Higher Ed on the Ballot: 5 Takeaways for Campus Leaders After the Midterms

October 8, 2026

With the midterm elections less than a month away, much of the coverage focuses on who is up and who is down. APCO’s October 7 webinar, the third in its 2026 midterm series, asked a different question: What happens after Election Day, and what should college and university leaders do about it?

Brian Keeter, who leads APCO’s education work, moderated a conversation with APCO colleagues and former U.S. Reps. Susan Wild, a Pennsylvania Democrat, and Dennis Ross, a Florida Republican. Both served on the House Education and Workforce Committee.

While election outcomes are yet unknown, university leaders should make a plan now for how to proactively address the following themes that are likely to rise to the surface.

Divided Government Would Favor Oversight Over Legislation

Wild said a Democratic House would likely focus on college affordability, including larger Pell Grants and bills to lower or eliminate student loan debt. Many of those bills would be introduced rather than passed. She also expects vigorous oversight of the Education Department, proposed changes to some private schools’ tax status and rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Because the president must sign any bill, she described Congress’s role as largely a check on the administration.

Ross said that if Republicans keep both chambers, the White House would continue to set the agenda, including the push to dismantle the Education Department and shift authority to the states. First, though, Congress must deal with , which he predicts will pass a stopgap funding measure into January. He does not expect Republicans to revisit the recent student loan changes.

Both were skeptical about bipartisan lawmaking. Ross said aggressive oversight of a sitting president tends to crowd out compromise, with college sports legislation the possible exception. Wild said members can often agree on concepts, such as mental health support for students, but split over funding.

Key Takeaway: Democrats and Republicans hold different higher education priorities. In a divided government, university leaders should not anticipate significant legislative activity and should prepare for continued executive action.

Leadership Shake-Ups Will Unfold Through January

Ross predicted one of the largest turnovers in Congress in decades, with organizing in November and December and committee assignments following the January 3 swearing-in. He said colleagues expect some change in Republican leadership regardless of the outcome.

Wild said Democratic leaders are not expected to change, though some members want term limits for committee chairs, which the Democratic caucus does not currently have. If Democrats win the majority, the committee would likely be renamed Education and Labor.

Key Takeaway: Committee leadership brings their own issues and priorities to the role. University leaders should identify areas of common priority with incoming committee leaders.

Affordability, Outcomes and Value Will Stay in Focus

Ross does not expect Congress to revisit the new loan limits or Workforce Pell, which took effect in July, until the results are in. He expects Republicans to press institutions on how they spend federal dollars and whether a four-year degree delivers value, including compared with shorter credentials.

Wild noted that the cost of living weighs on first-generation and lower-income students, and that fewer international students, who often pay full tuition, add financial pressure. She said institutions must make their own affordability case rather than count on Washington.

Both saw bipartisan interest in student outcomes and community colleges. They urged institutions to align programs with workforce needs in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. They also defended liberal arts education and critical thinking, and Wild urged campuses not to treat AI as an enemy.

Key Takeaway: Congress will be tracking outcomes of higher education policies implemented this year. University leaders should share these stories with their delegations.

International Students, Sports and Funding Add Complexity

Both panelists warned that making it harder for international graduates to stay and work risks a brain drain. Wild suggested the competitive business case could resonate with the administration.

The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act, which awaits House action. Ross said that under Republican control, it could advance through a privileged motion because leadership has not backed it.

On state funding, Ross and Wild said outcomes will vary by state politics and fiscal health. Wild noted that Medicaid cuts will squeeze state budgets, putting education in competition for dollars.

On appropriations, Wild expects earmarks, now called community project funding, to expand to education if Democrats win. Ross expects another continuing resolution into early 2027 under either scenario. Wild agreed that passing full-year spending bills is unlikely.

Key Takeaway: Tying institutional priorities and outcomes to workforce development illustrates how colleges and universities impact local communities. Leaders should not expect increased funding over current levels.

Trust Is Built Through Relationships and Clear Messaging

Ross said institutions must clearly articulate their purpose, be more transparent and embrace intellectual pluralism. Wild said students are looking for community as well as career preparation, and that higher education may need to rethink its marketing and communications.

On engaging policymakers, the panelists agreed: Build personal relationships now with members of Congress and their staff, without taking ideological positions. Do it on campus, by inviting members to events and programs, and in Washington, through fly-in days. Wild also encouraged institutions to invest in strong government relations support at the state and federal levels.

Whatever November brings, the message was consistent: Campus leaders who build relationships early and make a clear case for their value will be best positioned for what comes next.

Key Takeaway: University leaders should not wait until January to start establishing relationships with their delegation and staff. Developing and deepening relationships immediately following the election will pay off in the future.