USHBC urges Congress to deliver immediate economic relief after 2026 midterms

The United States Hispanic Business Council is calling on newly elected and returning lawmakers to act quickly on costs, wages and small-business relief after the 2026 midterm elections. The group says voter frustration over affordability is now a governing issue, not just an election message.

Why it matters: - USHBC says the election underscored a broad demand for action on the cost of living, health care and small-business pressure. - The group wants Congress to move quickly on policies that could help families and business owners see relief in monthly bills. - Javier Palomarez says both parties will have to earn voter trust again in 2028.

What happened: - The United States Hispanic Business Council congratulated newly elected and returning members of Congress after the 2026 midterm elections. - USHBC said it stands ready to work with lawmakers in both parties to lower costs, strengthen the workforce and help small businesses invest and hire. - The group said the election results exceeded expectations and challenged long-held assumptions about competitive seats. - USHBC pointed to voter concerns from Kansas, Maine and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas about affordability and economic mobility. - Palomarez said voters used their ballots to demand action from Washington.

The details: - Voters elected both progressive and moderate Democrats, giving both wings of the party a role in debates over its direction. - Palomarez said the result looks more like a mandate for results than a mandate for either ideological camp. - He said Congress should pursue bold ideas, but also take steps now to help more people get covered and lower what families and small businesses pay for health care. - USHBC’s national Midterm Pulse surveyed 6,008 Hispanic business owners. - The survey was nearly evenly divided among Democrats, Republicans and independents. - More than 77% of respondents said fuel and energy prices were hurting their businesses. - Nearly 67% said tariffs had a negative impact. - Over the previous year, 62% said they raised prices. - Nearly half said they cut back on hiring or left positions unfilled. - USHBC said voters from across the political spectrum expressed the same frustration. - Palomarez said independent voters do not owe either party their support. - Palomarez said tariff costs can force owners to delay research and development, equipment purchases or new hires. - He said higher energy bills and unfilled skilled positions can force businesses to turn away work. - He said those pressures can mean fewer jobs and paychecks in the community.

Between the lines: - The message from USHBC is aimed at both parties, but it clearly pushes for immediate governing over long policy fights. - The group is framing affordability as a cross-ideological issue, not a partisan one. - The emphasis on Hispanic, young and Black voters suggests coalition politics still matter, even as district and state voting patterns shift.

What's next: - USHBC said Congress should start by delivering relief that families and business owners can see in their monthly bills. - Palomarez said lawmakers will have to rebuild voter trust before the 2028 elections. - USHBC said it is ready to help lawmakers pursue that agenda. - The group is directing people to follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X and to visit membership information to join the organization.