Convention Recap: Covering the midterm election
By Christine Hatfield
INBA Board Member
With so many races and issues to cover ahead of the 2026 midterms, experienced political journalists are encouraging their fellow reporters to focus on the kitchen-table issues.
They shared the advice at the INBA Fall Convention, in a panel moderated by Rachel Lippmann of St. Louis Public Radio.
“We are trying to focus our energy on those issues that people care about that impact their lives,” said Brenden Moore of Capitol News Illinois.
Cameron Maine of WMBD-TV said reporters should ask candidates about those issues, such as gas prices and the cost of living, even when politicians are trying to shift the focus.
Races at the top of the ballot, from governor to U.S. Senate, are getting the most attention, but reporter Mike Miletich of WAND-TV also noted the importance of covering local races and cutting through the noise and confusion that can come with a rapidly changing electoral landscape.
As for election night itself, Moore recommended reporters “do your homework,” especially for those still getting used to political journalism. He said reporters should be ready with contact information for the candidates they’re covering, knowledge about the race and the core issues, and background written ahead of election day reflecting what the audience should know.
If Election Day coverage concerns the “what,” Moore said coverage in the days that follow should focus on the “why” and “how” of the outcomes, helping readers, listeners and viewers put the results in context.
Election Day is Nov. 3, and early voting has begun across Illinois.