Democrats Set Sights on Healthcare for 2026 Midterms
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Democrats are banking on healthcare to be a pivotal issue, particularly eyeing North Carolina as a promising opportunity to regain Senate control.
Governor Roy Cooper’s track record, including his efforts to expand Medicaid despite opposition from a GOP-controlled legislature, positions him as an influential advocate for this cause.
In his campaign launch video, Cooper criticized Republicans for “tearing our health care” and went as far as to claim they threaten Medicare and Social Security merely to provide tax breaks for the wealthy.
In his first TV interview post-announcement, Cooper emphasized his focus on Medicaid expansion and making healthcare more affordable.
“We’ve expanded healthcare to over 670,000 North Carolinians. By addressing $4 billion in medical debt for two million residents, we’ve rolled out plans aimed at tackling high living costs,” he shared with Rachel Maddow.
He added, “We’ve achieved health insurance for individuals who previously didn’t have it. Now, with Washington Republicans looking to dismantle that progress, I think the contrast in this race will be significant.”
The battle is shaping up between Cooper, who supports Trump’s agenda, and Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley.
Senator Tillis mentioned he refused to support Trump’s sweeping tax cuts, calling them “devastating” and labeling the law a betrayal of Trump’s promise not to touch Medicaid. This piece of legislation is predicted to displace around 10 million low-income individuals from their health insurance over the next ten years.
According to KFF, approximately 520,000 residents in North Carolina could lose health coverage due to proposed changes to Medicaid and Obamacare Exchange plans, particularly if subsidy adjustments are enacted at the close of 2025.
Brad Woodhouse, a seasoned Democratic strategist and advocacy group leader, indicated that Cooper will spend time tying Whatley to these GOP Medicaid cuts.
“I’m not sure about Whatley’s position; he’s a blank slate. But he’s connected to Trump, and these cuts are his responsibility. This healthcare situation is a direct result of Trump’s policies,” Woodhouse remarked.
When Cooper first ran for governor in 2016, he aimed to enlarge Medicaid access and assist low-income residents with healthcare expenses. However, he faced considerable GOP resistance.
Legislation permitting Medicaid expansion finally passed in March 2023, which garnered increased Republican support and promised over $1.5 billion in additional funds for the state.
Healthcare remains a significant concern for voters from various political backgrounds, and Cooper is expected to highlight his bipartisan efforts. Experts believe his collaborations have aided his success in North Carolina, even during elections with Trump on the ticket.
“Cooper knows where to focus his efforts. With experience running campaigns across six states, he understands how to effectively communicate with North Carolinians,” noted Michael Bitzer, a political history professor at Catawba University.
“His argument hinges on collaboration to expand Medicaid, countered by the fact that Washington Republicans are planning cuts equivalent to what we’ve gained,” Bitzer highlighted.
Nonetheless, Cooper will face challenges similar to other Democrats nationwide in linking Whatley to broader Republican legislation. Many of the significant cuts are delayed until after the midterm elections, which complicates messaging.
“He’s clearly aiming to elevate the Medicaid discussion. However, the impact of these cuts may not be felt until after elections are done,” commented Chris Cooper, a political professor at West Carolina University.
It’s uncertain how Republicans plan to engage former Medicaid governors directly, and Bitzer pointed out that partisanship could shift their focus to different issues. Federal campaigns tend to lean heavily on partisan topics, and Republicans have already begun framing Cooper as a radical liberal.
