On this episode: To open the new year, Almanac of American Politics writers Lou Jacobson and Rich Cohen join the show to break down how the 2026 midterm cycle is already taking shape. They explain which states have early filing deadlines on the calendar, where primaries are coming into focus, and how redistricting is reshaping the House map. Stay tuned in the second half of the show for a behind the scenes look at this year’s edition of the Almanac! 

Learn more about your state: https://ballotpedia.org/State_and_federal_candidate_filing_deadlines_for_2026 

Learn more about The Almanac of American Politics:  https://www.thealmanacofamericanpolitics.com/index.aspx 

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*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.