Toward a post-Trump politics

Published September 24, 2026 9:09am ET | Updated September 24, 2026 1:29pm ET



From the clutter of midterm election poll results, it’s possible sometimes to see new patterns of political support emerging. 

The overall pattern, as it stands, makes some sense. As in the 2006 and 2018 off-year cycles, the Republican president’s job approval had sagged to well below 50%. Polls at this point in the year showed Democrats competitive in states and districts that the president had carried by solid margins two years before. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.