Midterms 101: Historical Patterns and Contemporary Stakes

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Midterms Graphic

Midterm elections are often treated as a referendum on whoever holds the White House, but the historical pattern is more complicated, and more revealing, than that framing suggests. Join us for Midterms 101: Historical Patterns and Contemporary Stakes, a discussion exploring what midterm elections across modern American history can tell us about presidential power, public opinion, and the shifting balance of American politics. Panelists will start with the big picture, walking through the patterns that have emerged across decades of midterm cycles, before turning to what those patterns suggest about the 2026 midterms specifically.

The conversation will also offer an overview of key races to watch this cycle, along with a discussion of what different outcomes could mean for the current political landscape. Come away with the historical context to understand this year's midterms as the latest chapter in a much longer American story.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Julia Azari, Professor of Political Science, Marquette University
Dr. David Dulio, Chief Community Engagement Officer and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Oakland University
Roger Moiles, Affiliate Professor of Political Science, Grand Valley State University
Megan Rydecki, Director, Hauenstein Center (Moderator)

Program Schedule

5:00 p.m. Members Only Reception Begins
5:30 p.m. Doors Open & Check-In Available
6:00 p.m. Program Begins
7:30 p.m. Program Concludes

Know Before You Go

All are welcome! We invite students, faculty, staff, and community to attend.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Please check in when you arrive.
We offer a free Community Conversations dessert reception following the program to reflect and chat about what you heard.
In-person attendance is encouraged. However, to ensure our events are accessible to all, we offer a virtual option.
This event takes place on GVSU's City Campus in downtown GR. Free parking is available with validation.

About the Hauenstein Center

Inspired by Ralph Hauenstein’s life of leadership and service, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.

Consider supporting our work by becoming a member. Members enjoy special benefits like pre-event receptions at events.

More About Membership