'I didn't expect such a dramatic midterm result' | HTLS 2026

Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the impact of Israel on US policy did not appear to be a major factor influencing voters in the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026, Blinken said polling suggested that Israel-related policy was not a key motivation for most voters, although it may have mattered in certain individual constituencies. Discussing the political implications of the midterm results, Blinken said the outcome could have profound consequences for the next US presidential election and the Electoral College. He also said the Democratic Party would meet to debate its direction ahead of the presidential contest. Blinken noted that both Republicans and Democrats had younger, new political figures who could enter the race.