David Doherty
Professor
Chair, Department of Political Science
Contact: ddoherty@luc.edu
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Expertise: Politics/Public Policy
Focus Areas:
See Profile- Public opinion
- Elections
- Surveys
Political Science
Loyola political scientists share three midterm trends they’re tracking
September 29, 2026
Share
As states prepare for the upcoming midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, Loyola University Chicago political science experts are keeping an eye on how voters respond to increased polarization, shifts in the economy, and more. They shared insights into three things they’ll be tracking as voters cast their ballots:
David Doherty:
Two years into President Trump’s second term, most Americans remain dissatisfied with the economy. How will this persistent economic malaise—coupled with Trump’s aggressive immigration policies—affect Hispanic voters (who moved sharply toward Trump in 2024)?
Numerous Republican-controlled states redrew their congressional district maps since 2024 in the hopes of benefiting their party’s candidates. Will some of the new districts they drew for their candidates end up being less safe than expected given this unfavorable electoral context?
Best practices for the pollsters continue to evolve in a rapidly changing communications environment. What methodological strategies will yield the most accurate predictions?
Eric Hansen
Associate Professor of Political Science
Contact: ehansen4@luc.edu
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Expertise: Politics/Public Policy
Focus Areas:
See Profile- Occupational backgrounds of politicians
- State legislatures
- Congress
- Elections
Eric Hansen:
Both parties have nominated a mix of stronger and weaker candidates. As the parties have polarized and voters are increasingly loyal to one party or the other, how much will individual candidates’ qualities and experiences matter to the results?
College-educated voters have increasingly supported Democrats and are also most likely to show up to vote in midterms. How much will the election results reflect their participation?
Democrats are expected to perform well in congressional elections, but will the dynamics at the national level extend to the thousands of state-level elections on the ballot?
Get involved
Want to learn more about casting your ballot? Check out Loyola Votes and its step-by-step framework on voter registration, ways to get informed, how to make a plan to vote, and opportunities for hosting a voting-related event on campus!
