The political landscape is heating up as the 2026 midterm elections approach. At the REALTORS® Legislative Meetingsa panel of esteemed political analysts gathered to share their insights on the upcoming elections and the potential impact on housing policy.
The panel featured Susan Davis and Brody Mullins of 535 Newsalong with David Wasserman of The Cook Political Report. These experts delved into the political forces shaping Washington and the critical issues that will define the election cycle.
The Political Landscape Ahead of the 2026 Midterms
The discussion kicked off with an exploration of the political dynamics at play in Washington. Mullins and Davis highlighted the unprecedented levels of political uncertainty as the nation approaches the midterm elections.
Campaign financecongressional prioritiesand the evolving political landscape were among the topics discussed. The panel touched on major legislative issues, including the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Actand broader questions about the November midterm elections.
The Role of Redistricting in the Upcoming Elections
Wasserman joined the conversation to examine the political challenges facing lawmakers. He suggested that the upcoming election could become another wave electionestimating that Democrats currently have a 35% to 40% chance of winning the Senate and about a 70% chance of winning the House.
However, he cautioned that only 18 House seats are currently considered toss-ups, indicating that any wave election would likely be smaller than those seen in previous cycles. The panel also discussed the impact of redistricting on representation, with Wasserman noting that momentum for redistricting reform has waned since the 2026 Census.
Davis added that the lack of redistricting reform leads to a Congress that does not reflect the country, which she described as a significant problem. Wasserman estimated that Republicans currently hold an advantage of roughly six seats in the ongoing redistricting battles, while cautioning that some newly drawn districts may not perform as expected.
The REALTORS®’ Advocacy Efforts in Washington
The Federal Legislative and Political Forum is a key event of the REALTORS® Legislative Meetingswhich bring together thousands of NAR memberslawmakers, and industry leaders to discuss policy solutions and advocate for issues affecting real estate markets nationwide.
The annual gathering culminates in Capitol Hill meetings where REALTORS® share firsthand perspectives on homeownership, property rights, and a healthy real estate economy. Shannon McGahnNAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, emphasized the importance of understanding the political environment for effective advocacy.
By hearing directly from some of the nation’s leading political observers, REALTORS® gained valuable context as they prepared to carry the industry’s priorities to lawmakers. This ongoing advocacy effort extends beyond election cycles and legislative sessions, ensuring that policymakers understand how federal decisions affect home buyers, sellers, property owners, and local housing markets.
The meetings with members of Congress are an important part of this advocacy effort, helping to shape policies that support housing opportunity and homeownership.
