The midterms will test the nation's political direction and confidence

At least some portion of the nation is likely to have its political confidence — and perhaps even its sense of security — tested in the days and weeks ahead. That test could also continue for some time to come.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/5000x3333!/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2Fc5%2F55863e424a1aaa899a46775f2ebf%2Fgettyimages-2277856360.jpg' alt='Voting stickers rest at Contra Costa County's election operations facility on May 27, 2026 in Martinez, Calif.'/><p>At least some portion of the nation is likely to have its political confidence — and perhaps even its sense of security — tested in the days and weeks ahead. That test could also continue for some time to come.</p><p>(Image credit: Benjamin Fanjoy)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-6023380' />