How Would Overturning Roe v Wade Impact the 2022 Elections?

Before news broke on the Supreme Court’s expected decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, analysts across the spectrum predicted bleak 2022 election prospects for Democrats. Now, some are wondering whether electoral dynamics have shifted. 

Both pro-life and pro-choice demonstrations broke out across the country Monday night and continued on Tuesday. In a viral video, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said she was “angry, upset and determined” and joined Democrats in calling on Congress to codify Roe. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) joined most Republicans in criticizing the leaker of the draft opinion, saying, “If it’s a conservative, you are a traitor to the cause. If it’s a liberal, you are the dumbest person in Washington because it is not going to change the midterms.” 

Almost immediately, voices from across the spectrum weighed in on how overturning Roe would impact the 2022 elections. Neither the left nor the right appeared to display a unified message. Articles in Politico (Lean Left bias) said Democrats were “jolted” from “political malaise” on Monday but were “skeptical” that they would be saved from a “brutal midterm environment” on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump said he didn’t think removing federal abortion protections would have a “tremendous effect” on the midterms. In contrast, Fox News (Right bias) host Jeanine Pirro said there was “no better way” to “gin up the left” and avoid an election “bloodbath” for Democrats.