A Field Guide to Today’s Elections

The 2018 midterm elections represent a critical realignment in American politics, defined by four central themes: immigration, the Supreme Court, gun control, and healthcare. In New Mexico’s 2nd District, immigration policy serves as a litmus test for Democratic moderation in rural, border-adjacent areas. Meanwhile, the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh has polarized the electorate, forcing vulnerable Democratic incumbents in deep-red states like North Dakota to navigate the political fallout of judicial appointments. Suburban anxiety regarding mass shootings has elevated gun control from an abstract concern to a decisive issue in moderate districts, such as Colorado’s 6th. Finally, the protection of pre-existing conditions has emerged as a potent Democratic strategy, compelling even conservative candidates in states like Missouri to publicly pivot their messaging on healthcare. These races collectively signal a broader struggle to define the future of the left and right coalitions.