GOP Gains Momentum as Democrats Face Internal Struggles Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speak with reporters at the U.S. Capitol Feb. 12, 2025. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)
By Charlie McCarthy | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 09:36 AM EST
House Republicans view their prospects for the 2026 midterms with confidence, citing internal challenges within the Democratic Party and a strong alignment with former President Donald Trump’s policies. A recent assessment by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) highlights what it describes as a shifting political landscape favoring the GOP over the Democrats’ current struggles.
The NRCC memo points to growing dissatisfaction among Democrats, noting a Pew Research poll indicating 67% of party members are frustrated with their leadership—a significant rise from previous years. It frames the Democratic Party as associated with “higher taxes, weak leadership, a soft-on-crime stance, open borders, and wokeness,” portraying it as disconnected from working-class concerns. The GOP strategy emphasizes this contrast, positioning itself as the advocate for ordinary Americans against what it calls Democratic elitism.
Fundraising advantages further bolster Republican optimism. For the first three quarters of 2025, Republicans outpaced Democrats by $723,000, with the NRCC raising $20 million more than at the same point in 2017. The party’s cash reserves stand at $7.5 million, compared to its Democratic counterparts. “Republican campaigns are building war chests, and Democrats are falling behind,” the memo states, citing improved performance by GOP candidates against their rivals.
Meanwhile, former President Trump remains actively involved in shaping midterm strategies, aiming to avoid the internal conflicts that plagued the GOP during his first term. Senior Republican officials emphasize the importance of securing strong candidates to ensure a “full four years” for the president. The party is also leveraging Trump’s base through initiatives like a planned “midterm convention,” with figures such as Vice President JD Vance and allies focusing on rallying support under the banner of protecting working-class interests.
In contrast, Democrats face persistent divisions, according to reports. Two-thirds of party members express dissatisfaction with their direction, while only 16% of Americans say they are proud of the Democratic Party compared to a quarter who hold the same view about Republicans. The NRCC argues that sustained fundraising efforts, unity around Trump’s policies, and continued emphasis on “Republican deliverance versus Democratic chaos” could lead to expanded House majorities next year.
The memo concludes with an assertion that “the wind is at our backs,” citing Democratic disunity, donor demoralization, and a disconnected message as key vulnerabilities.
