The 2026 midterm elections present an important opportunity for academic public health to build relationships with incoming members of Congress and advocate for key priorities, including ASPPH’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) federal funding priorities. To explore these opportunities and the evolving political landscape, ASPPH encourages members to register for next week’s ASPPH Presents webinar, 2026 Midterm Election Results and Implications for Academic Public Health, on Monday, November 16, from 1:00–2:00 PM ET.

Moderated by Tim Leshan, MPA, ASPPH Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer, the discussion will feature:

• Ashley Palmer, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
• Melody Schreiber, Health Contributor/Reporter with The Guardian US and Contributing Editor for The New Republic
• Sten Vermund, MD, PhD, Dean, University of South Florida College of Public Health and Senior Associate Vice President of USF Health

Panelists will examine the election outcomes, potential changes in congressional leadership and federal policy priorities, and what these developments could mean for schools and programs of public health.

The conversation will also explore opportunities for bipartisan collaboration, strategies for engaging newly elected lawmakers, and ways to advance academic public health priorities during the lame-duck session and the new Congress.