Former New York City Council Member Jimmy Vacca returns to Systems & Power for an in-depth conversation with host Moses Parente about the 2026 midterm elections, the future of the Republican and Democratic parties, and the growing frustration among American voters.

With Election Day approaching, Vacca shares his predictions for the House and Senate, explaining why he believes Democrats could regain control of both chambers. But he argues that the political environment is less about enthusiasm for Democrats and more about dissatisfaction with the current administration and political establishment.

From competitive Senate races in traditionally Republican states to the influence of billionaire donors, voter turnout, and political polarization, we examine the forces shaping the 2026 elections.

The conversation also goes beyond Washington, exploring the rise of Democratic Socialists, the political center, New York City's controversial charter revision proposals, government accountability, and whether New York should finally open its primary elections to independent voters.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Jimmy Vacca Returns: The 2026 Midterms
00:43 - Why the Midterms Are a Referendum on Trump
02:09 - Could Democrats Flip the House?
04:05 - Congressional Gridlock and Presidential Power
05:36 - Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Majority
06:56 - How Democratic Socialists Adapt to Governing
08:20 - Why Democrats Are Running as Moderates
10:06 - The Political Center and Independent Voters
11:40 - The Democratic Party's Leftward Shift and Trump's GOP
12:46 - Social Media, Young Voters, and Political Extremes
14:32 - Integrity, Ethics, and Political Candidates
15:38 - Why Political Scandals Don't Always End Careers
18:23 - Could Republicans Lose the Senate?
20:18 - Voter Turnout and Midterm Election Strategy
22:17 - Susan Collins and the Maine Senate Race
23:29 - Graham Platner and Candidate Quality
25:06 - Amy Acton and Negative Campaign Advertising
27:06 - Alaska's Senate Race and Third-Party Candidates
31:21 - Polls vs. Prediction Markets: Which Matters?
33:12 - Does Money Really Buy Elections?
34:30 - Billionaire Donors and Ohio Campaign Spending
38:09 - Campaign Finance Reform and Term Limits
40:50 - Michigan's Unpredictable Election
44:57 - NYC Charter Revision Controversies
45:39 - Ranked Choice Voting and the 2019 Charter Commission
47:41 - Are NYC Community Boards Losing Their Voice?
52:09 - MTA Accountability and Government Bureaucracy
54:50 - Should New York Adopt Open Primaries?
59:10 - Jimmy Vacca's Final House and Senate Predictions
59:50 - Do Political Debates Actually Change Minds?
1:01:03 - Local Politics, Candidates, and Final Thoughts

ABOUT SYSTEMS & POWER

Systems & Power is a podcast exploring the intersection of technology, politics, business, and the institutions that shape our world.

Hosted by Moses Parente, the show features conversations with elected officials, entrepreneurs, technologists, and thought leaders about leadership, power, innovation, and the decisions shaping our future.

Subscribe for new conversations and perspectives every week.

Connect with Systems & Power:

Website: https://systemsandpower.riverside.com/

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Systems & Power, its host, or any affiliated organizations. Election predictions are speculative and should not be interpreted as guaranteed outcomes.