Inside the Electorate: A Bipartisan Look Ahead to the 2026 Midterms

The nation enters a critical midterm election year with voters trying to come to grips with economic anxieties, international disruptions, and ongoing debates about the nation’s culture. The Wall Street Journal’s new bipartisan polling team, Democrat John Anzalone and Republican Adam Geller, will join Dole Institute Visiting Fellow Jerry Seib for their first public appearance to discuss the nation’s mood as seen through their surveys and extensive experience.

Jerry Seib has been a journalist with The Wall Street Journal for almost 45 years. He served as the Journal’s Executive Washington Editor and wrote the weekly “Capital Journal” column for 29 years. He also reported from the Middle East for the Journal in the mid-1980s, covered the White House, has moderated three presidential debates, and interviewed every president since Ronald Reagan.

John Anzalone, one of the nation’s leading Democratic pollsters, is the founding partner of Impact Research. A veteran of Democratic politics, he’s served as the chief pollster for President Joe Biden in 2020. He also polls for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Roy Cooper’s 2026 U.S. Senate race (NC) and House Democratic Caucus Chair, Pete Aguilar (CA). John also conducts public opinion research for many Fortune 500 companies, as well as national associations and advocacy groups such as the AARP.

Adam Geller is the chief executive officer of National Research, Inc., a polling and political research firm. Active in numerous Republican campaigns over the years, he was a pollster for President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Trump-aligned super PACs during the 2020 and 2024 presidential election cycles, in addition to working with many congressional, senatorial, and gubernatorial campaigns. Adam also regularly works with corporate, public relations, and C-suite executives to provide political insights and strategies.