Insights · Inside the Capitol · Federal
Main Street’s Agenda for the Next Congress
Energy costs, tariffs and access to capital will follow small businesses into 2027, whoever wins on November 3.
This week I joined a business leader briefing on the 2026 midterms. The goal was simple: connect Main Street owners with the people who will write the next round of policy. Here is what I took away, and what it means for business owners in San Antonio and across Texas.
A Congress in transition
Going into Election Day, Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers. Historically, the president’s party loses House seats in a midterm. Whatever the result, January brings many new members and new committee leaders. Relationships built now will matter all session.
Seats going into Election Day
House
2 vacant · 218 needed for a majority
Senate
The Senate count includes two independents who caucus with Democrats.
Turnover ahead
68
members not seeking reelection
What small businesses are carrying
80% of small business owners report higher energy costs, with few ways to manage them.
75% feel rising fuel and transportation costs.
$6.4M to $2.1M One owner’s revenue, 2024 to 2025, after tariffs blocked product imports.
- Health care. Premiums and drug prices remain a top cost for employers.
- Trade swings. Shifting tariffs force price increases and make planning hard.
- Access to capital. Changes to SBA 7(a) and 504 loans have affected terms, fees and eligibility.
- Workforce. Owners want community colleges and apprenticeships built around local needs.
Where the decisions get made
Appropriations decides where federal money goes. Ways and Means and Senate Finance shape trade and tax policy. These are the committees to watch:
House
Appropriations · Financial Services · Budget · Ways and Means · Agriculture · Small Business
Senate
Appropriations · Finance · Banking · Budget · Agriculture · Small Business · Energy and Natural Resources · Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
What the results could mean
Split Congress
Strong House oversight, fewer bills reaching the President’s desk, more executive and regulatory action.
One party controls both
More pressure to deal-make, and a better chance for legislation to move.
50–50 Senate
The highest risk of gridlock.
A tariff set in Washington shows up on a loading dock in Laredo. An energy rule shows up on a utility bill on San Antonio’s West Side. Federal policy always lands on Main Street.
Three things you can do now
Invite your lawmakers in
Members understand a business best when they see it operate.
Stay in touch
Advocacy is a relationship, not a single meeting.
Encourage your team to vote
Give accurate information and time to vote, without telling anyone how.
Because at the end of the day, everything is local. Localism helps businesses and organizations make their case in Austin, Washington and Mexico City. If you want to be ready for the next Congress, let’s talk.