Fox News Hosts Warn Republicans Face 'Uphill Battle' in 2026 Midterms: 'We Have to Be Frank About That'

Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections could be at risk, co-hosts of Fox News' The Five said, acknowledging that historical trends and current political dynamics may make it difficult for the party to maintain its congressional majorities.

During the program, guest co-host and former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany agreed with host Greg Gutfeld's suggestion that Republicans could face trouble in November. "Yeah, we are," McEnany said when asked whether the party should acknowledge potential risks. "If you look at historical trends, absolutely. The party that's governing tends to face a referendum and they lose seats. So it's an uphill battle."

McEnany argued that Republicans could still overcome those challenges if they focus on policy issues rather than political controversies. Citing polling from NBC News, she said Republicans hold advantages on several issues when voters are presented with a direct choice between the parties.

She noted that Republicans lead Democrats by 27 points on border security, 22 points on crime, eight points on immigration, while polling is roughly even on the economy. "If Republicans can litigate on the issues and not the distractions, they end up winning," she said.

The discussion comes as several prominent figures within the broader conservative world have also expressed concern about Republican momentum heading into the midterms. In February, former White House adviser Steve Bannon warned that enthusiasm among core supporters appeared weak.

Speaking on his War Room program, Bannon said there was "a massive lack of enthusiasm among the base," citing polling that showed Democrats leading on the generic congressional ballot and holding an advantage among voters most enthusiastic about turning out.

More recently, former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene argued that the president's war in Iran could harm Republican electoral prospects. Writing on social media, Greene said the conflict and other disputes within the party could alienate voters ahead of the election. "Whatever Trump's new twisted perversion of MAGA is, is going to lose in the midterms," she wrote.

The midterm elections in November will determine control of Congress and could influence the president's ability to advance his agenda. Republicans currently hold both the House and Senate, but Democrats are seeking to gain seats in each chamber amid signs of increased voter engagement in some early contests.