US Midterm Elections: What Happened and What's Next? Panel Discussion at University of Southampton

About

The 2026 US midterm elections in early November promise to be highly consequential. The Trump administration is anxious that the Republicans retain their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many Democrats believe that turning over those majorities in this election represents the last best chance to restrain the Trump Presidency and rescue the Republic. Polls suggest significant disaffection amongst former Trump voters about the war on Iran and its impact on the cost of living. Claims concerning partisan interference with the elections circulate on both sides. President Trump has already demonstrated, in 2020-21, a willingness to try to overturn an election defeat. Other countries, including erstwhile American allies, will be watching closely.

This roundtable event will take place three days after the midterm election. Four University of Southampton's experts will review the results themselves, the initial response to those results from the Trump Administration and the MAGA base, the election's significance in terms of trust in the American democratic process, and the implications of the results for American politics over the next two years.

There will be then an opportunity for Q&A.

Speakers:

- Dr Ashton Kingdon, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Southampton.

- Professor Jason Reifler, Professor of Political Science at the University of Southampton.

- Dr Chris Fuller, Associate Professor in Modern US History at University of Southampton.

- Professor Kendrick Oliver, Professor of American History at the University of Southampton.

LOCATION:
- Avenue Campus (SO17 1BF)
- Building 65 (Parkes)
- Lecture Theatre B

Check-in: from 6PM, in the foyer of Building 65 (Parkes), just outside the Avenue Cafe in front of the main entrance from the car park.

Food and drinks: some snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the vending machine alongside the corridor. A water fountain is available.

Accessibility: Venue has full wheelchair access and hearing loop is available. Priority seating for deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired in the first front row. If you require additional support, please ask a member of the Festival team on site.