7 policy positions construction leaders should watch in the midterms

A New Jersey construction consulting firm says the 2026 midterm elections could either support or slow the industry’s rebound after a flat 2025. The firm points to seven policy positions — from taxes and energy to labor and technology — as markers for candidates who may be more favorable to construction.

Why it matters: - The 2026 midterm elections could affect construction industry growth after a flat 2025. - Winners in federal, state and local races may shape infrastructure funding, labor laws, regulation, taxes and private investment. - The result could influence costs, workforce conditions and project momentum across the industry.

What happened: - Resolution Management Consultants, a Marlton, New Jersey construction consulting firm, released seven positions it says identify candidates likely to support construction. - James F. Gallagher, principal at Resolution Management Consultants, said polling points to a fairly even split for control of the Senate, House and many state and local contests. - Gallagher said individuals, companies and associations should examine candidates’ positions more closely and support those likely to help the industry.

The details: - The seven positions are stable monetary policy, leadership in international economic policy, a more traditional energy policy, support for private enterprise over government expansion and regulation, human resource policy that reduces barriers to business growth, tax policy that supports growth and production, and support for advances in technology. - Stable monetary policy would aim to maximize employment while stabilizing prices and interest rates to reduce inflation and volatility. - International economic policy would use import duties and taxes, improve supply chain efficiency and support the dollar’s global value. - Gallagher said this approach could also encourage domestic production, lower costs through proximity to production sources and shorten supply chains for faster material access. - A more traditional energy policy would limit regulations and sources of energy that raise prices. - Gallagher said energy deregulation and support for traditional energy forms generally reduce construction’s energy costs. - Support for private enterprise over government expansion would open opportunities and reduce regulation, which Gallagher said could help projects move faster and at lower cost. - Human resource policy that eases regulation and avoids limiting business growth through wage standards would, in Gallagher’s view, reduce constraints on construction growth. - Tax policy should stimulate growth and production rather than focus on programs with limited productivity or investment benefits, Gallagher said. - Technology advances, including artificial intelligence, could help offset the construction workforce shortage, improve safety, reduce disputes and increase efficiency.

Between the lines: - The list reflects a pro-growth, lower-regulation view of what helps construction most. - The framework treats policy as a direct input into project costs, labor availability and investment conditions. - The emphasis on technology suggests the industry’s labor shortage is being treated as a long-term operational issue, not a short-term disruption.

What's next: - Construction companies, trade groups and owners will likely keep watching candidate positions as the election cycle advances. - Gallagher said a construction-focused lens could help government address industry challenges and move construction forward. - Resolution Management Consultants will continue positioning itself around construction dispute resolution, planning and management, and litigation support.