The Genocide in Gaza May Keep the Democrats from Regaining Congress

The Democratic Party faces two major obstacles in the 2026 U.S.

midterm elections.

First, they lack a compelling nostalgic narrative like they had in 2018 when Barack Obama’s presidency was used as a contrast to Donald Trump.

Obama’s legacy provided a unifying symbol for Democrats, but Joe Biden’s presidency—marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, cognitive concerns, and unconditional support for Israel’s actions in Gaza—offers no similar appeal.

Second, the issue of Palestine has become a significant liability.

The party’s reluctance to take a firm stance against the perceived genocide in Gaza has alienated progressive voters, particularly young people and pro-Palestinian activists.

This stance has also cost the Democrats support, as seen in polls where voters linked Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential loss to her refusal to oppose the Gaza conflict strongly.