The obvious winners in the historic 2026 midterm elections were the Democratic Party and a more diverse American electorate. Democrats won control of both houses of Congress and gained seats in districts across the country that Republicans had held for years. We also witnessed a remarkable number of historic firsts, with candidates breaking barriers and bringing new perspectives to elected office. Here at home, Jake Zimmerman will become St. Louis County’s first Jewish county executive.
Beyond the political victories and historic milestones, this election sent an important message about public health, access to care and the leadership Americans expect from elected officials. Former public health directors won two powerful seats in government in Midwestern states, underscoring the value voters place on experience and expertise.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who previously led the Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services and the Detroit Health Department, was elected to the U.S. Senate. Dr. Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health, will become Ohio’s first woman and first Jewish governor. And Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina.
Voters rejected the policies and style of the Trump administration and rejected lawmakers who don’t hold the president accountable. That rejection matters, particularly as we see efforts to weaken public health programs, make basic health services harder to access and put vulnerable communities at risk.
The dismantling of public health resources threatens families across this country. So does the treatment of immigrants and people with brown skin, who increasingly face policies and rhetoric that make them feel unwelcome, unsafe and targeted. These are not abstract political debates. They have real consequences for families and communities.
One of the most damaging examples has been the leadership of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At a time when Americans need reliable health information, disease prevention and trusted public health institutions, those very foundations are being challenged and weakened.
Here in St. Louis County, these national conversations have local significance. As our new county executive prepares to take office, he will inherit a budget passed by the current County Council. Those budget decisions will help determine whether our public health system has the resources it needs to serve residents.
During his campaign, Republican Dennis Hancock advocated eliminating the county’s three public health clinics. Although voters chose Zimmerman, Hancock will remain on the County Council through the end of the year and have an opportunity to influence the county’s 2027 budget. His position on public health funding remains an important concern.
The County Council’s past decisions also warrant attention. Some members have opposed Dr. Kanika Cunningham’s leadership of the Department of Public Health, and delays in addressing her budget requests hampered the department’s work. Earlier this year, the council waited until less than a week before a nursing contract expired to approve emergency funding for health care at the county jail.
As the council continues its work on the 2027 budget, residents must make their voices heard. I encourage everyone who believes in strong public health services to follow the budget process, contact their council representatives and advocate for the resources our communities need.
The midterm elections demonstrated that voters are paying attention. Now, we must make sure our local elected officials are listening.
Sam Page is St. Louis County executive.