Clintons Re-enter Midterm Fray Amid Shifting Democratic Landscape

Former President Bill Clinton is making his first campaign appearance of the 2026 election cycle in Florida, supporting Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly. Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has launched a new midterm-focused podcast series with journalist Kara Swisher, titled "High Stakes," as the Democratic Party makes its final push toward Election Day.

These moves by two of the Democratic Party's most prominent figures come as the party navigates competing visions for its future, prompting questions about the Clintons' continued influence amidst challenges to the Democratic establishment from progressive candidates.

Clinton's Oct. 20 appearance is scheduled for an interfaith event in Hollywood, Florida, where he will join Jolly, a former Republican congressman who has since become a Democrat. Jolly is campaigning on issues such as lowering property insurance costs, expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for public schools, and protecting abortion rights. He is running against Republican Rep. Byron Donalds for the gubernatorial seat vacated by term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Hillary Clinton's podcast, which debuted Oct. 14 and will air weekly through mid-November, focuses on the 2026 midterm elections, key congressional races, and pressing issues. The initial episode addressed rising costs for gas, groceries, and healthcare, Elon Musk's political spending, and strategies for Democrats to frame affordability as a winning message. It also examined significant Senate races in Michigan and Maine.

In addition to her podcast, Hillary Clinton has also been actively participating in campaign events. On a recent Saturday, she traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to rally support for Democratic candidates Lynne Walz and Denise Powell at a fundraising event.

Democratic strategist Kevin Walling commented on the Clintons' involvement, stating, "President Clinton remains one of the most gifted political communicators this country has ever known, particularly when it comes to connecting with working-class voters on the economic issues that matter most." However, Walling added, "I don’t believe that Democrats are looking for a Clinton restoration — they’re looking for a path back to winning."

Mally Smith, another Democratic strategist, offered a more reserved perspective on the Clintons' reach in the current political climate. "Hillary and Bill are still relevant to some voters. However, they will mostly be useful in speaking to the Democratic base and those who are highly engaged in politics," Smith said. "It is a hard media environment to breakthrough and even current elected officials, let alone former office holders, will struggle to get people’s attention."

Hillary Clinton has reflected on national crises that have contributed to voter frustration, including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, the 2016 election, and the COVID-19 pandemic, in discussions about why some voters feel their votes do not matter.

The Clintons' increased visibility coincides with primary victories by Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates in states like Colorado, New York, and Michigan, who have challenged incumbent or establishment-backed Democrats. Walling noted that the challenge for Democrats is to "draw on the wisdom and experience of the party’s past without overshadowing the next generation of leaders who will define its future."