What to Expect in the 2026 Midterm Elections

Capitol Briefing Series 2026

In partnership with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the Center for Inclusive Democracy is conducting a series of legislative briefings at the State Capitol that will explore key issues present in the run-up to the 2026 US midterm elections at the California and national levels.

The series explores the following urgent topics in the elections field:

Topic: Counting Every Vote in California: Access, Accuracy, and Public Trust in a Climate of Misinformation?

Panelists:

• Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Assessor, Clerk-recorder and Registrar of voters.
• Eric McGee, Ph.D., Policy Director and Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC)
• Ditas Katague, California Democracy Partnership, The Ditas Groups LLC, Former Associate Director of Communications, US Census
• Additional panelist announced soon

• Moderator:
• Mindy Romero, Ph.D., Director, Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID)

April 30, 1pm to 2pm

California State Capitol Building, Capitol Room 127

In-person event. Lunch will be provided. Event open to the public.

Future Events in CID's 2026 Capitol Speakers Series:

Topic: Voters Concerns About Election Interference in 2026: What to Expect and What will be California’s Response?

May 21, 2pm to 1pm

California Legislative Office Building, Room100

Register Here

Topic: The Battle for Control of Congress and the Impact of Prop 50



June 25, 1pm to 2pm

California State Capitol Building, Capitol Room 127

Register Here

Topic: Threats to Voter Access:? Discussing the SAVE ACT, Executive Orders and Voter ID Laws.

July 23, 1pm to 2pm

California State Capitol Building, Capitol Room 127

Register Here

For more information, contact Mindy Romero at: msromero@usc.edu

The Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) is part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. CID’s mission is to improve the social and economic quality of life in U.S. communities by producing non-partisan, data-driven research that informs policy and on-the-ground organizing efforts through education and outreach for a more engaged, transparent and representative democracy. 

CID conducts a range of national and multi-state research initiatives exploring voting behavior, civic engagement, electoral and economic research, the intersection of social justice and democracy, and more. CID research is intended to inform and empower a wide range of policy and organizing efforts, supporting equity and well-being throughout the nation.