September 1, 2026 – US Midterm Election Series
Seth McKee: “Midterm Elections in an Age of Political Volatility, 2004–2026”
On September 1, the Foley Institute welcomed Seth McKee, who spoke on the connections between public disapproval of the presidential administration and possible consequences for the midterms.
Professor McKee opened his presentation by analyzing historical midterm outcomes and public opinion of the presidency. Referring to historical data and trends, McKee showed a strong relationship between negative presidential public approval ratings and the president’s party losing seats in Congress. He noted that Trump’s disapproval ratings are the highest in recent history for a president going into midterms. McKee argued that this would indicate significant challenges and consequences for Republican candidates and the party’s control of Congress.
McKee placed this into the context of a broader, consistent trend in recent presidential administrations, where negative public opinion of the presidency punishes the president’s party in midterm elections. He described this as being influenced by an angry voter bloc in the American electorate known as a “Negative Coalition.” This coalition grows stronger in midterms and is energized for higher turnout against the opposing party, especially when presidential disapproval is higher.
McKee argued in closing that due to the midterm cycle and high disapproval of the presidency, Republicans have a very tough midterm ahead and are likely to lose full control of Congress given the very slim majority in the House.
Seth McKee is a professor in the Department of Political Science at Oklahoma State University.
You can watch this event again on the Foley Institute YouTube channel.
September 3, 2026 – US Midterm Election Series
Louis Jacobson: “Covering Congressional Races”
The upcoming midterm elections will decide control of the Senate and U.S. House for the next two years, while voters will also be voting for state legislators and governors. What is at stake in these elections and what is the likely outcome?
Louis Jacobson is chief correspondent at PolitiFact (The Poynter Institute).
Join us at 12:00 pm in the Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall, or live on the Foley Institute YouTube channel.
September 10, 2026 – Foley Distinguished Service Award 2026
Mike Pence to receive Foley Distinguished Service Award 2026
Please join the Foley Institute and distinguished guests for the presentation of the annual Thomas S. Foley Award for Distinguished Public Service to the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.
The 50th Governor of the State of Indiana and U.S. Representative from Indiana will receive this year’s Thomas S. Foley Award for Distinguished Public Service in a ceremony to be held in Spokane.
Learn more about the Foley Distinguished Service Award and Spokane event.
September 17, 2026 – Constitution Day Event
Free documentary showing
“Flag Day”
On Constitution Day, join us for an inspiring documentary that focuses on the largest annual Flag Day parade located in Three Oaks, Michigan. It focuses on issues of ritual, identity, and belonging in a polarized America.
The showing will be followed by a discussion, moderated by Braver Angels WA, a non-profit dedicated to reducing political polarization.
Join us at 1:30 pm in the Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall