Institute of Politics

In 2022, voters will participate in midterm elections that will be the first since states followed through with their once-a-decade requirement to redraw political boundaries. Gerrymandering in Republican and Democrat-controlled states have left only a handful of House races as truly toss ups while a wave of forthcoming departures in the House has fueled the GOP’s hope to regain control of the chamber.

Heading into the election, the nation is still grappling with the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, rising inflation, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a suddenly open Supreme Court seat, and a multitude of social issues that have generated debate and division throughout the country. Next week, when Biden addresses the nation for his first State of the Union, he will look to energize his base and rally everyday voters to stand with him as he faces challenges both domestic and abroad.

Historically, midterm elections have served as a check on the president’s party. With Democrats holding narrow majorities in the House and Senate, voters have the ability to significantly alter or maintain the balance of political power in Washington.

Joining us for this conversation about the current political landscape in the United States are:

• Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report
• Mark Murray, senior political editor for NBC News

Moderating this discussion will be David Axelrod.