2026 midterm election

Ronny Jackson and Beth Van Duyne Outline Strategy and Stakes Ahead of Midterms

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, two Texas Republicans are offering a glimpse into how they view the political stakes and what could shape the outcome in the months ahead.

In separate exclusive interviews with Texas Politics publisher Javier Manjarres, representatives Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) shared their perspectives on election strategy, legal challenges, and the issues they believe will matter most to voters.

Rep. Jackson, who represents Texas’ 13th Congressional District, said he is “still in an okay spot” when it comes to Republicans keeping control of the House. However, he emphasized that ongoing legal challenges could play a major role in determining the outcome.

“I’m still hopeful that this gets overturned by the Supreme Court,” Jackson said, referring to an election-related issue he believes could shift momentum. He added that if the ruling goes in the Republicans’ favor, “then I think we’re really in a good spot.” If not, he acknowledged, “it’s going to be more of an uphill climb.”

Jackson also pushed back on political tensions surrounding another lawmaker, saying he believes efforts to take action are unlikely to succeed. “From my understanding, there’s Democrats who are not going to vote for an expulsion,” he said.

Rep. Van Duyne's Contrast

Rep. Van Duyne, who represents Texas’ 24th Congressional District, focused on what she described as a clear contrast between political parties heading into 2026.

“I literally think that if people remember what it was like during the Biden administration,” she said, voters will see a difference in current policies. She pointed to concerns about “open borders,” crime, and inflation.

She further highlighted what she described as progress, including lower gas prices and tax relief efforts, saying, “I think it’s a pretty clear choice.”

Van Duyne then framed the election in stark terms: “There’s two paths. Do you want to go back to the path of American destruction, or do you want to go toward the path of American progress?”

Both lawmakers have secured their party’s nominations and are considered strong re-election contenders.

Still, with several months until voters cast their ballots, the outcome may depend on how these issues, and others, resonate across the country.

Ericka Rodriguez Diaz

Ericka Piñon is a reporter for Cactus Politics specializing in Arizona Legislative Correspondent. With 1 year on the ground in Phoenix, Arizona, they have been cited by Cactus Politics, Big Energy News, The Floridian Press, and Texas Politics. Her focus is on Public Relations and Communications.

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