Experts Warn of Trump's Plan to Rig 2026 Midterm Elections

Concerns raised about potential post-election chaos and rigging tactics as Trump telegraphs intention to meddle in upcoming races.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Experts are warning that former President Donald Trump is clearly signaling his intention to interfere in the 2026 midterm elections, raising concerns about potential post-election chaos and rigging tactics. Stephen Richer, former recorder of Maricopa County, Arizona, and Sean Morales-Doyle of the Brennan Center for Justice say Trump is likely to sow doubt about election legitimacy and pressure Republican allies to refuse seating Democratic winners in tight races.

Why it matters

The experts' warnings highlight the ongoing threat to American democracy posed by Trump's continued efforts to undermine faith in the electoral process, even after leaving office. This could lead to significant post-election turmoil and potentially disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

The details

Richer expressed concern about Trump's ability to "muddy the waters" in close races and pressure Republicans to refuse seating Democratic winners. Morales-Doyle pointed to Trump's mass pardon of January 6th rioters and his threats to prosecute 2020 election officials as early signs of his election subversion campaign. However, Morales-Doyle also noted efforts across the country to fight back against Trump's attacks on election integrity.

  • In 2021, Trump pardoned rioters who violently stormed the US Capitol on January 6th.
  • A few weeks ago, Trump reiterated his threats to prosecute election officials who ran the 2020 election.
  • Just days later, FBI agents seized ballots and election records from 2020 in Fulton County, Georgia.

The players

Stephen Richer

Former recorder of Maricopa County, Arizona, who has grown concerned about potential election rigging in 2026.

Sean Morales-Doyle

Director of the Brennan Center for Justice's voting rights and elections program, who argues that Trump's "campaign to rig our elections is well underway."

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What they’re saying

“Where I think President Trump is most potent is still in the post-election procedures, still in sowing doubt in the minds of enough Americans that they don't think the elections are legitimate and, therefore... the Congress doesn't have to seat its new members.”

— Stephen Richer, Former Maricopa County Recorder (The Atlantic)

“We have every reason to expect more actions like these in the coming months.”

— Sean Morales-Doyle, Director, Brennan Center for Justice (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.