Liberal pundits allege Trump and Republicans rigged the 2024 election, fueling doubts about 2026 midterms’ fairness.

Democratic Voices Cast Doubt on Election Integrity

Concerns over the fairness of upcoming U.S. elections have intensified among liberal commentators, as prominent media figures allege that President Donald Trump and Republican leaders stole the 2024 election and may manipulate the results of the 2026 midterms. The discussion has gained momentum following remarks by former CNN commentator Angela Rye, who said she has a “gut feeling” that election tampering occurred and could recur.

Rye shared her views on the “Native Land Pod” podcast Friday, expressing skepticism that the upcoming midterms would be free and fair. “Even if they are going to happen, are they going to cheat like they did, I still feel like they did, in the 2024 election? I don’t have data. I got a gut feeling, but I’m going to tell you about the Black woman and the Holy Ghost. We be spot on,” Rye remarked, underscoring a personal and communal sense of distrust in the election system.

Her co-host, former MSNBC anchor Tiffany Cross, echoed the uncertainty, questioning whether the midterms would offer genuine opportunities for democracy. “Even if they did, okay it’s here now. Like what, they’re not going to say ‘okay takesies backsies we stole it.’ Like they have already instituted this authoritarian regime, and I don’t know any post-industrialized country that has come this far into authoritarianism and turned around,” Cross observed. She further suggested that fair elections for women and Black Americans have been historically elusive, adding, “We’ve never really had that, but we think somehow in 480 days that we’re going to have a better chance at democracy. I just don’t think so.”

Broader Skepticism Among Progressive Figures

While Rye and Cross voiced their doubts, former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum argued that it remains crucial to have faith in the electoral process, regardless of perceived flaws. Yet, their apprehension is part of a wider chorus among liberal circles. Over recent weeks, other commentators including Joy Reid, James Carville, and Charlemagne Tha God have publicly questioned whether the 2026 elections will be conducted fairly.

Joy Reid, a former MSNBC host, told readers on far-left writer Wajahat Ali’s Substack, “I think it’s insane, honestly, to just assume we’re going to have normal elections next year,” highlighting a belief that electoral normalcy cannot be guaranteed. This skepticism has also been echoed by former CNN host Don Lemon and comedian Kathy Griffin, who claimed that “something was off” with the 2024 vote, suggesting possible tampering by President Trump.

The rising concern among liberal commentators reflects a deepening sense of mistrust in America’s electoral system, exacerbated by claims of authoritarian drift and manipulated outcomes. With the 2026 midterms approaching, questions about election security and democratic accountability are set to dominate political discourse, fueling continued debate across party lines.

As the nation looks ahead, calls for transparency, oversight, and faith in democratic institutions are likely to remain central themes. The ongoing debate signals not only partisan divides but also the high stakes for the future of American democracy.