The 2026 midterm election will directly shape several federal policy issues affecting community associations, including disaster recovery assistance, debris removal, housing policy, and repeal of the Corporate Transparency Act. Changes in congressional leadership determine who will chair the committees responsible for these issues, which legislation receives attention, and how quickly community association priorities can move forward.
All 435 districts in the U.S. House of Representatives, 33 seats in the U.S. Senate, and 36 gubernatorial seats were up for election. Heading into the midterms, Republicans controlled both chambers of Congress with a 53-45 majority in the Senate and a 218-212 majority in the House of Representatives. Following Tuesday’s results, Democrats are positioned to take control of the House and Senate, although some race outcomes are still being finalized.
Midterm Election Impact on the Community Association Housing Model
The change in congressional control means new committee chairs, new legislative priorities, and new opportunities and challenges for CAI’s federal advocacy efforts. It also comes as the 120th Congress begins in January. Any legislation that did not become law during the current Congress must be reintroduced to restart the legislative process.
For community associations, this means CAI has the opportunity build relationships with new congressional leaders, educate and renew support for priority legislation, and ensure lawmakers understand how federal policies affect homeowners, association boards, community managers, and the communities they serve.
Disaster Assistance and Equity for FEMA Debris Removal
CAI continues to advocate for community associations to have equal access to critical federal disaster assistance. During the 119th Congress, Michigan Rep. David Rouzer sponsored H.R. 834, the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where Rouzer served and advocated for community associations. His election results remain unknown while outcomes are finalized.
Because the bill did not become law during the current Congress, it will need to be reintroduced in 2027. The election results will influence who is available to champion and sponsor the legislation, who leads the committee considering it, and the path CAI must take to rebuild bipartisan support.
CAI supports changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act so community associations can qualify for federal disaster assistance, including debris removal and cleanup. This assistance can help communities recover more quickly after hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other federally declared disasters.
Both congressional committees with jurisdiction over this issue are expected to receive new leadership. New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan is positioned to lead the Senate committee responsible for homeland security. Washington state Rep. Rick Larsen, currently the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is positioned to become its chair.
Corporate Transparency Act Repeal
The House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs have jurisdiction over the Corporate Transparency Act and legislation addressing changes to it. Although an interim regulatory rule by the U.S. Treasury Department removed reporting requirements for U.S. companies and U.S. persons, the CTA remains part of federal law unless Congress repeals it. CAI supports a full repeal of the CTA and remains committed to working with committee leadership on this effort.
In the House, CAI supported H.R. 425 – Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which was marked up and reported out of the House Financial Services Committee, and had 193 cosponsors. In 2027, a new bill will need to be introduced and follow the same path. Political analysts forecast the committee’s leadership will likely transition from Arkansas Rep. French Hill to the committee’s current ranking member, California Rep. Maxine Waters.
Leadership of the Senate Banking Committee also will be critical. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , currently the committee’s top Democrat, is forecasted to serve as chair. The return of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who chaired the committee from 2021 to 2025, also may affect Senate committee leadership and consideration of CTA repeal.
Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act
Five years after the Surfside condominium collapse, CAI remains committed to advancing solutions that strengthen building safety and expand access to critical resources. CAI was thrilled to support H.R. 9569 – Making Condos Safer and Affordable Act, introduced by Florida Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Maria Elvira Salazar, to modernize and expand federal loan programs to help condominiums access financing for structural repairs, streamline approvals, and strengthen long-term building safety.
Wasserman Schultz won re-election in Florida’s newly configured 20th district. CAI will continue to work with her office in the upcoming Congress to champion this important legislation. Elvira Salazar’s race has yet to be called as of Thursday morning. The congresswoman currently leads with 50.23% of the vote.
The legislation has yet to be introduced in the Senate. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons has expressed interest in partnering with CAI to advance this work. Coons won re-election to a fourth term, and CAI looks forward to working with him and his office in the next Congress.
What Comes Next
CAI continues to track 2026 election results in real time. The midterms do not change CAI’s federal policy goals, but it changes the legislative landscape. CAI will work with returning and newly elected members of Congress, engage incoming committee leaders, and rebuild support for legislation that protects community associations and the millions of Americans who call them home.
To learn more about CAI’s federal legislative priorities, visit our webpage here. Stay in touch with legislation CAI is tracking that may impact you or your community by regularly visiting www.caionline.org/advocacy.
