The Stakes of America’s 2026 Midterm Elections

By Robert E. Rubin and Heather Gerken for Time

Between them, Robert E. Rubin and Heather Gurken have led institutions across American life, in business, government, academia, and philanthropy. In Time, they argue that it is essential for institutions to redouble their commitment to free and fair elections at a time when they are under threat.

Rubin and Gerken chronicle the factors menacing American democracy. These include the disbanding of agencies intended to protect and administer elections, false claims by President Donald Trump about the 2020 vote, threats to jail local election officials, and federal attempts to take control of voting from the states. Rubin and Gerken also recount expert fears of efforts to undermine the coming 2026 midterm elections. Arguing that the loss of free and fair elections would undermine all elements of American life, they urge institutions and leaders to support those who administer elections and to reinforce nonpartisan principles of respecting the results. Although such action has risks, they say, the greater risk is ignoring the threat until it is too late.