After the Midterms: Health, Governance, and Policy Priorities in a Polarized Era

The 2026 U.S. midterm elections will shape far more than the political landscape, they will influence the future of public health, health care, and the policies that affect communities across the country. Join leading scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and civic leaders for a timely conversation examining what the election results reveal about governance, public trust, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for improving population health.

Hosted by WashU Bursky School of Public Health’s Policy & Structural Solutions (PS2) research network, this convening will move beyond election analysis to explore what comes next. Through keynote presentations and expert discussion, participants will consider how political realities shape health policy, where meaningful progress remains possible, and how evidence can inform decision-making in an increasingly polarized environment.

This event is designed for anyone interested in the intersection of health, policy, and democratic governance. Whether you work in public health, health care, government, academia, or the nonprofit sector, the convening offers an opportunity to engage with national thought leaders, exchange ideas across disciplines, and help identify practical, forward-looking priorities for improving population health in the years ahead.