How should Democrats capitalize on their massive success at the ballot box last week as they seek to retake Congress next year? This week on The Downballot podcast, we’re talking with John Ray, senior director of polling at YouGov Blue, about a fascinating polling experiment our two organizations ran that points a way forward: make the midterms a referendum on the GOP. Ray dives deep into the new data to explain why—and homes in on one especially compelling finding about the most persuadable voters.

Also joining is political scientist Chris Galdieri, a professor at St. Anselm College and expert on the unusually volatile politics of swingy New Hampshire. Galdieri previews the state’s open Senate race and handicaps the suddenly feisty GOP primary. He also explores the fallout from Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s key role in ending the federal government shutdown—including how it might impact her own daughter’s House bid. And he answers the question, just how dead is the GOP’s push for mid-decade redistricting?

Voters had their first major chance to deliver a verdict on Donald Trump’s second term on Tuesday night, and they issued a rebuke astonishing in its depth and breadth. On this week’s episode of The Downballot podcast, co-hosts David Nir and David Beard analyze the election from every angle: Just how far did Latino voters move away from the GOP? Why are regular folks so much more inclined to stand up to Trumpism than elite institutions? What does it mean for 2026? And much, much more!

On the latest episode of Nir & Rupar, our live weekly video show, David Nir of The Downballot and Aaron Rupar of Public Notice preview all of Tuesday’s top elections — and what they might mean for the midterms.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to The Downballot, which provides unparalleled coverage of the thousands of critical elections below the presidency, sign up below:

David and Aaron discuss:

* Why Democrats are on track to win marquee races in Virginia, California, New Jersey, and New York City.

* Why you should keep an eye on a pair of unusual special elections in Georgia as a possible bellwether for next year.

* Why it’s so important to pay attention to the margin of victory, not just who wins or loses.

And much more! Viewers also asked great questions about some lesser-watched races that we were delighted to answer.

The Downballot will also be hosting an election night livestream covering all the returns on Tuesday night, starting at 7 PM ET, so be sure to tune back in then! The easiest way to participate is by downloading the free Substack app.

Nir & Rupar will be back next week to recap the results on Friday at 2 PM ET!