By RAICES Public Affairs Director Javier Hidalgo, Esq.
TL;DR The 2026 midterm elections produced a decisive Democratic majority across federal, state, and municipal leadership. These results deliver a clear mandate for systemic reform and the protection of human dignity, signaling a widespread rejection of restrictive and exclusionary immigration policies.
WHAT TO KNOW
Issue: On November 3, 2026, the U.S. held midterm elections resulting in Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate at the federal level, and similar shifts in various state and city offices across the nation. This sweeping change drastically shifts the balance of political power in Congress and across state governments. This legislative shift is anticipated to have a major impact on the trajectory and congressional oversight of U.S. immigration policy. Changes in local policies impacting noncitizens are also likely.
Rationale: This historic transfer of congressional control was driven by American voters expressing profound dissatisfaction with the current administration's agenda, specifically rejecting its politics of marginalization, exclusionary rhetoric, and restrictive immigration policies. Shifts in state and city governments represent the electorate's broader rejection of targeted, discriminatory local policies which diverted resources away from local communities in efforts to augment federal immigration enforcement.
RAICES Impact: RAICES clients and staff have been deeply affected by the numerous immigration policies introduced by the current administration, and the organization will remain agile to adapt to the shifts flowing from this election. The new legislative landscape may offer opportunities to leverage RAICES' unique positioning to inform future policy. However, the immediate two months may prove treacherous, as outgoing officials, compounded by the appointment of mass deportation architect Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff, may move quickly to carry out and cement restrictive policy goals before leaving office.
Community Impact: While the election results offer hope, fear and confusion may persist as structural changes and policy reversals take time to materialize. The community will continue navigating a shifting landscape, though likely with a renewed focus on democratic norms, equitable protection under the law, and human dignity.
Related Legal Battles: RAICES continues to challenge the administration’s procedural hurdles in federal court. As outgoing officials accelerate enforcement, the organization remains positioned to litigate against discriminatory directives and defend against lawsuits designed to block pro-immigrant reforms.
Broader Immigration Strategy: The 2026 midterm results repudiate the administration's anti-immigration agenda of enforcement, fund diversion, and reduced legal pathways. Incoming lawmakers hold a clear mandate to drive transformative change. This political shift offers an opportunity to dismantle harmful frameworks and advocate for policies grounded in due process and human dignity.
