Trade Policy in the Midterms

Trade policy is emerging as a consequential issue in the 2026 midterm elections as tariffs, retaliatory measures and rising costs put new pressure on industries and battleground states. This POLITICO Pro analysis examines how U.S. trade policy is shaping key races — and what the election could mean for the direction of tariffs and trade after November.

What you’ll learn

• How tariffs and retaliatory trade measures are affecting battleground states and competitive Senate races
• Why agriculture, manufacturing and other industries are becoming more exposed to the political effects of U.S. trade policy
• What the 2026 midterm elections could mean for the next phase of the trade debate

Why this matters

Trade policy is already influencing costs, export markets and political pressure across key industries. Understanding where those effects are most acute — and how they intersect with competitive races — can help policy professionals prepare for the trade priorities and political dynamics that may take shape after Election Day.

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