Early Warning on Political Tides

By: Jim Willshier, Director of Government Affairs

Most of us are familiar with early warning weather alerts that help people prepare for emergencies, so they can have supplies and be ready for upcoming disasters. As we begin our 2026 elections, we advise everyone that this is an early warning of policy issues in our state.

Historically, midterm elections often shift against the party of a sitting president. At the same time, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s popularity could influence down-ballot races. These factors can create an environment for a “blue wave.”  Some may see that as a good thing, as they support social issues or want to send a message to Republicans (or Democrats who aren’t progressive enough) through the ballot box.

This early warning isn’t about any potential for greater democratic control in the state legislature and the governor’s office. The early warning forrelates to the policies that we have seen democrat policy-makers champion against the construction industry. They have pursued policies to penalize merit shop contractors, bar merit shop contractors from bidding on projects, and intentionally block all efforts for a level playing field for apprentice ratios, to name a few. In a blue wave, these issues will pass with more to follow.

Voters should prepare for the possibility that a blue wave would target the construction industry. We have seen these bills introduced, and we must stop them. Lawmakers have proposed budgets that increase spending and will likely lead to future tax increases borne by businesses. We have heard the strong rhetoric directed at our members, which is the justification for all the above.

Sheltering in place won’t be an option in a blue wave. But there is time to take action. We need to engage in voter registrations, meet candidates or incumbents that can be champions for merit shops, and help voter turnout in both to primary elections (May) and the fall general election. It is always important to be engaged politically. Still, the very real potential of strong democratic control in all three branches of state government (possibly a change in DC too) should be cause for alarm among our membership.

Please engage with your legislators and our government affairs program while we still have time to avoid a policy disaster for merit shops.