Defining Issues and Strategies: America First in 2026

Jan 8, 2026, 10:00AM

Defining Issues and Strategies: America First in 2026 Roundtable

On January 8, 2026, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) opened the year with Defining Issues and Strategies: America First in 2026. The roundtable convened strategists, policymakers, campaign veterans, and state leaders to present a focused, data-driven agenda for advancing America First policy and electoral success.Hosted in Washington, D.C. by AFPI Executive Director Martin Gillespie, the session outlined a strategic blueprint for how America First leadership will influence upcoming elections and national direction through policy, communication, and performance.

A Movement in Action

Gillespie began by emphasizing AFPI’s impact during the first year of President Trump’s return to office:

• 91% of AFPI’s federal policy recommendations have already been implemented or are in active progress.
• AFPI alumni now serve across key federal agencies, including seven cabinet secretaries.
• Active state chapters are established in 10 states, with expansion ongoing each month.
• 18 states now have universal school choice — up from zero three years ago.

Gillespie reiterated AFPI’s identity as more than a policy institute, describing it as the home of the America First movement. "We serve the forgotten men and women of this country — not the elites, not the lobbyists, but real Americans who demand results."

Framing 2026: Data-Driven Strategy

The roundtable included polling insights from Kellyanne Conway, Chair of the Center for the American Child and experienced political strategist. Her analysis focused on communicating America First policies clearly, accurately, and effectively.

"2025 was the year of doing. 2026 must be the year of telling. Policies don’t matter if people don’t know they exist." – Kellyanne Conway

Conway highlighted the gap between the success of America First policies and public awareness of these results. Data indicated strong support for:

• No tax on tips and overtime
• Expansion of the child tax credit
• Massive school choice expansion
• Strong border and immigration enforcement
• Health care transparency and affordability reforms
• Domestic manufacturing and trade policy wins

She encouraged leaders and communicators to move beyond grievances and instead highlight achievements, accountability, and practical optimism.

"Voters don’t want slogans. They want results — and a reminder of who delivered them."

Youth and Female Voter Opportunity

Ashley Hayek, Executive Vice President of AFPI and President of America First Works, addressed areas of untapped opportunity:

• 39% of young voters have no clear understanding of what America First means — an open door to persuasion.
• Women, especially moms, make 80% of health care decisions in American households.
• Seniors will drive 2026 turnout, and they prioritize affordability, access, and transparency.

Hayek advocated for proactive outreach that connects policies to individuals’ daily lives, particularly in health care, housing, and education.

"America First works for everyone — especially those who’ve been ignored by the system. Let’s remind them of that."

Insights from Billy Atwell: State Leadership and Policy Precision

Billy Atwell, AFPI Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of building strong policy coalitions and messaging alignment between federal, state, and local America First leaders.

“The front lines aren’t just in D.C. — they’re in Tallahassee, Phoenix, Raleigh, and Columbus. If we want national impact, we must win state by state.”

Atwell outlined specific policy battlegrounds for 2026:

• Election integrity reforms, including voter ID and banning ranked-choice voting
• Pro-life protections rooted in state legislation and state courts
• Energy independence through local permitting reform and ESG pushback
• Workforce readiness, including technical education expansion and ending DEI mandates

He also emphasized AFPI’s role as a policy support hub:

“We’re not just generating policy — we’re delivering toolkits, comms plans, and draft legislation to get it done. That’s how America First wins.”

Polling Proof: America First Is Winning

The roundtable presented polling that demonstrated overwhelming support for:

• School choice (over 70% support for Education Savings Accounts)
• Parental rights and abolishing the Dept. of Education (50% support)
• Health care reforms — including price transparency, eliminating junk food from SNAP, and expanding HSAs
• Criminal illegal deportation (60% support)
• Food security and investing in U.S. agriculture (85% support)

In each instance, America First ideas consistently outperformed traditional political positions, including among swing voters, minorities, and independents.

The Stakes in 2026

AFPI leaders emphasized the historic significance of this year:

• 35 U.S. Senate seats
• 435 House races
• 36 governorships
• 82% of state legislative seats

The movement’s mandate is clear: build on successes, communicate consistently, and present voters with a clear choice—whether their lives are better under America First or the alternative.

"This isn’t about the past. It’s about progress. America First is the agenda that delivers — and 2026 is the year to prove it."

A Strategic Shift in Messaging

Throughout the event, panelists emphasized the importance of moving away from defensive rhetoric and focusing on the policy record:

• Gas and groceries are only the beginning; discussions should also address housing and health care.
• America First is not solely about opposition; it is focused on building solutions.
• While the left emphasizes protest, AFPI prioritizes performance.

"We’re not selling slogans — we’re selling solutions. And it’s time we start acting like winners."

The Road Ahead

AFPI’s America First in 2026 Roundtable established the year’s direction: data-driven, results-oriented, and focused on the public.From local school boards to national policy, this movement is advancing with purpose and determination.AFPI continues to drive the America First movement, and 2026 is positioned to be the year it redefines the future.