Actor and activist George Clooney believes Democrats will win back control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. In a new interview, Clooney expressed optimism about the political future of the country and called for Democrats to find more relatable and purposeful candidates to represent them.
“I think we’ll get the House back in a year and a half,” Clooney said during a conversation published Tuesday. The remarks came in an interview with Variety as Clooney continues to star in the Broadway production of "Good Night, and Good Luck," where he portrays famed broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow.
Clooney, known for his long-standing support for the Democratic Party and his involvement in political fundraising, said he sees the upcoming elections as a key opportunity to restore what he described as a "check and balance on power" in Washington.
The House is currently under Republican control, though the party holds only a slim majority. There are 220 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and two vacant seats that were previously held by Democrats. With that narrow margin, a shift of just a few seats in the next election could return the chamber to Democratic hands.
“If you’re a Democrat, we have to find some people to represent us better,” Clooney said. “People who have a sense of humor and who have a sense of purpose.”
Clooney made the comments in a conversation with legendary stage performer Patti LuPone, where the two discussed both politics and the state of American culture. At one point, Clooney compared today’s political challenges to the turmoil the country experienced in the late 1960s.
“You’ve been around long enough to remember 1968. Every city in the United States was on fire,” he told LuPone. “We’d lost Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. We were losing the greatest speakers we’d ever had. The Vietnam War was raging, the Tet offensive, everything that was going on at that time in our country. The president basically resigned because Walter Cronkite said that Vietnam is unwinnable.”
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Despite drawing historical comparisons, Clooney said he believes the United States is in a less dire situation today than it was in 1968, even if the tone of public discourse may feel similar.
“We’ve been in much worse places,” he said. “The only thing that’s different is the source of information and how much and how many different sources.”
Clooney added that although it may seem like the current political climate is violent or chaotic, it is less extreme than in the past.
“It’s not nearly as violent, even though it feels violent. It’s not nearly as hopeless as it was at that moment in time. And we’ve done this before,” he said. “From President Jackson to McCarthy to this, the authoritarian, the demagogue, it goes away when they go away. And he will go away.”
Clooney was referring to former President Donald Trump, who remains a central figure in the Republican Party and is once again seeking the presidency. Clooney has been a frequent critic of Trump and has not shied away from discussing the former president’s influence on politics and media.
He described Trump as a "New York beast," referencing his earlier career as a real estate developer and celebrity.
"He was just a guy chasing women," Clooney said of Trump’s pre-politics days.
Their public feud has been ongoing. Just last month, Trump responded to criticism from Clooney by calling him a "second-rate movie star" and a "failed political pundit." The comments were made in response to a New York Times op-ed Clooney wrote in 2024 urging President Biden to step aside from the presidential race.
Despite the exchange, Clooney acknowledged Trump’s charisma and influence over his base.
“Republicans don’t have anybody that’s as charismatic as him,” Clooney said. “He’s charismatic. There’s no taking that away from him. He’s a television star.”
Still, Clooney expressed hope that the country will move forward from Trump-era politics and return to what he described as its better instincts.
“Eventually we’ll find our better angels,” he said. “We have every other time.”
Clooney’s public statements continue to reflect his active role in political discourse, both as an artist and a citizen. He has long used his platform to advocate for Democratic causes, raise awareness for humanitarian efforts, and support candidates through fundraising and public endorsement.
His latest comments come as political observers begin to look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, which could be pivotal in shaping the final years of the Trump administration's second term.
Democrats hope to regain control of at least one chamber of Congress to serve as a counterbalance to the White House. Republicans, on the other hand, aim to expand their majority and push forward with their legislative agenda.
Political strategists say Clooney’s remarks reflect growing Democratic sentiment that the party needs to refocus on messaging and recruit candidates who can better connect with a broader group of voters.
“George is echoing what a lot of Democrats have been thinking,” said one strategist familiar with midterm planning. “The party needs to find candidates who not only believe in the policies but who can also communicate with everyday people and make them feel heard.”
As for whether Clooney himself has political ambitions, he has consistently denied interest in running for office. He has said in past interviews that he prefers to remain an advocate and storyteller rather than enter the political arena directly.
“I’d rather use my voice to support good people and push for change from the outside,” he said in a previous appearance.
Still, his influence in Democratic circles remains strong. Clooney has hosted major fundraising events for candidates including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. His ability to attract attention and resources to campaigns makes him a significant figure in Democratic politics, even without holding office.
Some political analysts note that celebrities like Clooney play a unique role in shaping public opinion, particularly among younger voters who are more engaged with culture and entertainment. By speaking openly about political issues, Clooney and others in the entertainment industry help to keep those topics in the public spotlight.
“Celebrities can help bridge the gap between politics and pop culture,” said political analyst Dr. Melanie Turner. “They’re not replacing elected officials, but they do help bring important conversations to a wider audience.”
As the 2026 midterm season approaches, Democrats are already laying the groundwork for competitive campaigns in dozens of swing districts. Control of the House could depend on turnout, messaging, and candidate quality—factors Clooney touched on during his interview.
“If we want to win, we need better messengers,” Clooney said.
Meanwhile, Republicans continue to align closely with Trump, who remains popular with the GOP base. Some moderate Republicans have expressed concern about the party’s focus on Trump and its lack of new leadership, but for now, Trump appears to be firmly in control.
Clooney’s remarks reflect the broader national debate about the future of both parties and the direction of the country as a whole. While his perspective comes from the world of entertainment, his political instincts have made him a frequent presence in conversations about leadership, democracy, and the role of government.
Whether his prediction about Democrats regaining the House comes true remains to be seen, but it has sparked renewed attention to the stakes of the upcoming elections and the ongoing influence of public figures like Clooney in shaping the political narrative.
For now, Clooney continues his work on Broadway while staying active in political discussions behind the scenes. As he sees it, the current moment is part of a larger cycle in American history—one that the country has faced before and can overcome again.
“We always come back,” Clooney said. “We just have to be smart, stay hopeful, and find the people who can lead us forward.”
