It’s the last newsletter of 2025, and I’ve been thinking about where we started.
Back in January, we knew the country was going to change — that President Trump was about to sweep into office with big plans to reshape American life and government. You may or may not have liked what followed. But it’s clear that the first year of his presidency has been deeply consequential.
Trump has reshaped immigration in America, ramping up deportations and overhauling legal immigration, too. He has put his stamp on the economy with tariffs and a new tax law. He has cut the size of the federal government and made it so that traditionally independent agencies, including the Justice Department, answer to him. He and his allies have worked hard to consolidate the power of the executive branch, at times defying the courts in pursuit of their agenda.
Next year, voters will get to weigh in on all of this, and it’s going to be a big deal. House and Senate races will show whether voters want to hand Trump more power, or to elect lawmakers who want to stop and potentially investigate him. Governor’s races could elevate new stars in both parties. Democrats will hone their anti-Trump argument — and figure out if they have something more to say — while Republicans will dip their toes into the unsettled waters of a post-Trump era.
When On Politics comes back in January, we’ll be diving into all of this. But for a little while, it won’t be me hosting the newsletter. I am expecting a Christmastime baby, so I’m going to hand the reins over to the terrific Katie Glueck while I take a planned parental leave.
Katie is a familiar voice around here, and I can’t wait for you to get to know her even better. I asked her to join us today for an official introduction.
Hi Katie! I’m thrilled you’re here. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi Jess! First of all, congratulations. We’re so happy for you. And I’m delighted to hold down the fort here for a bit.
A little about me: I’m originally from suburban Kansas City, a place that was staunchly Republican when I was growing up but is far more politically competitive these days. I’ve been covering American politics up and down the ballot for the last 14 years, from midterm contests and mayoral races to the past four presidential elections, including two stints as a presidential candidate beat reporter (hi Ted Cruz and Joe Biden!).
I’ve admired your political reporting for a long time. What kinds of stories interest you the most?
I’m really interested in understanding what actually matters to the voters who don’t have the time or inclination to be political obsessives, but care deeply about the direction of the country. There is often a huge disconnect between what’s breaking through in the political ecosystem and what is affecting Americans’ day-to-day lives, and it’s important to interrogate that.
There are also so many fascinating personalities jostling to lead their parties and maybe the nation. I love trying to capture what makes these people tick, and I’m so curious to hear what our readers make of them.
Covering politics can take a reporter to unexpected places. Where has the campaign trail brought you?
I once filed a story from a gun store, writing with my laptop perched on a display case, surrounded by weapons. Another time, I hung out on Minnesota’s Iron Range with a candidate who Republicans were calling the “Brad Pitt of the Republican Party” — he wanted to demonstrate his ponytail-styling skills.
And in 2016 the Ted Cruz campaign (unintentionally, I think?) sent me to the wrong state, so as I recall, I found myself in Fayetteville, Ark., when I was supposed to be elsewhere in the South.
Oh, no. Once, when I was covering Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, I found myself on a flight to Las Vegas for a campaign event that was canceled while I was in the air. Poor me — stuck in Vegas for a weekend with nothing to cover.
A free weekend in sunny Las Vegas? How tragic!
Kathy Hochul once ditched me in Buffalo, which I imagine was a slightly different experience — I did, however, get to try beef on weck, a classic Buffalo delicacy. (And months later, she made amends with this interview.)
What big story lines are you eager to dig into this year?
Beyond the obvious question of who’s going to win control of each chamber of Congress, I’m really curious to see what the parties’ coalitions look like. In the 2018 midterms, Democrats notched big wins in highly educated territory where voters were comfortable with Mitt Romney’s Republican Party, but not with Donald Trump’s. Last year, Trump made notable gains in working-class communities of color that had long trended toward Democrats.
Next year, will we see any radical changes to either party’s traditional (at least, traditional-for-the-Trump-era) coalition?
And which ambitious 2028 presidential hopefuls distinguish themselves in 2026, whether as candidates or surrogates?
Finally, even in this highly polarized era, persuadable voters do still exist, and I’m obsessed with understanding who they are and what’s motivating them.
Who would you most like to interview next year?
In addition to everyone running for president? This has nothing to do with politics or hard-hitting journalism, but I’ll say Robin Arzón, a Peloton instructor who is basically my life guru even if she doesn’t know it. And she’s from Pennsylvania! A key swing state! So maybe there really is always a politics angle.
Thanks so much, Katie. On Politics will be back on Jan. 5. I’ll be reading!
An ‘off year,’ but not a year off
As year-end data dumps like Spotify Wrapped and Strava’s Year in Sport make their rounds, The New York Times has its own chart-filled recap of the year, with a breakdown of the key takeaways to ponder as we head into 2026.
This was technically an “off year” election-wise, but it was hardly quiet. Hundreds of races unfolded across the country — from local contests to marquee governor’s races — and they all offered clues about where electoral politics might be headed.
Democrats had a strong overall showing, continuing a familiar off-year backlash against the party in the White House. Progressive Democrats won several high-profile mayoral races, while more centrist candidates prevailed in closely watched statewide contests. And thanks to the party’s recent victories in Virginia and New Jersey, 2026 will begin with a record 14 female governors.
Polls, however, overestimated Republicans in the Virginia and New Jersey governor’s races, leaving pollsters with adjustments to be made before everyone settles in for the 2026 midterms.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected.”
That was Erika Kirk, the widow of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk, making a notable — and notably early — 2028 endorsement.
She gave the nod at an annual gathering of Turning Point USA, the group her husband founded and she now leads. If Vice President JD Vance does run for president, Turning Point’s support could be a big deal because of its pull with the MAGA base and younger Republicans.
TAKE OUR QUIZ
This question comes from a recent article in The Times. Click an answer to see if you’re right. (The link will be free.)
The trailer for “Melania,” a new documentary about Melania Trump, was released on Wednesday. Who is the film’s director?
Happy holidays, and see you in the new year!
Taylor Robinson contributed reporting.
Jess Bidgood is a managing correspondent for The Times and writes the On Politics newsletter, a guide to this pivotal moment in American politics.
The post Introducing Your Next Newsletter Writer (for Now), and Looking Back at 2025 appeared first on New York Times.
