US Midterm Elections: What Happened and What's Next? | Panel Discussion

Discussion and Q&A on election results, party responses, and what, in the light of American history, might happen next. The 2026 US midterm elections in early November promise to be highly consequential. The Trump administration is anxious that the Republicans retain their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many Democrats believe that turning over those majorities in this election represents the last best chance to restrain the Trump Presidency and rescue the Republic. There are substantial questions about the likely fairness of the elections. President Trump has already demonstrated, in 2020-21, a willingness to try to overturn an election defeat. Other countries, including erstwhile American allies, will be watching closely. This roundtable event will take place three days after the midterm election. UoS experts will present a review of the results and of initial responses to them from the Trump Administration, the MGA base and their opponents. We will also discuss, in the light of American history, what might happen next. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. Venue: Lecture Theatre B, Building 65 (Parkes), Avenue Campus, SO17 1BF. Suitability: Ages 14+ Check-in: from 18:00, in the foyer of Building 65 (Parkes), just outside the Avenue Cafe, in front of the main entrance from the car park. PLEASE NOTE: a few additional tickets will be available on the day at the ticket desk, on a first-come-first-served basis. Accessibility: Venue has full wheelchair access and hearing loop is available. Priority seating for deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired in the first front row. If you require additional support, please ask a member of the Festival team on site. For more information on accessibility in Building 65, please refer to the University of Southampton's Accessible website Parking: Free parking on site. Public transport: Some of the Unilink and Bluestar buses can take you from Southampton City Centre to Avenue Campus in only 15-20 minutes. The Unilink U2B and U2 buses travel from Southampton City Centre (Central Station, Cenotaph stops) directly to Avenue Campus in approximately 15 minutes. To get from Highfield Interchange to Avenue Campus you can walk directly or take the U2C service, which stops at Avenue Subway , a 3-minute walk from Avenue Campus. Please contact the event organiser through [email protected] if you have any questions regarding the event you are booking. Visit the Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival's official website at www.southamptonartshumfest.co.uk to find out the full programme of live events and activities. You can also follow #UoSArtsHumFest on social media to stay up to date with upcoming events and resources.