The Electorette

Kansas may be a reliably Republican state, but its voters have elected Democratic governors and rejected efforts to restrict abortion rights. Now, with Governor Laura Kelly term-limited, the race to succeed her carries consequences far beyond the state's borders.

In this episode of The Margin, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Kansas state senator and Democratic candidate for governor Cindy Holscher about what's at stake in the 2026 midterms, the political contradictions shaping Kansas, and the fight over reproductive rights, public education, and the state's future.

Holscher also discusses the growing influence of political extremism in the Kansas legislature, the disconnect between voters' priorities and their elected representatives, and why the outcome of this race could have national implications.

As Holscher puts it, “This race not only impacts Kansas, it impacts the nation.”

The Margin is a special midterm election series from The Electorette and URL Media, exploring the voters, communities, and political battles that could determine the margin of victory in 2026.

#TheMargin #KansasPolitics #CindyHolscher #Midterms2026 #TheElectorette
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Road to November 2026 — NewDEAL Leaders

With the 2026 midterms approaching, what are voters actually looking for from Democrats—and are candidates listening?

In this episode of The Margin, host Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL Leaders, a national network of Democratic state and local elected officials, about the organization's Road to November 2026 messaging guide, developed from conversations with leaders across the country about what they're hearing directly from constituents.

Together, they examine four central themes shaping the midterms: frustration with the status quo, the rising cost of living, the demand for tangible results, and the importance of showing up in communities Democrats have too often overlooked. They also explore why effective policies don't always translate into political support, the growing anti-Washington sentiment, and the disconnect between legislative accomplishments and voters' lived experiences.

The conversation raises a larger question that extends beyond November: Can Democrats translate their campaign promises into meaningful improvements in people's lives—and rebuild trust in government along the way?
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Are Republicans trying to keep Donald Trump away from the campaign trail—even in his home state?

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried joins Jennifer Taylor-Skinner on The Margin to discuss the 2026 midterms, Trump's influence on Republican candidates, and the race to replace Governor Ron DeSantis.

Fried says she's hearing that Florida Republicans are urging the White House to limit Trump's campaign appearances. She also discusses why Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is attempting to establish some distance from the president as he faces Democrat David Jolly.

In this conversation:

• Why Trump's influence is becoming a campaign issue in Florida• Byron Donalds, David Jolly, and the governor's race• Billionaire donors and their influence on Florida politics• AI data centers, environmental concerns, and Republican-led states• Florida's attorney general race and political accountability• Why Fried believes Florida could signal a broader national political shift• The Democratic Party's long-term strategy for rebuilding in the South

Florida hasn't elected a Democratic governor in nearly 30 years. Could the 2026 midterms mark a turning point?

The Margin is a special midterm election series from The Electorette, produced in collaboration with URL Media.

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With the 2026 midterm elections just weeks away, what does political desperation look like—and how far might an administration go to hold on to power?

In this episode of The Margin, Jennifer Taylor-Skinner is joined by political analyst and scholar Dr. James Peterson for a wide-ranging conversation about the Pentagon's controversial plan to livestream an execution, its timing ahead of the midterms, and the political implications of turning capital punishment into a public spectacle.

They also examine the growing enthusiasm gap between Democratic and Republican voters, Trump's campaign appearances in traditionally Republican strongholds, and what these developments may reveal about the political landscape heading into November.

On the Democratic side, they discuss the enduring influence of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, the role of Black voters in the midterms, and whether Harris's political future could include another presidential run in 2028.

The Margin is a special midterm election series from The Electorette in collaboration with URL Media.
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The leaders of Intersections for Our Lives — Christina Baal Owens, Regina Davis Moss, and Lupe Rodriguez — join The Margin to discuss a new national study examining the priorities, concerns, and political outlook of women of color.

The survey found deep anxiety around affordability, healthcare, economic security, and the future of the American Dream. Among its findings: three in five women of color said politicians are not talking about the issues that matter in their daily lives, while many described the cost of raising a family, buying a home, accessing healthcare, and simply making ends meet as increasingly out of reach.

The conversation explores what those findings reveal about political trust and belonging, as well as why reproductive justice extends far beyond abortion access — encompassing the ability to have children, not have children, and raise families safely and with dignity.

The guests also discuss immigration as a reproductive justice issue, barriers to healthcare for immigrant communities, and the policy changes they want lawmakers to pursue.

And with the midterms approaching, they examine the gap between asking women of color to show up at the ballot box and actually delivering meaningful change in their lives — and why solidarity across Black, Latina, and AANHPI communities remains central to their effort to build political power.
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