Republicans got the mirror image of the “shellacking” they gave Barack Obama in 2014. Donald Trump’s rallies failed to prevent losing both chambers of Congress to Democrats. Voters punished the GOP, even in Texas, where Democrats won not just the Senate race but every statewide office.

And yet, voters also sent messages to Democrats. Eight states voted to impose or strengthen voter-ID laws. Ballot measures to protect girls and women in athletic competition appear to have won almost everywhere voters considered them—even in blue states.

What does this tell us? These midterms were not a political realignment. Instead, voters want action on their priorities rather than cheap talk and mudslinging from Washington D.C. They do not want policies that create inflation – such as tariffs and wars – but want an economy that strengthens wages.

In a two-party system, the only way to send that message is to vote for the opposition. Republicans have a short window to correct their course and give voters a reason to support them in 2028.