Challenges to democracy intensified over the summer. The National Guard deployed in California. The Supreme Court ruled on presidential power using the shadow docket. In Texas, an egregious gerrymander has set off a partisan war nationally. Now the fall will mark the next phase of the fight for the Constitution. Will the rule of law hold? How will the 2026 election unfold?

Brennan Center experts discuss some of the biggest news stories of the past three months and explore what will come next in the struggle to uphold democratic values. 

Speakers:

• Kareem Crayton, Vice President for Washington, DC

• Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Justice Program

• Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program

• Hernandez Stroud, Senior Fellow, Justice Program

• Wendy Weiser, Vice President, Democracy Program

• Daniel I. Weiner, Director, Elections and Government Program

• Moderator: Michael Waldman, President and CEO

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Recorded on September 4, 2025.

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