November 12, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
What happened? The midterms in context
What are the political implications of the midterm election results, and how will that affect the country for the two years leading to the 2028 presidential election?
Samara Klar is professor of political science at the University of Arizona’s School of Government and Public Policy.
- November 12, 2026, 12:00pm — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
November 3, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Election prediction panel
The 2026 midterm elections could prove to be some of the most momentous in recent years. What is likely to happen?
Join us on election day, when Travis Ridout and Thessalia Merivaki, Washington State University, and Todd Donovan,Western Washington University, will make their predictions about possible election day outcomes.
- November 3, 2026, 12:00pm — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
October 27, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Elections in Washington State
Washington is a vote-by-mail state, and eligible voters automatically receive a ballot. How does the state ensure election security, and respond to voter concerns about election integrity?
Stuart Holmes is State Elections Director for the State of Washington.
- October 27, 2026, 12:00pm — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
October 20, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Representation and the midterms
How could Black voter turnout and the presence of Black candidates affect the party balance in Congress, and what will it mean in terms of representation at all levels of politics?
Andrea Benjamin is associate professor at the University of Oklahoma.
- October 20, 2026, 12:00pm — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
October 15, 2026 – Cosponsored event
Ballot initiative debate
There are three initiatives on the Washington State ballot this year:
Initiative 1 relates to parental rights to review educational materials, receive specific notifications, and opt their children out of sexual health education.
Initiative 638 would require school and voluntary nonprofit athletics to prohibit biologically male students from competing with and against biologically female students.
Initiative 645 would repeal the tax on household income over $1 million and prohibit state and local taxes on individual income.
The cases for an against each ballot will be made, and panelists will be answering questions.
- October 15, 2026, 6:30pm
October 15, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Election Skepticism
Faith in American elections is eroding, with politicians frequently questioning the legitimacy of election results and spreading misinformation about voter fraud. How will this play into the upcoming midterm elections?
Lisa Bryant is professor of political science at California State University, Fresno.
- October 15, 2026, 12:00pm — Foley Speaker’s Room
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
October 14, 2026 – Cosponsored event
Candidate forum
Spokane NAACP hosts a candidate forum, featuring U.S. 5th Congressional District candidates Michael Baumgartner and Carmela Conroy, and separately Spokane Prosecutor candidates Preston McCollam and Danny Tarkenton
- October 14, 2026, 6:00pm — Spokane Central Library
October 13, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
John Herrington: “Astronauts for America”
Astronauts for America is a nonpartisan organization that hosts civic discourse and election discussions between astronauts and college students, including how young people can participate in American democracy while upholding and defending the Constitution.
John Herrington is a former NASA astronaut and Navy aviator.
- October 13, 2026, 12:00 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
October 6, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Jennifer Victor: “The Next Congress”
The 2026 midterm election is highly contested. What are the likely outcomes and what will the next Congress be able to pass?
Jennifer Victor is associate professor of political science at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.
- October 6, 2026, 12:00 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
September 29, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Nathan Katz: “Bankrupting democracy: Campaign finance and the election”
The 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision allowed unlimited campaign spending by corporations and unions. How far does this threaten democratic institutions and voters’ own interests?
Nathan Katz is assistant professor of sociology at Louisiana Tech University.
- September 29, 2026, 12:00 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
September 24, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
Sara Sadhwani: “Climate justice among Latino and Asian American Voters”
How are climate disasters disproportionately affecting Latino and Asian Americans? Can upward mobility break through a Congress gridlocked on climate policy?
Sara Sadhwani is an award-winning political scientist and Associate Professor of Politics at Pomona College.
- September 24, 2026, 12:00 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch this event live on YouTube.
September 17, 2026 – Constitution Day event
Constitution Day event: Documentary and discussion, “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.
This event is co-sponsored by the Veterans and Military Affiliated Student Services (VMASS).
The showing will be followed by a discussion, moderated by Braver Angels WA, a non-profit dedicated to reducing political polarization.
- September 17, 2026, 1:30 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Space is limited — registration required
September 15, 2026 – Midterm Election Series
David Kimball: “Redistricting and voting rights”
Redistricting shapes political representation and can have a lasting impact on voting rights and civic participation. How can we ensure that every community has an equal voice in the democratic process?
David Kimball is a professor of political science at University of Missouri-St. Louis.
- September 15, 2026, 12:00 PM — Foley Speaker’s Room, 308 Bryan Hall
- Watch live on the Foley Institute YouTube channel
September 10, 2026 – Foley Distinguished Service Award 2026
Reception and Dinner for Mike Pence, Recipient of the 2026 Thomas S. Foley Award
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.
Event Details
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- Learn more about the Foley Distinguished Service Award and Spokane event.
