THE CURRENT → THE ROSE REPORT Issue 1094 · January 7, 2026

Six Picks for 2026

In terms of election outcomes, global conflicts and resolutions, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil?

Six Picks for 2026
1) Republicans Hold on to Congress: A Contrarian Perspective

Admittedly, this prediction contradicts prevailing expert opinion and historical patterns. Pollsters nearly unanimously forecast a Democratic takeover of Congress in the November midterms. In the past 100 years, the president’s party has gained seats in midterm elections only twice.

I base my prediction that Republicans will retain control partly on the Cook Political Report, which has a strong track record, and partly on instinct. Cook’s latest survey, before we went to print, shows Republicans favored to win 53 Senate seats, holding on to their slim majority, and 210 House seats, compared to 208 for Democrats. It takes 218 seats to win a majority, so both parties are close. Of the 17 tossup races, Republicans currently hold 12 seats and Democrats five, giving the GOP a slight mathematical edge, unless voters go to the polls thinking, when in doubt, vote them out.

Beyond the numbers, instinct shapes my view. The economy should improve, and interest rates and inflation are poised to fall. President Trump may not be on the ballot, but he’s gearing up for a vigorous campaign. Democrats are at a disadvantage because they lack a clear, compelling standard-bearer to rally their base.

2) The Israeli Right Retains Power: Common Ground

This call is somewhat contrarian, as most polls — except one — show the opposition parties either ahead of or neck-and-neck with Netanyahu’s bloc. The exception is Direct Polls, founded by Netanyahu ally Shlomo Filber, which indicates the center-right would secure enough seats to maintain a majority.

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