Republicans face a crossroads after Trump coalition collapse

Republicans are in turmoil after the coalition behind Donald Trump's three consecutive presidential nominations collapsed in the 2026 midterms, triggering a party-wide debate over its future direction. The party lost control of both the House and Senate, plus governorships and legislatures in red states like Texas and Kansas, with Democrats gaining significant support among Latino and young voters. Outgoing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called the defeat "close to an extinction-level event," while Vice-President JD Vance blamed public anger over the Iran war. The intraparty battle is already underway, with critics pushing for a return to pre-Trump roots while loyalists like Stephen Miller, now chief of staff, signal no policy moderation. The 2028 nomination race is now wide open, with Vance's path complicated and Trump's endorsement looming as the biggest wildcard.