NewsNation will kick off its 2026 midterm election coverage next week with a two-hour town hall co-hosted by its prime-time news personality Chris Cuomo and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith.
“Decision Desk 2026 Have Your Say: A NewsNation Town Hall” will air on Tuesday, October 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time before a live studio audience of American voters, the network announced this week.
The program will incorporate results from a new poll conducted by NewsNation partners Decision Desk HQ and “The Hill,” with discussions focused on the cost of living, affordability, housing, employment, the economy and other issues influencing voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Guests will include former Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who will participate live from Texas, along with former Chicago Mayor and Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Grace Mausser, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America.
NewsNation will extend the special programming into its regular primetime lineup following the town hall.
Chief Washington Anchor Leland Vittert will host a special edition of “On Balance” at 10 p.m. Eastern examining the major moments from the two-hour event.
Katie Pavlich will follow with a special edition of “Katie Pavlich Tonight” at 11 p.m. Eastern, temporarily replacing “Jesse Weber Live” in the time slot.
NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group.
