What the primaries tell us about November midterms

By Chloe Wynne,

Published September 2, 2026 at 7:15 AM EDT

FILE: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at his Primary Election event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee and will face incumbent Sen. Collins (R-ME) for Maine's U.S. Senate seat in the general election. — FILE: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at his primary election event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. Platner later dropped out of the race; Troy Jackson will face incumbent Sen. Collins for Maine's U.S. Senate seat in the general election.

The 2026 midterm elections are still weeks away, but voters are already sending signals about what November could look like.

Across the country, primary races are testing the strength of party establishments, the appeal of moderate candidates and the enthusiasm of Democratic and Republican voters.

This hour, we explore what’s happening in states from Maine to Michigan, and what those contests reveal about the broader political landscape.

Plus, what both parties need to do between now and November to turn primary results into general election wins.

Guests:

Liz Goodwin, national political reporter for The Washington Post
Alec Hernández, politics reporter, POLITICO
Andy Sullivan, politics and policy reporter, Reuters

Are you thinking about 2026 midterm elections? Help shape our election coverage by filling out this survey.

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