News

Recently, St. Olaf College Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies Dan Hofrenning spoke with Brent Palm of Minnesota News Network. The conversation focused on the recent political interest in the 2026 midterm elections, which will take place this November. Hofrenning’s area of study on campus centers on U.S. politics, including elections and campaigns.

The podcast begins with an overview of what the midterms mean, with Hofrenning explaining how they are unique to the U.S.

“Most democracies around the world do not have such an institution,” said Hofrenning. “For most democracies, they elect the whole legislature—usually a parliament and prime minister — in one election.”

Later in the interview, Hofrenning explains that the midterm elections were meant to bring the U.S House of Representatives closer to the people, by having all seats up for election every two years. Voters elect new representatives regularly, ensuring their voices are heard. On the other hand, the U.S. Senate is further from the people, with only a third of the seats up for reelection every two years.

Notably, the party of the sitting U.S.president almost always loses seats during the midterm elections. Hofrenning notes that there have only been two elections where this was not the case.

“In 2002, right after 9/11, George W. Bush was really popular, and so Republicans were able to pick up some seats in that midterm,”. he said. “In 1998, right after Bill Clinton was impeached, the Democrats were also able to pick up some seats.”

Listen to the full podcast with Dan Hofrenning, The Minnesota Minute, on the Minnesota News Network website.

Read the original viewpoint with Hofrenning here on St. Olaf’s website.