Expect a Changing Landscape in the Months Ahead

We are almost 100 days away from the 2026 election.  Between next week and the election, stand two monthlong congressional recesses (August and October), a robust legislative agenda, the risk of a government shutdown, and two parties that are not only widening the divide between them, but also finding emerging divisions within their own parties.  The chaos and uncertainty are not entirely abnormal for an election year, but they will impact both legislative and political goals for the remainder of the year.

So, what should we expect in the months ahead?  First and foremost, politics will quickly begin to outweigh policy as the election nears. There will also be some urgency around securing wins, despite a landscape that will prevent either side from scoring wins this close to the election (but expect attempts to do so nonetheless).  

It will also be a time for political legislation. While this legislation is not expected to reach the President's desk, it will provide an opportunity to push or demonstrate effort toward political priorities.  

And, of course, we can expect a very busy "lame duck" session of Congress where the growing list of priorities has the best chance to be considered in the House and Senate.