategies. Ultimately, they lay out the best and worst-case scenarios for controlling Congress.
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Republican Pessimism Driven By Affordability Failures
- Republicans entered 2026 pessimistic because voters feel the economy and affordability are failing them.
- A failed health care strategy and internal divisions have amplified Republican political vulnerability.
ACA Vote Exposes GOP Divisions
- Some House Republicans joined Democrats to force an ACA subsidy vote, revealing deep intra-party splits on health care.
- That spectacle reinforces the Democratic message that Republicans don't grasp affordability.
Redistricting Sparked A Tit‑For‑Tat Arms Race
- The White House pushed redistricting to gain seats, prompting Democrats to retaliate and creating an arms race.
- The net effect so far appears roughly neutral, limiting Republican map gains.