After the Vote: What the 2026 Midterms Tell Us

The first Saturday after Election Day, the Hammer Museum in Westwood hosts a free conversation about what voters just said. "After the Vote: What the 2026 Midterms Tell Us" is part of the museum's Hammer Forum series, and it brings together four scholars who study elections for a look at the results and what comes next.

If you are hunting for things to do in Los Angeles that are free and actually make you think, this is a good one. It is also one of the more topical LA events this weekend for anyone still chewing on the returns.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (the Hammer's page lists 2:00 PM) Where: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles Cost: Free

What the panel covers

The Hammer frames the evening around a few big questions. What do the results reveal about the last two years of President Trump's term, and about where the country is headed in 2028 and beyond? Where are voters divided, and where do they agree? And what can this November's vote teach us about California voters in particular?

Who is on stage

Rick Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA Law, moderates. He is joined by Christian Grose, a professor of political science and public policy at USC; Sara Sadhwani, a political scientist and professor of politics at Pomona College; and Chris Tausanovitch, a professor of political science at UCLA. The program is co-presented with the Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA Law, and Hammer Forum is made possible by the Rosenbloom Family.

What to expect

Hammer Forum events are talk-driven: a moderated panel with the speakers sharing analysis rather than a campaign rally. Expect data, history and some disagreement among the panelists, which is much of the appeal. The framing leans on both the national picture and the California angle, so it should work whether you follow Washington closely or mostly care about what happens in Sacramento and your own ballot.

Getting there

The museum sits on Wilshire Boulevard near Westwood Village, a short drive from the 405 and well served by Metro buses along the corridor. Parking is available on site for a fee at the museum garage, so give yourself extra time on a weekend. Admission to the museum is free, and the galleries are worth a walk before or after the talk if you arrive early. Check the Hammer's event page for the latest on seating, start time and any registration details before you head out.

For more upcoming events in Los Angeles, browse the arts and culture listings.