Vox launches The Midterms, Actually, a new weekly newsletter from Astead W. Herndon
Vox launches The Midterms, Actually, a new weekly newsletter from Astead W. Herndon examining the big ideas and key people behind the political shifts shaping the 2026 elections.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

Vox launches The Midterms, Actually, a new weekly newsletter from Astead W. Herndon examining the big ideas and key people behind the political shifts shaping the 2026 elections. The newsletter will break down one big idea and one revealing thing Astead is hearing from voters, candidates, organizers, and other figures on the ground.
Imagine you're trying to understand why people are voting for certain candidates or ideas in the 2026 elections. Astead Herndon's new newsletter, The Midterms, Actually, will help you make sense of it all by breaking down the big ideas and key people behind the political shifts. It's like having a guide to help you navigate the complex world of politics.
Analysis
A New Era in Election Coverage
The launch of The Midterms, Actually, marks a significant shift in Vox's approach to election coverage. By expanding onto Substack, Vox is providing readers with a more direct and intimate connection to the news. Astead Herndon's weekly newsletter will delve into the big ideas and key people behind the political shifts shaping the 2026 elections, offering readers a unique perspective on the changes unfolding in American politics.
The Power of Substack
The decision to launch The Midterms, Actually, on Substack is a strategic move by Vox to reach a wider audience and provide readers with a more personalized experience. By hosting Substack Lives, Astead will create additional opportunities for conversations with readers and guests throughout the election cycle, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
A New Voice in Election Coverage
Astead Herndon's experience as a national political reporter and host of The Run-Up has equipped him with a unique understanding of American politics from a voter's perspective. His reporting has focused on covering the changes in the country and the political parties from the bottom up, providing readers with a nuanced and insightful perspective on the 2026 elections.
Key points
- Vox launches The Midterms, Actually, a new weekly newsletter from Astead W. Herndon
- The newsletter will examine the big ideas and key people behind the political shifts shaping the 2026 elections
- The Midterms, Actually, will be available on Substack in addition to its existing home on Vox.com
If The Midterms, Actually, is successful, it could lead to a more informed and engaged electorate, with readers better equipped to participate in the democratic process and make informed decisions about the future of American politics.
However, the success of The Midterms, Actually, is not guaranteed, and there are risks associated with relying on a single newsletter to provide in-depth coverage of the 2026 elections. If the newsletter fails to deliver, it could lead to a lack of understanding and engagement from readers, potentially exacerbating the existing problems in American politics.

