Whatever we think of specific polls for the 2026 midterms, respondents tend to favor Democrats more when reminded that Republicans are currently in control of both chambers of the 119th Congress.
A 7 point Democratic lead will flip more toss-up seats than a 5 point Democratic lead.
So with that in mind: When talking about the legislative branch...
Don't say Congress, say Republican Congress
Don't say House, say Republican House
Don't say Senate, say Republican Senate
Don't say Speaker, say Republican Speaker
Don't say majority, say Republican majority
etc.
Not everybody keeps current with politics – people need reminding. Like it or not, the vote of somebody who is civically out of touch counts just as much as that of somebody who is well-informed.
I've noticed that liberals tend to be averse to repetition. But repeating stuff is a part of almost all successful advertising. Political influencing is a form of advertising.
On the one hand, don't berate people. But if some issue like inflation, corruption, or healthcare premiums comes up, find an unobtrusive way to remind people who exactly is running things. On Capitol Hill, it's the Republican 119th Congress.
