Heritage chief urges fusion of populism to guide conservatives into 2026

PHOENIX — Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts told Fox News Digital at AmFest in Phoenix that the future of the conservative movement rests on blending the energy of populism with long-standing conservative principles to meet the challenges ahead. He stressed that candidates and activists must work together to articulate an aspirational, long-range vision for the country, rather than simply reacting to midterm losses. The gathering drew thousands of conservatives from across the United States, underscoring ongoing energy and debate within the movement.

Roberts said conservatives must embrace the best tenets of populism while tackling issues that are often considered uncomfortable inside establishment Washington. He described AmFest as a space where a broad coalition of conservative activists is focused on rebuilding momentum after a series of electoral setbacks and on keeping conservatism at the forefront of political discourse going into 2026. He added that the movement should not be discouraged by negative coverage or by electoral wipeouts in states like Virginia, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania, arguing that the first year of the Trump-Vance administration and the collaboration with House Speaker Mike Johnson offer room for optimism.

Looking ahead to 2026, Roberts said the conservative message must hinge on an aspirational policy agenda that extends beyond short-term campaigns. He praised well-run campaigns such as Jack Ciattarelli’s effort in New Jersey as an example of disciplined organization and argued that Republicans should articulate durable priorities that reflect the party’s core commitments while addressing modern challenges. He cautioned that to remain relevant, conservatives should offer concrete policy solutions and present a coherent narrative that resonates with a broad American electorate.

To keep conservatism at the fore, Roberts said policymakers should be willing to ask difficult questions inside the Beltway, including what the future of the American family looks like and whether the workplace should be a place where Americans earn dignity and not just a paycheck. He emphasized the importance of discussing the meaning of being American in a rapidly changing society and argued that such conversations must be part of the conservative platform if the movement is to maintain momentum through the 2026 elections and beyond.

Tim Scott, addressing MAGA voters and members of the conservative movement, stressed that the 2026 landscape will hinge on addressing broader questions that go beyond traditional campaign slogans. The senator highlighted the importance of discussing immigration policy and assimilation, arguing that the United States must consider how to integrate the foreign-born population in a way that supports social cohesion and national security. He cautioned that ignoring these issues could undermine midterm outcomes and urged leaders to present policy proposals that reflect the country’s evolving demographics.

Speaking to the broader trajectory of the movement, Roberts suggested that in 2028 a new conservative leader will need to emerge as Donald Trump reaches term limits. He argued that the path forward is to pursue a “good fusion of the best elements of populism” while allowing future standard-bearers to imprint their own approaches on conservative policy. The aim, he said, is to preserve the core conservative principles—limited government, free enterprise, and strong national security—while making room for innovative ideas shaped by contemporary realities.

Setting the stage for what the 2025 elections signal for next year’s midterm showdowns, Roberts said conservatives must balance exercising popular will with adherence to longstanding principles. He cautioned that future leaders will likely still draw on an agenda reminiscent of Trump in key policy areas, even as they bring their own perspectives to governance. The takeaway, according to Roberts, is that idea and policy work must be done with zeal and creativity to sustain the movement’s relevance in the decades to come.

Looking ahead to Heritage’s work in 2026, Roberts said the think tank will focus on family, the future of free enterprise, national security, and citizenship. He noted that Heritage Action for America, the organization’s campaigns and advocacy arm, will prioritize places where the story can be told to the American people and that candidates should be prepared to adopt those issues into their platforms. In closing, Roberts urged policymakers and political leaders to pursue uncomfortable questions and to craft policy proposals that reflect what the American people are asking for—while staying true to conservative principles.

In summary, the Heritage president emphasized that the road to future electoral success lies in a disciplined blend of populist energy and enduring conservative values, pursued through clear policy priorities and an aspirational national vision that speaks to the experiences and aspirations of a diverse American electorate. The conversation at AmFest signals that, even after losses, conservatives are intent on recalibrating their approach and presenting solutions that address both short-term pressures and long-term national identity.