The recent government shutdown might cast a long shadow over the upcoming 2026 elections.

After 43 long days of inactivity, federal employees are gradually resuming their duties. Meanwhile, the blame game between Democrats and Republicans continues, with each side accusing the other of the hardship endured over the past several weeks.

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As the focus shifts to the midterm elections next year, the shutdown is poised to become a central issue for both parties. Each aims to leverage the situation to their political advantage.

Governor JB Pritzker anticipates that the situation will bolster support for Democrats, a perspective that Republicans are quick to challenge.

On a brighter note, cultural institutions like the Smithsonian are welcoming visitors once again, and essential services such as SNAP benefits are being reinstated, providing relief to many affected individuals.

“Now we’re back to 100%. So we’re working as fast as we can to make sure that people have their SNAP cards charged and ready to go,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker is blaming Republicans for the shutdown.

“What I am so upset about is that Donald Trump was fine with people not being able to travel, people not being able to get their food. He was fine, he is fine with taking away health care from people,” Pritzker said.

“You can’t be so obstinate about every little element of whatever your program is, and refuse to have the government work unless you get your way, when you’re in the minority, too,” said Richard Porter, a former Republican national committeeman from Illinois.

He counters that Democrats are responsible for the shutdown, particularly for the fight over Obamacare subsidies.

“One of the things we realize now is what they were fighting for was for a program that’s not affordable. We learned the Affordable Care Act is actually unaffordable,” Porter said.

Looking ahead to 2026, will voters remember the shutdown and who will they hold accountable at the ballot box?

“Well, I think you saw, I mean, a wave election about nine days ago, where Democrats swept,” Pritzker said. “And it’s one of the reasons that I think in 2026, you’re going to see Democrats sweep the Congress because people do not like what Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are doing.”

“So I think we just have to see how that plays out for the public at large. I think this will be a distant memory. Nobody remembers even, you know, who won the Super Bowl last year, right? So this is a year away,” Porter said. “Plus the fundraising is a lot stronger for Republicans now than it is for the Democrats. So I think actually we’re in pretty good shape for next year.”

But a lot can happen in the months ahead, and this deal to fund the government only runs through the end of January. So lawmakers will have to reach a new agreement after the holidays. And given how deep the political divide is in the U.S., the next round could prove challenging, as well.