Institute of Politics

IOP Pritzker Fellow Harrison Fields on " A Critical Question: Is Trump Not Being on the Ballot the End of the MAGA Wave? Nope!" THIS SEMINAR IS OPEN TO CURRENT UCHICAGO STUDENTS ONLY Wednesday, April 8 12:30-1:45pm No - while Trump's personal presence has been a massive turnout driver (evident in lower Republican performance in some past midterms without him at the top of the ticket), the underlying realignment isn't solely personality-driven. The coalition's gains in Hispanic, Black and working-class voters stem from policy shifts that address real grievances: economic insecurity, border security, cultural displacement and distrust of institutions. These aren't fleeting; they've created durable voting patterns. Post-2024 successes in Congress show the movement institutionalizing - through figures who carry forward the agenda, stronger grassroots networks and digital communications that keep momentum alive. Challenges remain, like maintaining turnout in non-presidential cycles and managing internal tensions, but the wave is evolving into a sustained force. The GOP's future depends on candidates who can channel that energy without mimicking Trump exactly - focusing on results over rhetoric. This coalition isn't fading; it's maturing. Pritzker Fellows seminars are off the record and open to current UChicago students only. Seating in the IOP Living Room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Ella Kumano-Maloney (ikmaloney@uchicago.edu).