For Bev/Al, This Election May Matter More Than Most

Will Republicans lose control of the House and the Senate or just the House? Does that make any difference for President Trump's next steps in the Iran War? Will Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) be re-elected to the U.S. Senate? Will James Talarico defeat Ken Paxton in the race to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. And if so, what does it mean for the country– and for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom some say should be impeached? Or for his boss, President Trump, whom some say the Democrats want to impeach for a third time – but lack the courage to do so.

Those are some of the story lines political reporters are pondering as voters go to the polls today.

But for bev/al executives and their trade association execs in Washignton, this election is perhaps more consquentail than most.

There is, first, Trump's tariffs and his trade war with Canada. Wine exports to Canada fell 75% to 78% in volume, the Wine Institute says, as a result of provincial bans and boycotts on American alcohol in retaliation for U.S. tariffs, Spirits exports also fell 70%, according to data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. Beer exports plunged more than 90% during the first six months of 2026, a result of the provincial liquor boycotts.

According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the value of U.S. spirits imports fell 24% from 2024 to 2025, its steepest year-over-year decline since it began keeping records Most spirits entered the U.S. duty-free before 2025.

Congress has exclusive authority to set tariffs under the Constitution. Whether the next Congress would have the courage to repeal Trump's tariffs or to override an expected veto remains to be seen. (Comment: We would be against it.)

Another issue, closely watched by Beer Institute, is whether Congress will decide to let a near-total ban take effect or move forward with regulating intoxicating hemp beverages. Francis Creighton, president/ceo, notes this issue won't wait for a new Congress.

That's just one of the issues that remain for this year. Michael Bilello, president/CEO, American Whiskey Association, said AWA will be working in this Congress on duty drawback and strengthening American whiskey's export competitiveness.

Even as they work on wrapping up this year's congressional activity, Washing bev/al assocaition execs will begin the process of educating new members. Creighton told us that "when Congress convenes there will be A LOT of new members and so that means a lot of new education.

"Every cycle brings turnover on the committees that touch our industry. A big part of our post-election work is introducing new members and staff to how alcohol is regulated and why state authority remains the foundation of a safe, accountable marketplace.  The states are where much of the action is. New leadership in a number of states means new conversations in 2027 sessions," Creighton said, adding:

"Whoever is in office will be navigating a difficult stretch for the industry including softer consumption, tariff uncertainty and fast-moving categories. Policymakers will need clear, practical rules that support businesses of all sizes and keep consumers safe. Whoever wins – we will be ready to work with them."

How will they do this? Bilello repeated a theme we've heard repeatedly over the years: "Be bipartisan. Be solutions-oriented. Stay focused on the industry, the jobs and the people we represent."

"Elections come and go," Bilello said. "Our mission, our relationships and our responsibility to the industry endure."