US Midterm Primaries in 2026


The 2026 midterm election results elicited reactions from various groups across the commercial cleaning industry. Sweeping changes to the composition of both the House and Senate may impact economic policies regarding labor, chemical and environmental regulations, and supply chain infrastructure. Such shifts can influence innovations within this industry in how people are hired and retained, how cleaning products are classified and implemented, and which technologies and tools will become accessible for future operations.

A notable difference from these elections was the number of candidates with public health backgrounds. According to CNN, a record-breaking number of health professionals—around 125—were on the ballot, with some winning their race. These individuals can drive legislation that champions clean and safe environments due to their training and expertise in science and health.

"Sound public policy is essential to ensuring our industry can continue delivering the safe, effective cleaning products that people and businesses depend on," says Jennifer Abril, American Cleaning Institute (ACI) President and CEO. "As a new Congress prepares to take office, ACI looks forward to working with newly elected leaders from both parties to advance policies that recognize the essential role cleaning plays in protecting public health, supporting healthy living, and helping communities thrive."

Various labor unions celebrated the victories of candidates whose campaigns aligned with worker interests. In 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the minimum wage for janitors and cleaners was $17.27 per hour. In a September job market report, the average hourly earnings for all employees increased marginally (0.1 percent) to $37.81. This growth is misaligned with inflation, which has reached 3.7 percent.

With new representatives in office, organizations that represent workers, such as frontline staff, hope for legislation that aligns with workers' rights and interests—including compensation that supports the current cost of living.

"At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, the leaders we elect matter. They make decisions that impact our wages, our jobs, our right to organize, and our ability to build a better future for our families," shares SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup. "We are carrying this momentum forward, ready to turn tonight's victories into real progress that puts more money in workers' pockets, protects good union jobs, and builds stronger communities for generations to come."