Democrats Win Across the South in 2026 Midterms

Democrats Capture Senate Seats Across the South

Democrats secured Senate victories in states that had not elected a Democrat to the chamber in decades. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the most expensive Senate race in state history, capitalizing on voter concerns about corruption and campaign costs. In South Carolina, Annie Andrews won an open seat after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, marking a rare Democratic gain in a state the Republican presidential candidate carried by 18 points in 2024. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Roger Marshall, ending a long Republican hold on a seat the Republican presidential candidate won by more than 16 points.

Historic Governor’s Races

Democrats achieved historic firsts in governor’s races across the region. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Greg Abbott, becoming the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1990 and the third woman to lead the state. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms made history as the nation’s first Black woman governor, defeating Republican Rick Jackson and Libertarian Chase Oliver with 54.3 percent of the vote. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated GOP opponent Mike Rogers, defending a seat Republicans had targeted as their best chance to flip a Senate seat.

House and Down-Ballot Gains

Democrats also made significant gains in the House and other races. The party captured the governor’s mansion in Texas and flipped numerous House seats in competitive states including Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Redistricting played a role in several contests, but Democrats also pulled off upsets in states where the Republican presidential candidate had won comfortably. In Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, Democrats defeated multiple Republican incumbents, and the party flipped open seats in Kentucky, Nebraska, and North Carolina.