New York and Texas voters cite family status as key factor in 2026 midterms

The 2026 midterm election is shaping up as a test case for young American voters who have recently gained citizenship or live in families with mixed immigration status. For these voters, the decision to cast a ballot is often tied to the legal security of relatives who cannot vote.

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, will vote in her first election in New York City. She moved to the United States from the Philippines at age seven after her family sought asylum. An immigration officer advised her family to file for asylum when they first arrived, a step that led to her eventual citizenship after more than two decades in the country. Solis-Sison said she feels a responsibility to protect others currently navigating the immigration system. She noted that her own freedom came with little margin for error, describing it as escaping with only a sliver of hope.

Juan Escalante, 37, is voting for the first time in California. He grew up in South Florida as an undocumented immigrant before enrolling in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program during the Obama administration. Escalante became a U.S. citizen in 2025, making him the first in his family to do so. He said his vote is deeply personal because he understands the impact of policy on his community. Despite the complexity of his ballot, he researched every proposition to ensure his choice reflected his values as a Latino and a first-generation citizen.

In Wisconsin, 24-year-old Deisy España is voting for her parents, who are from Mexico. Although España was born in the United States, her parents were undocumented for most of her childhood. Her mother recently received a green card, but España said the fear of detention persists. She cited the increased visibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the current administration as a primary driver of her political engagement. España stated that she is voting on behalf of her parents who cannot cast a ballot themselves.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is voting in Texas where a competitive U.S. Senate race pits Democrat James Talarico against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Gonzalez petitioned for her parents, who are from El Salvador, after turning 21. They have authorization to remain in the United States while awaiting residency approval. Gonzalez said her family has discussed contingency plans for her siblings should her parents be detained. She pointed to the recent death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas as a reminder of the risks her family faces.

These voters are not the only ones weighing immigration policy in their districts. The 2026 election includes contests in states with high immigrant populations, where local and national candidates have made enforcement strategies a central part of their campaigns. The outcome of these races could influence the legislative agenda for the next two years, including potential changes to asylum processing and border security funding.

Solis-Sison created a personal voter guide to navigate the election. Escalante researched his California ballot thoroughly despite its length. España and Gonzalez both emphasized that their votes extend beyond their own interests to include the legal standing of their immediate families.