E89: Three Keys to the 2026 Midterms
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 2026 Midterm Election Forecast: Democrats are poised to retake the House while the Senate remains a toss-up driven by voter concerns over affordability AI policy and anti-establishment sentiment
- AI's Emerging Political Impact: AI is a critical policy issue for Congress and state legislatures with growing calls for guardrails and concerns over data centers influencing future elections and business strategy
- Shifting Economic Ideologies: The rise of pro-socialism sentiment among younger voters driven by affordability and wealth gap concerns signals a significant political trajectory for the 2028 presidential election
Rob Rowe and Candi Wolff discuss scenarios for the U.S. midterm elections and explore the "three A's" that have emerged as key issues for voters: affordability, AI, and anti-establishment populism.
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Robert Rowe, Global Head of Research, Citi
Rob Rowe is the Head of Citi Research’s Global Strategy & Macro Group (GSMG) as well as the Global Head of Citi Research. GSMG unites all of Citi’s Economists with Fixed Income, FX, Equity and Commodities strategists to create a common team providing research on the world’s major economies and asset classes. Rob has been with Citi for 35 years in various capacities. He originally joined Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Company in 1989 working in investment banking, fixed income sales, and research. In addition to his overall responsibilities, he continues to provide portfolio strategy for select clients as part of his previous role overseeing the Global Bond Portfolio Analysis team. Rob is a graduate of Hartwick College with a BA in European History and the Theatre. He is also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Candi Wolff, Head of Global Government Affairs, Citi
Candi Wolff is the Head of Global Government Affairs at Citi, leading government relations and public policy strategies across more than 90 countries. She joined Citi in 2011 after serving as a partner at Hogan Lovells. Previously, Candi served as Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs under President George W. Bush, acting as the White House’s chief liaison to Congress, and held senior advisory roles in the U.S. Senate. She holds a BA in Mathematics and Political Science from Mount Holyoke College and a JD from The George Washington University Law School.
