Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Speaker: Mr. Fred Yang, CEO, Hart Research
| On September 2, Sasakawa USA hosted Mr. Fred Yang, CEO of Hart Research and a leading public opinion expert and campaign strategist with more than 35 years of experience, for a Washington Kenkyu Group discussion on the outlook for the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. The event was moderated by Mr. Christopher Johnstone, partner and co-chair of the Defense and National Security Practice at The Asia Group. Drawing on his extensive experience in polling and electoral strategy, Mr. Yang examined the long-term political and economic forces shaping the American electorate, including persistent dissatisfaction with the country’s direction, concerns about affordability and inflation, and shifting voter attitudes toward both major parties. He discussed the historical relationship between presidential approval ratings and midterm election outcomes, trends among key voting blocs, and the challenges facing both Republicans and Democrats as they seek to build durable electoral coalitions. Participants engaged in a lively discussion on the outlook for control of Congress, the impact of redistricting and state-level dynamics on competitive races, ideological and generational divisions within the Democratic Party, and the future of the Republican Party beyond President Trump. Photo (left to right): Mr. Fred Yang and Mr. Christopher Johnstone |
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