A midterm crossroads for both parties eyeing the beginning of the end of the Trump era

What happened: The 2026 midterms mark a crossroads for both parties as the end of the Trump era approaches, with Republican candidates distancing themselves from the president and Democrats facing a fight between establishment leaders and progressives. Key numbers: Trump is 80 years Why it matters: Strategist David Urban said the Trump coalition's turnout Tuesday will show who becomes the party's next standard-bearer, while a bad night could hurt the 2028 prospects of Vance and Rubio. Advisers to Ocasio-Cortez said Democratic leadership is incapable of meeting a transformational moment.

The 2026 midterms mark a crossroads for both parties as the end of the Trump era approaches, with Republican candidates distancing themselves from the president and Democrats facing a fight between establishment leaders and progressives.

Strategist David Urban said the Trump coalition's turnout Tuesday will show who becomes the party's next standard-bearer, while a bad night could hurt the 2028 prospects of Vance and Rubio. Advisers to Ocasio-Cortez said Democratic leadership is incapable of meeting a transformational moment.