WASHINGTON — The 2026 midterm elections have dramatically reshaped the political landscape in Washington, with Democrats winning control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, setting up a divided government for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.

For HVACR contracting business owners, the shift could have implications for the regulatory, legislative, and economic policies affecting their businesses, from refrigerant regulations and energy policy to tariffs, workforce development, tax incentives, and small-business costs. With Democrats positioned to challenge the Trump administration’s agenda while advancing their own priorities, the HVACR industry faces a new political environment that will require close attention and proactive advocacy.

Industry associations have long urged contractors to build relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, emphasizing that bipartisan engagement will be critical to protecting contractor interests in the next Congress.

ACCA-PAC significantly increased its activity this election cycle, donating $37,750 to contractor champions from both Democrat and Republican parties, including former contractor Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX); Davisware founder Jennifer Davis (R-IL); and contractor Joe Strada (R-FL). ACCA-PAC also supported Blue Dog PAC, which champions ten business-friendly Democrats. All three Democratic co-sponsors of the Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3619) – Reps. Vicente Gonzales (D-TX), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Jared Golden (D-ME) – are members of the caucus.

"All but one ACCA-PAC supported candidate was elected on Tuesday," notes  Sean Robertson, vice president of Membership, Advocacy, and Events for ACCA. Davis lost her bid for the Illinois House 8th District to her Democrat opponent.

"In pursuit of closer relationships, ACCA-PAC often supports champions in what are seen as safe districts, but Tuesday shows why we do it. Former contractors Randy Weber (TX), Mark Messmer (IN), and Rick Allen (GA) were each re-elected with surprisingly slim margins — under 8%. We knew field service software founder Jennifer Davis (IL) was a long shot, but there are always a few surprises in each election cycle, and we hope ACCA-PAC support will encourage more industry allies to seek public office," Robertson adds.

According to Robertson, the old adage "all politics is local" is "more important than ever."

"HVACR contractors are in the homes, businesses, and community organizations of elected officials every day," he says. "They need to hear contractor’s pain points and aspirations for the future.

"For example, ACCA Government Relations Committee member Chuck Worley recently shared that Worley’s Home Services installed a water heater in the home of Rep. Bobby Scott (VA). Scott is expected to chair the House Committee on Education and Labor, making him one of the most important legislators for ACCA’s #1 policy priority (workforce). ACCA needs to hear about relationships like these!"

In addition to workforce, ACCA's policy priorities include fuel and technology choice, quality installation, refrigerant transitions, and state policy.

Robertson says that it is highly unlikely that federal energy or tax legislation will advance over the next two years. "That battlefield shifts to the states, where Democrats are on track to gain control of 12 legislative chambers, six veto-proof supermajorities, and six governor’s offices. Advocates and legislators in the expanded playing field of blue states are expected to pursue a patchwork of gas bans, ultra-low NOx furnace rules, and rapid transitions to highly-flammable A3 refrigerants.

"Congress is unlikely to stop them, so we’ll need engaged advocates and strong state and local associations to educate legislators about these short-sighted policies and promote smarter energy efficiency investments," he continues.

Robertson's comments underscore the importance of staying engaged with policymakers and industry advocacy organizations as the new Congress begins shaping its approach to HVACR issues.