Electoral College Showdown: Democratic Gains Revive National Popular Vote Push
Following Democratic statehouse gains, supporters see a possible path for the National Popular Vote compact. Here is what would actually change—and what still stands in the way.
Texas News Studio | November 6, 2026
Democrats' gains in state legislatures following the 2026 midterm elections have renewed attention on a long-running proposal that could dramatically change how presidential elections are decided: the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
The proposal does not formally abolish the Electoral College or amend the U.S. Constitution. Instead, participating states agree to award their presidential electors to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, regardless of who wins that individual state.
The agreement is designed to take effect only when participating states collectively control at least 270 electoral votes—the number needed to elect a president. Until that threshold is met, the compact does not change how presidential electors are awarded.
A November 5 report in The Gateway Pundit highlighted arguments from supporters and critics following the Democratic victories. The report cited discussion of a possible path to implementation before the 2028 presidential election. That possibility is not the same as an enacted nationwide change: additional states would have to join, and legal challenges could follow.
Supporters argue the plan would make every presidential vote count equally nationwide. Opponents say it could diminish the importance of state-level results and raise constitutional and practical questions.
Bottom line: The Electoral College remains in place. Whether the compact could become effective by 2028 depends on future legislative action and potentially the courts.
Source and further reading: The Gateway Pundit, November 5. This is an independently written TNS explanation of the proposal, not a reproduction of the source article.