Election 2026: A New Congress, New Challenges and Opportunities for Golf

What the midterm election results mean for golf course owners and operators in 2027

By Ronnie Miles, Senior Director of Advocacy, NGCOA

I don't pretend to be a political pundit, but I do spend a great deal of time thinking about how decisions in Washington affect golf course owners and operators. Tuesday's election results will have important implications for our industry, and I wanted to share some of what I'll be watching — and how NGCOA will continue advocating for your interests as we prepare for a new Congress in 2027.

The 2026 midterm elections have reshaped Washington, with Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress and setting the stage for divided government during the final two years of President Trump's term. 

For golf course owners and operators, the consequences could extend well beyond Capitol Hill. From workforce policies and operating costs to taxation, tourism and environmental regulations, the new congressional landscape will influence how some of our industry's most pressing business challenges are addressed.

But while congressional leadership has changed, NGCOA's advocacy priorities have not. What changes is how we pursue those priorities, where opportunities may emerge and which relationships will be most important in advancing the business interests of golf. 

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