Republicans Urged to 'Up Their Game' Ahead of Midterms

Trump has a strong economic story to tell, but messaging challenges persist, says GOP strategist.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a recent op-ed, Republican strategist David Winston argues that the GOP needs to improve its messaging and communication to voters, especially independents, ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Winston highlights a series of recent political missteps and unforced errors by the Trump administration that have overshadowed positive economic news and policy achievements. He contends that while Trump has a compelling economic record to run on, the White House's focus on non-economic issues and personal controversies is hurting the party's standing with key swing voters.

Why it matters

The midterm elections will be a crucial test for the Republican Party, which is seeking to maintain control of the House of Representatives. Winston's analysis suggests the GOP faces significant challenges in connecting its economic message to voters, particularly independents who will likely play a decisive role. Improving communication and discipline around core economic issues could be vital for Republican candidates to prevail in November.

The details

Winston cites a number of recent events that have created a 'roller coaster' of news for Republicans, including the loss of a longtime GOP state Senate seat in Texas, controversial statements from Trump about nationalizing elections, and a social media post from the president's Truth Social account that drew widespread criticism. While the administration has touted positive economic developments like a new prescription drug program and a record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, these have been overshadowed by the political controversies. Winston argues that the GOP needs to do a better job of highlighting its economic accomplishments and providing voters, especially independents, with clear reasons to support Republican candidates.

  • On January 31, Republicans were stunned when a longtime GOP state Senate seat in Texas went blue in a special election.
  • On February 1, President Donald Trump announced a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center for a complete renovation, sparking criticism from Democrats and the media.
  • On February 6, Trump proposed nationalizing elections just as the debate on the SAVE Act heated up, giving Democrats a new line of attack.
  • On February 7, the president signed legislation to end the partial government shutdown, a positive development that was overshadowed by the controversy over his comments on nationalizing elections.
  • On February 9, the president rolled out a new prescription drug program called TrumpRx to help lower costs, but this was then overshadowed by a controversial social media post from his Truth Social account.

The players

Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, who is seeking a non-consecutive second term.

David Winston

A Republican strategist and longtime adviser to congressional Republicans, who previously served as the director of planning for Speaker Newt Gingrich.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, who has called on the GOP to 'up their game' and communicate their accomplishments more effectively to voters.

Taylor Rehmet

The Democratic candidate who won a special election for a Texas state Senate seat, defeating the Republican nominee by a 14-point margin.

Leigh Wambsganss

The Republican candidate who lost the special election for the Texas state Senate seat, underperforming the previous GOP incumbent by 34 points.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to up our game and make sure that we're doing everything to give people, particularly voters in the middle of the electorate who decide these types of elections, a reason to vote for our candidates.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (Roll Call)

What’s next

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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.