As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the United States is undergoing a striking transformation. Many voters who once held loyal political positions now rethink their stance, due to the actions and policies of our current president, Donald Trump. This shift has become a national conversation about leadership, values, and the direction the U.S. is heading. With these high tensions, the midterms guarantee a crucial moment– one where the traditional Republican party emerges with new beliefs, reshaping the future of American politics. 

  “I have seen recently, individuals who have been lifelong members of one party, change parties because their values no longer align with that party,” Mr. David Logel said, a teacher at Grand Ledge High School (GLHS). 

 Although midterm elections do not get as much voter participation, they play a key role in shaping Congress. Whether it is electing your local representative, senators, or even governor. For Michigan, voters will elect representatives, a senator, and a governor. But the influence of Congress is important to the president’s power, depending on whether there is a divided or unified government. This matters when voters are reconsidering their political beliefs ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, due to recent events such as rising prices, immigration enforcement, protests, and U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

  “The more participation that we have in this 2026 election, the more we will be able to have a lot of influence on what Trump will not be able to do. In order for him to get out of office and to lose power, participation in the 2026 election will do just that,” Indya Fitzpatrick said, a senior and new voter at GLHS. 

  The influence of Donald Trump continues to shape the political landscape leading into the 2026 midterm elections. His policies and language have influenced some voters, while others are being pushed away, not only creating divisions between parties but within them. 

  “I feel like I am much more intense with my support and my engagement with candidates. I feel like now we have shifted from just politics to morality,” Fitzpatrick said.

  New voters/students at GLHS shape their political values for themselves, whether through their family, friends, education, media, or social networks. Many voters base their values on what they’ve seen from their parents, but the recent actions that have taken place during Donald Trump’s presidency have shaped the way people view Donald Trump. 

  “Personally, I feel like the president and the government should just handle economics. War should be handled very carefully and not as recklessly as it is being handled, and human rights shouldn’t have to be a part of politics,” Roman Howard said, a senior and new voter at GLHS. 

  Ultimately, the voices of new voters at Grand Ledge High School reflect a national trend. Those whose political beliefs are being questioned, reshaped, and strengthened. As students prepare to cast their votes for the first time, their decisions not only impact the 2026 midterm elections but also contribute to the future of American politics. 

  “The midterms are just to gauge how people are feeling. I think he’s going to drop in popularity a lot,” Howard said.