San Francisco Frontiers - Professor Aziz Huq Warns Democrats to Prioritize Democracy Over Economy After Midterms

University of Chicago law professor Aziz Huq has argued that the Democratic Party’s significant gains in the U.S. midterm elections should be interpreted not merely as a rejection of economic conditions, but as a profound public demand for the restoration of democratic norms and the rule of law.

In an analysis published by The Korea Herald, Huq cautioned that while the election results prevented a "disabling blow" to American democracy, it would be a strategic error to assume this outcome signals a full re-embrace of democratic values by the electorate. Instead, he characterized the result as a disaster averted—an opening to assess and repair the damage inflicted during two years of executive action without congressional oversight.

Huq noted that conventional wisdom is already coalescing around James Carville’s famous adage: "It’s the economy, stupid." Exit polls conducted by The Associated Press on election day identified economic discontent as voters’ top concern. Similarly, a Gallup poll from the preceding week ranked inflation and health care as the most important issues for respondents.

This economic narrative has been amplified by media outlets, which have pointed to the "bizarre optics" of President Donald Trump’s campaign activities as evidence of his detachment from voter struggles. Huq cited specific examples of Trump’s campaigning, including references to a reflecting pool, a ballroom, and comments regarding another individual’s physical appearance, as indicators of a surreal disconnect from everyday economic woes.

However, Huq argued that focusing exclusively on affordability risks overshadowing a critical finding in the data. According to the AP exit poll, nearly one-third of voters cited the health of democracy as their top concern, placing it just six points behind the economy. A Gallup poll did not ask respondents about this specific issue.

Concerns regarding democracy and the rule of law also help explain significant demographic shifts. An UnidosUS survey of Hispanic voters identified immigration "overreach"—defined as a flagrant disregard for the rule of law—as a leading concern. Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that Black voter turnout was driven by anger over the dismantling of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act and what Huq described as a frontal assault on multiracial democracy by right-wing judges.

While control of the House and Senate provides Democrats with policy tools to address inflation, Huq warned that these measures may not yield quick results. He noted that Trump retains broad control over trade policy and war-making, meaning economic sentiment might show scant improvement in two years. Consequently, the Republican presidential nominee in 2028 will likely blame Democrats for any continued economic struggles.

Huq cautioned that the affordability narrative is seductive to Democrats because it allows them to avoid addressing structural problems within American democracy, such as rampant electoral gerrymandering, Senate malapportionment favoring rural populations, and the inflation of judicial power. He argued that while the current Democratic wave overcame these barriers, it would be reckless to rely on similar margins in the future, particularly as Trump retains powerful tools to erode democratic norms.

The professor urged Democrats to lean into a democracy-focused message by pressing for structural change. He clarified that this does not mean ignoring corruption; highlighting the Trump family’s venality can be politically effective. However, he warned that unless the link between corruption and the weakening of democracy is made explicit—showing how the scramble for spoils overcomes voter representation—scandalous revelations can breed cynicism and voter apathy.

Huq concluded that the midterm results are an opportunity and an invitation. The demand for the rule of law has helped weaken Trump’s MAGA movement, a demand that must not be forgotten or suppressed. He asserted that Democrats have opportunities in Congress and newly won state capitals to demonstrate that only robust democratic institutions can effectively address economic challenges.

Aziz Huq is a professor of law at the University of Chicago.

S.Hall--SFF