About Making Sense of the Mid-Term Elections
The 2026 United States elections are set to be far more dramatic and closely fought – and draw in far more money and global media attention – than midterms have traditionally done. But how do we fully understand and interpret the outcomes of hundreds of congressional, gubernatorial and local electoral races? And what is it like to actually run for and win a seat in Congress?
This lively evening discussion will offer expert analysis from leading US politics scholars, as well as the insights of two former Members of Congress, Reps. Val Demings (Democrat, Florida's 10th district, 2017 – 2023) and Garret Graves (Republican, Louisiana’s 6th district, 2015 – 2025), who will share their personal experiences of Congress, as well as their views on their parties' fortunes in the elections.
This event is part of Congress to Campus UK, which is supported by the Gerard B. Lambert Foundation, at the recommendation of the American Trust for the British Library.
Venue and bar opening times
This is an in-person only event in the British Library Knowledge Centre.
The Knowledge Centre and bar open from 18.00.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.
Accessibility
Our St Pancras building has step-free access throughout.
Further details about wheelchair access, Blue Badge parking, hearing loops and support systems as well as guide and assistance dog access can be found on the Visit section of our website.
If you have specific access requirements, please email customer@bl.uk.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16–25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.
Hear about more events like this?
Sign up to our emails to be the first to hear about upcoming events and exhibitions at the Library.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
You might also like
American Politics Group Annual Colloquium 2026
An afternoon of expert discussion and debate on US politics.
STC to ESTC, Past, Present, and Future
A Centenary Symposium.
Pepperpots and Provision Grounds
A recipe zine-making workshop that unearths food histories in Britain’s former Caribbean colonies within the Library’s archival collections.