Midterm Fashion: Candidates Swap Ties for Boots

Candidates running for Congress in the 2026 midterm elections are treating their wardrobes as strategic political assets. In an era dominated by social media, clothing functions as a visual shorthand for policy positions and personal authenticity. Stylists and political observers note that these outfits are designed to appeal to specific voter demographics without a single word being spoken.

Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington State leans into a rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic. A former car repair shop owner, she frequently wears flannel shirts, jeans, and work jackets. Robert Ordway, a former Capitol Hill Clothiers owner, describes her style as the most accurate reflection of her background. He notes that the look aligns with the Pacific Northwest’s environment and signals a commitment to working-class values.

In Alaska, Democratic candidate Mary Peltola uses similar imagery to connect with voters. Peltola, who is running for the Senate, wears traditional Yup'ik boots and rugged outdoor gear. These choices reference her history working on a fishing boat on the Kuskokwim River. Bonnie Kristian, a journalist, states that these details remind voters that Peltola is a native Alaskan, reinforcing her campaign slogan of fish, family, and freedom.

Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson of Iowa adopts a bolder patriotic approach. She has worn denim dresses paired with bright red blouses and bandanas. At a primary event in June, she wore high heels bedazzled with the American flag. Halyard, a public policy expert, calls this look classic Americana. Kristian argues that the outfit creates a visual identity that rural voters can instantly recognize, helping Hinson distinguish herself in a tight race.

Texas presents a different sartorial challenge for its candidates. Both Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico have adopted relaxed blazers and cowboy boots on the campaign trail. Ordway declares that the necktie is dead on the campaign trail for both parties. Talarico, 37, wears handcrafted Lucchese boots, a choice Friedman, a fashion critic, says appeals to various constituencies by referencing the style of former President George W. Bush.

Paxton, 63, has faced criticism for his attire. President Donald Trump has urged voters to focus on his record rather than his suit, which he said does not look so great. Talarico also attacked Paxton for wearing a luxury watch and a polo shirt from the Four Seasons hotel chain. Zee, a fashion stylist, explains that a resort-branded polo can carry luxury associations that clash with a message about the cost of living.

Some candidates rely on consistent, uniform outfits to build brand recognition. Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, running for governor, typically wears structured jackets, skirts, and pearls. Ordway recalls seeing her polished appearance frequently during his time in Washington. Kristian describes her looks as timeless, noting that they could belong to any GOP woman in the last three decades.

Michigan Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has adopted a minimalist style of black V-neck T-shirts and blue jeans. He describes this as a minimal look for maximal politics. The outfit is intended to appeal to urban, working-class voters and remove the ceremony from political appearances. Zee notes that looking unstyled is still a deliberate form of branding that directs attention to the message.

Friedman identifies President Trump as the master of political image. His consistent use of a navy suit and red tie has created a recognizable signal for his political allies. She predicts that this visual branding will become even more important in the 2028 election cycle as politics continues to be fought through social media and television.