A new episode of Slate's What Next podcast examines the potential for a Democratic surge in the 2026 midterm elections amid Donald Trump's second term. Hosted by Mary Harris, the discussion questions whether Democrats can achieve historic gains despite historical trends favoring the opposition party.
The episode, titled "Midterms: How much can the Democrats win?", aired on January 13, 2026. It opens with a nod to North Carolina as a key battleground, suggesting opportunities for Democratic breakthroughs.
In the notes, the podcast highlights a central theme: midterm elections usually disadvantage the president's party. With Trump's second term underway, the show asks if Democrats can defy this pattern and accomplish something unprecedented. Guest David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and Slate contributor, joins host Mary Harris to explore these prospects.
Mary Harris, who manages What Next and has reported for NPR, Marketplace, and WNYC, leads the daily news podcast aimed at making sense of overwhelming headlines. The episode encourages listeners to manage expectations for the midterms while considering broader political dynamics.
Produced by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther, the podcast is part of Slate's effort to provide concise daily insights. Subscribers to Slate Plus gain ad-free access across Slate's shows.
