The 2026 midterms are in the rearview mirror, but the electoral map tells only half the story.This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.Photo caption: President Donald Trump arrives at a midterm campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa. Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty ImagesYou can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices