Biden's Endorsements: Will They Reshape the Midterm Landscape for Democrats?

Former President Joe Biden's Midterm Strategy

Former President Joe Biden is making waves as he jumps into the 2026 midterm elections. His recent endorsements, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia's gubernatorial race and Dan Koh for Massachusetts's Sixth District congressional seat, signal his intent to maintain a foothold in the Democratic Party post-presidency. Both candidates, closely aligned with Biden during his administration, represent an opportunity for the former president to gauge his enduring influence.

“As mayor of Atlanta, Keisha faced every challenge a leader could face and then some,” Biden asserted in a recent endorsement video, highlighting Bottoms' experience managing crises during her tenure.

Biden's Influence on the Democratic Party

Political analysts are closely watching how Biden's endorsements may impact primary elections. Costas Panagopoulos, a political science professor at Northeastern University, emphasized that while Biden's low approval ratings at the end of his presidency may temper his influence, his personal popularity persists among certain voter demographics.

Pandemic-related challenges, inflation, and rising costs may have hurt Biden's standing, but his transition into a respected elder statesman role could lend him significant sway. According to Panagopoulos, endorsements can be “decisive on the edges,” potentially influencing the outcomes of races that are closely contested.

Will Democrats Rally Behind Biden's Choices?

While a Biden endorsement historically boosts candidates in primary races, recent trends suggest a mixed track record for establishment support. For example, as Biden eyes endorsements for 2026 candidates, we must examine whether his support will genuinely resonate as Democrats engage in increasingly competitive primaries.

In a rapidly evolving political landscape, Biden's approval ratings reflect stark contrasts between Democrats and the broader population. A recent YouGov poll found 85% of Democrats view Biden favorably, while his overall favorability rating among voters hovers around 44%.

The Challenges Ahead for Democratic Candidates

Other establishment-backed candidates have stumbled in their races, often unable to secure the support one would expect from such endorsements. For instance, Kamala Harris's support for Representative Jasmine Crockett in Texas's Senate race didn't yield the desired results, as voters favored state Representative James Talarico instead.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's endorsements have also faced scrutiny. Although he backed Governor Janet Mills in Maine, the more centrist candidate fell behind progressive challenger Graham Platner, leading to Mills' campaign suspension last week.

2026: A Pivotal Year for Democrats

As the primaries approach, Biden's endorsements could serve as a litmus test for the Democratic establishment's relevance and adaptability. Democrats are increasingly wary of alienating grassroots movements, especially as anti-establishment sentiments grow within the party. The challenge remains for moderate Democrats to balance these internal pressures while preparing for a competitive electoral landscape.

“At the end of the day, he is still a former president who remains popular within segments of the Democratic Party,” noted Panagopoulos, hinting that nostalgia for Biden could provide a unique advantage given the current political environment.

Conclusion: Navigating the Midterm Terrain

Biden's endorsements could catalyze shifts in the Democratic primaries, but the outcome remains uncertain. With strong candidates emerging in states like Alaska, North Carolina, and Ohio, the 2026 midterms offer a chance for Democrats to reclaim narrative control amid frustrations with the establishment. How Democrats uphold Biden's legacy while addressing their base's concerns will be critical in determining their success in the upcoming elections.