When the 2026 midterm elections roll around, a new wave of candidates will step onto the stage-sons, daughters, and relatives of current lawmakers. Their campaigns promise to reshape the congressional landscape as they carry forward family legacies.
A New Generation of Candidates
Across the country, several high-profile races feature candidates who share a name with a former or current officeholder. In Maine, the governor’s race includes Democrat Angus King III, the son of independent Sen. Angus King; Democrat Hannah Pingree, the daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree; and Republican Jonathan Bush, a nephew and cousin of the two Bush presidents. New Hampshire’s open House seat is being contested by Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. In California, Christine Pelosi, the daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is running for a state Senate seat, while Jim Kingston, the son of former GOP Rep. Jack Kingston, seeks his father’s old House seat in Georgia.
Chellie Pingree reflected on her daughter’s entry into politics, saying it has been both “heart-warming and terrifying” and that it is “natural” for the next generation to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Nancy Pelosi, who announced she will not seek re-election in 2026, explained that she is at the end of her career and that her children are at the right age to run. When asked if she encouraged her daughter, Pingree replied, “Oh, God, no!” and added that Christine has made the decision on her own.
Benefits and Challenges of Political Dynasties
Political scions enjoy instant name recognition, which can help build trust with voters and attract donors. Doug Heye, a Republican strategist, noted that “the benefit is, to some extent, voters already know what you’re getting. Name ID starts at a really high place- you don’t have to spend money building it, and you come into it with some advantageous fundraising relationships as well.” He also warned that “Hollywood loves a sequel… but for every ‘Godfather Part II,’ there’s a ‘Hangover Part II.'” Heye added that while being related to a politician is still an advantage, the modern political climate brings more scrutiny and a lack of party machines.
Angus King III shared his perspective, saying, “Sometimes people use the shorthand of, ‘Well, he’s the senator’s son,'” and that “you still have to skate, shoot the puck, and grind it out.” He emphasized that the real advantage is “the example of integrity, of caring for the people of Maine… the perspective of how we get things done.” He also noted, “No one is particularly surprised when a doctor’s child becomes a doctor.”
The anti-establishment mood has intensified, with a November NBC News poll showing 57% of registered voters would vote to replace every member of Congress. This sentiment fuels primary challenges against incumbents and places additional pressure on candidates from political families to prove their own merit.
Carving Their Own Paths
Many scions are working hard to distinguish themselves from their relatives. Stefany Shaheen opposed her mother’s deal to end the government shutdown, stating, “I think we both understood. She knew I was doing what I believe is right. I knew she was doing what she believes is right. We were both trying to do the best we possibly could in the context of what was going on.” Jeanne Shaheen praised her daughter’s independent streak, saying, “She’s independent. She’s thoughtful. She’s got a background in health care and business and degrees from Harvard and MIT.”
Nancy Pelosi expressed pride in her daughter’s decision to pursue a state legislature seat, saying, “She’s the best. She’s just fabulous. She’s so brilliant, well-read, talented. I’m very proud of her. She wants to make her own path, though.”
Other examples include Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who acknowledged the advantage of her father’s name but warned that “the bar is set really high.” She countered nepotism accusations by stating, “When people talk about nepotism, it’s like, this is an election- you run or you don’t run, and people are going to decide who to vote for.”
GOP Rep. Joe Wilson highlighted the advantage of anonymity, noting, “He did everything on his own, and I love it that people still don’t know he’s my son.” Meanwhile, identical twin brothers Troy and Trever Nehls in Texas illustrate sibling succession, with Troy saying, “I’m not going away. I’ll come up here and see my brother and you guys can harass us while we walk up the steps.”
Rep. Jonathan Jackson, son of Rev. Jesse Jackson, discussed the weight of the Jackson name. He said, “I believe in second chances. He’s paid a debt to society,” and recounted his father’s encouragement: “My father’s words were: ‘You’re going into the deep. Let’s go.'”
Key Takeaways
- 2026 midterms will feature a significant number of candidates who are children or relatives of current or former officeholders.
- Political scions benefit from name recognition and fundraising but face scrutiny and anti-establishment backlash.
- Many are actively carving out independent political identities to distinguish themselves from family legacies.
The upcoming election cycle will test whether these new leaders can balance inherited advantages with the demands of modern voters and the evolving dynamics of American politics.
