Senator Schiff Warns of Potential Election Overturn by Trump in 2026

In a recent interview, Senator Adam Schiff of California expressed concern over former President Donald Trump’s intentions regarding the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking with Jonathan Karl on ABC News’ “This Week,” Schiff suggested that Trump might attempt to overturn election results if the Republicans lose congressional seats.

“I believe Trump plans to subvert the upcoming elections,” Schiff remarked, adding that if Trump loses the vote, he may resort to actions aimed at reversing the outcome. These comments emerged following Trump’s persistent rhetoric regarding the 2020 election, which he has repeatedly, and baselessly, claimed was stolen from him.

The issue gained further attention after the FBI’s raid on a Fulton County election office in Georgia, where agents confiscated 2020 election ballots on January 28. Trump had narrowly lost Georgia by just under 12,000 votes, although even reclaiming the state would not have secured him an Electoral College victory.

In the aftermath of the FBI raid, Trump has advocated for national control of elections and maintained claims, without evidence, that Democrats engage in electoral cheating. During the ABC News segment, Schiff used Trump’s past actions as a rationale for why he believes the 2026 elections may be challenged by Trump.

“We cannot ignore what they’re telling us they’re going to do, because time and time again, we have seen them go to extraordinary and lawless lengths,” Schiff commented.

When asked who might prevent potential disruptions of the midterm results, Schiff expressed skepticism in the Republican Congress but faith in public action. “Our best safeguard is to mobilize a historically large voter turnout so they cannot undermine the results,” he stated.

Schiff attributed Trump’s anticipated maneuvers to the perceived unpopularity of his administration’s policies. Reflecting on a Quinnipiac University poll showing Trump’s approval rating at 37% while 56% of respondents disapproved, Schiff pointed to Trump’s inability to address major national issues like high prices and civil unrest as contributing factors.

As Trump’s voter fraud claims persist, Republicans are seeking to pass the SAVE America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, for voter registration—excluding driver’s licenses. Democrats have voiced concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters lacking such documentation.

Denying the possibility of compromise on Voter ID laws, Schiff stated, “It’s still something that disenfranchises citizens who lack the necessary identification, suppressing their vote.” A 2025 Pew Research Center poll reported that 83% of American adults back the requirement of photo ID for voting, a view held by 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats.

This situation continues to unfold. Stay tuned for further developments.