Unpacking the 2026 Midterm Risk Landscape with Ron Brownstein

One year out from the 2026 midterms, brands and corporate leaders face a volatile political and reputational landscape. Shifts in Congress and state legislatures could reset oversight, regulation, and public expectations overnight — while campaign rhetoric and online activism are already reshaping narratives around corporate power, pricing, and values.

Luke Hartig, President of Gravity Research, and  Ron Brownstein, Senior Political Analyst for CNN and columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, convened for a forward-looking discussion on the road to 2026 — exploring how evolving campaign issues and voter dynamics intersect with corporate risk. The session unpacked:

• How election-year campaigning will impact corporate reputation and risk exposure — from tariffs and healthcare costs to immigration enforcement and workplace activism

• Which policy and cultural issues are most likely to define 2026 — including economic populism, LGBTQ+ rights, and the evolving risk and visibility of AI, DEI, and climate

• How corporate affairs and communications leaders can prepare — from scenario planning and misinformation readiness to internal alignment and nonpartisan engagement strategies

• What early election results signal about political momentum heading into 2026. Complete the form on the right to register.

The research draws from extensive research and analysis conducted throughout the year, gathering intelligence on how top companies are thinking about, and managing, the most hot-button societal and reputation issues.