Navigating the 2026 Political Tightrope: The Case for Strategic Public Affairs
Brian Knox, EVP at Laughlin Constable Public Relations
At the same time, policy positions and legislation continue to be put forth by elected leaders and supported or opposed by businesses, large and small, member associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Success in seeing such through or strategically redirecting solutions in this volatile environment requires expert strategic communications and public affairs counsel partnered with government affairs staff and skilled lobbyists to help translate today’s complex political shifts, media landscape, social media environment and more into actionable strategy.
The Midterm Hurdle
To be clear, passing legislation in 2026 with the November midterms looming will be exceptionally difficult.
Legislators are already retreating into risk-averse behavior, wary of supporting any "provocative" bills that could alienate voters in their districts and send them fleeing to an opposing candidate or side.
In Wisconsin, one of our home states, the upcoming departure of Governor Tony Evers has created a power vacuum with multiple candidates throwing their hats into the ring, while Illinois, another state we call home, continues to push aggressive "frontier" regulations on AI and healthcare.
Nationally, partisan gridlock remains on both sides of the aisle while the administration continues aggressive domestic and foreign policies. And you can certainly expect many more polls gauging public sentiment leading to the all-important mid-terms by fall.
The Power of "Kitchen Table" Messaging
Those looking to move the needle on bills with skittish legislators know that this is a time when messaging must be precise to resonate and move positions. Today’s political capital continues to focus on "kitchen table" issues - grocery and gas prices, healthcare premiums, housing, energy and childcare. Whether local or national, polls show people are increasingly concerned about the economy as it relates to consumer pricing and jobs that will pay the bills.
Public affairs experts closely follow the polls, trends, discussions in the halls of government and agendas that help strategically reframe, advance, and time client and issue messaging within the affordability narrative. For example, many are finding success by stressing how elements of a policy can directly benefit citizens and then positions advocates with strong messages to effectively move legislators to action.
Bridging the Divide
Overall, expert public affairs does more than lobby. It educates, provides credible, non-partisan data, builds coalitions, identifies compelling messengers, activates communication vehicles and platforms, and more to help leaders on both sides of the aisle – and those in the middle – make sound justifiable decisions.
In 2026 and beyond, the best approach will not just be about who you know, but more than ever about how you strategically frame, present, communicate and deliver solutions.
Brian Knox, EVP at Laughlin Constable Public Relations, is a former reporter and has more than 25 years of public affairs experience partnering with lobbying teams to deliver cohesive strategy and effective communications to advanced legislative agendas.
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