Midterm election and impacts on ag research

The 2026 midterm election resulted in massive wins for Democrats, who will take control of both the House and Senate next year. While a few outstanding races remain, we know that the 120th Congress will have one of the largest classes of freshman members in decades. This presents both challenges and opportunities for ag research advocates. The sheer number of new members means there will be significant changes in who leads and serves on relevant congressional Committees. While several long-time proponents of ag research retired or lost their elections, these new members represent an opportunity to educate on our issues and develop new champions.

The election results will also have an impact on what this Congress is able to accomplish in the lame duck session. A deal to advance the farm bill has not yet materialized, but House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership are actively negotiating and remain committed to getting the farm bill across the finish line by the end of the year. Government funding for the next fiscal year, FY2027, also must be addressed. In a step forward, this week the Senate Appropriations Committee released several FY2027 appropriations bills, including the Agriculture Appropriations bill, which provides funding for USDA and the Food and Drug Administration. In good news, most USDA research programs received a small funding increase in the Senate bill. Appropriators have expressed interest in completing as many funding bills as possible this year, but the specific path and timeline have not yet emerged.

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have two advocacy campaigns open now that Society members can utilize to take action on the farm bill and research funding. Reach out to your members of Congress today to support ag research!