Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich reportedly offered a blunt assessment Thursday about the political stakes facing Republicans as the nation heads toward the 2026 midterm elections, warning that the party’s fortunes hinge squarely on whether the economy rebounds.
Speaking with Fox Business Network’s Larry Kudlow on “Kudlow,” Gingrich laid out a clear equation. “If the economy recovers, as you and I think it will, Republicans will keep the House and increase their margin in the Senate,” he said. “If the economy does not recover, Republicans are in real trouble.”
Gingrich stressed that President Donald Trump and GOP leaders must remain laser-focused on policies that drive growth and lower costs for Americans. He said the president’s priorities should include continuing to cut spending, rolling back regulations, and ensuring that the administration’s signature legislative package — which Gingrich referred to as the “one big, beautiful bill” — takes effect on January 1. He also urged the White House to aggressively promote investment in the United States and the purchase of American-made goods around the world.
The warning comes as anxiety grows within Republican ranks over early indicators that next year’s midterms could favor Democrats. Some GOP lawmakers have privately expressed concern that if economic conditions fail to improve, voters could punish Republicans at the ballot box, potentially costing the party control of the House and shrinking its Senate majority.
Those worries intensified after off-year elections earlier this month in states like New Jersey and Virginia, where Democratic victories rattled Republicans. Following those results, Senate Republicans described the elections as a wake-up call and said the party must confront voter frustration over a slowing economy and persistent high costs.
Despite the concerns, House Speaker Mike Johnson projected confidence. Speaking Thursday, Johnson said he remains “very, very bullish about the midterms.” He argued Republicans are well positioned because of their legislative record and candidate quality. “I know that we are going to win because we have a great record to run on,” Johnson said. “We have better candidates, better message and we have a lot to show the people, so we’ll continue our momentum.”
Democrats, meanwhile, appear increasingly optimistic. The House Democrats’ campaign arm recently expanded its list of offensive battleground targets, adding five more races they believe are now in play. Recent election results have emboldened the party, which is hoping to capitalize on economic dissatisfaction to claw back power in Washington.
Gingrich’s comments reflect a reality both parties acknowledge: economic performance remains the dominant factor shaping voter behavior. While Republicans believe their policy agenda will ultimately deliver relief, Gingrich made clear there is little margin for error. For the GOP, improving economic conditions is not just a policy goal — it is the central test that could determine whether Republicans hold and expand power or face significant losses in 2026.
As the midterm clock ticks down, Gingrich’s message serves as a stark reminder to Republican leaders that results, not rhetoric, will decide their political fate.
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