Democrats' historic wins in Texas highlight taking control of Congress in midterm blue wave
Democrats complete historic blue wave in ballot box referendum on President Donald Trump, gas prices and the war in Iran, taking firm control of the House and Senate.
Musk after historic Texas blue wave: 'Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now'
Elon Musk mused that “data centers in space” were looking appealing after Democrats won historic gains in Texas and other races, as voters made the costs and consequences of AI expansion a midterm issue.
Musk posted the proverbial "out of this world" idea early Wednesday morning on X after Republican losses that included Democrat James Talarico’s Senate win over Ken Paxton and Gina Hinojosa’s defeat of Gov. Greg Abbott.
Democrats had campaigned against data center projects, tying them to rising electricity bills, water use and broader concerns about AI.
Musk’s political spending failed to deliver in Texas. He reportedly gave $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which transferred the money to a PAC backing Paxton, and Musk spent more than $400 million across the midterms, according to published reports.
Ballot measures to ban biological males from competing in girls' sports leads in 3 states
Voters in Washington, Colorado and Arizona were backing ballot measures restricting transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports, according to early returns Wednesday, as the issue emerged in a series of closely watched midterm ballot fights.
Washington’s Initiative 638 led 57% to 43%, with about 60% of ballots counted. Colorado’s Proposition 134 was ahead 52% to 48%, with roughly 75% counted, while Arizona’s Proposition 318 led 59% to 41%, with about 83% counted.
The measures would set sex-based eligibility rules for school sports, with Arizona’s also covering locker rooms and restrooms. Results were still unofficial.
Rahm Emanuel teases possible 2028 bid, predicts crowded Democratic field
Rahm Emanuel hinted at a possible 2028 Democratic presidential primary run Wednesday, saying Democrats will have a wide-open field after years of party leaders effectively settling on a nominee.
“My prediction is you’re going to have a Baskin-Robbins 31 flavors,” Emanuel told Wednesday's “FOX & Friends.” “And if I decide to do this, I’m going to be Rocky Road.”
Emanuel said voters are tired of election talk and urged Democrats to focus on governing after their midterm victories.
Asked whether he wanted to discuss 2028, he replied, “There will be plenty of time for another election,” before describing himself as a potential “disruptor” who would “tell you the truth.”
Emanuel clashes over antisemitism in Democrats’ ranks
Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic presidential primary candidate for 2028, pushed back after “FOX & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade questioned whether he was concerned about antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the Democratic Party.
“My faith is not your problem,” Emanuel told Kilmeade, who also cited campus protests at Columbia and UCLA.
Emanuel said he had faced antisemitism during his career, including people invoking “money changers in the temple” while he ran for Congress and swastikas being placed on a fence at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Japan.
“I know something about antisemitism that you don’t know,” Emanuel said, asking to finish his answer. He said his faith had motivated him to expand children’s healthcare and take on insurers, and urged Americans to focus on restoring faith in the country.
Antisemitism is a problem for America in general, not just for Democrats, Emanuel argued, but he believes it can be overcome.
"I say this up front, everybody that saw, you know, post-Minneapolis in 2020 that had signs on their windows and their front lawn, ‘Hate has no home here,’" he said. "We’ll make sure hate has no heart there either. And that’s on everybody, regardless of faith, regardless of party, regardless of where you live.”
Rahm Emanuel warns Democrats must deliver after midterm ‘repudiation’ of Trump
Democrats must turn their midterm gains into policy wins, according to potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel on "FOX & Friends," arguing that what the party does in 2027 will determine whether it has truly prevailed.
Emanuel called the results a “repudiation of President Trump” and urged Democrats to pair investigations with a sweeping ethics package, including a ban on stock trading by lawmakers and limits on foreign money in government.
“Investigations are not the change alone,” Emanuel said, calling for a higher minimum wage and tariff relief as well.
Rep Dingell says Haley Stevens’ Rogers endorsement ‘backfired’ as Dems ride historic midterm win
Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., said Haley Stevens’ surprise endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers helped spur uncertain voters to the polls — and “backfired” as Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Senate race.
“By Monday, I was very comfortable, and I knew that Abdul would win,” Dingell told CNN on Wednesday.
She said she sensed a shift among undecided voters and people considering staying home after Stevens’ announcement.
Dingell claimed El-Sayed’s victory could offer “some healing of some traditional tensions.”
Democrats should focus on voters’ concerns about food, gas, housing and health care costs, as well as “the corruption in Washington,” she concluded.
Steven Horsford projected to win re-election in Nevada, defeats Republican Cody Whipple
Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford won re-election in Nevada's 4th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Cody Whipple and keeping the sprawling Las Vegas-area seat in Democratic hands.
Horsford, a former Nevada state Senate majority leader, was first elected to the House in 2012. After losing re-election in 2014, he returned to Congress following the 2018 election and has held the seat since. Nevada's 4th District covers parts of North Las Vegas as well as a large swath of rural central Nevada.
Whipple, a rancher and small-business owner, won the Republican nomination in June with nearly 62% of the primary vote. The fourth-generation Nevadan campaigned on issues including affordability, energy independence, public safety and water security.
Horsford defeated his Republican opponent by roughly 8 percentage points in 2024, but the district had previously demonstrated its potential to swing between the parties. Republican Cresent Hardy defeated Horsford in 2014 before Democrats recaptured the seat two years later.
Horsford's victory keeps another Nevada congressional seat in the Democratic column as Republicans and Democrats fight for control of the House.
Dina Titus projected to win re-election in Nevada battleground, holds key House seat for Democrats
Democratic Rep. Dina Titus won re-election in Nevada's 1st Congressional District, defeating Republican state Sen. Carrie Buck and preserving Democratic control of a Las Vegas-area seat Republicans had targeted for a potential pickup.
Titus, a longtime Nevada Democrat who has represented the 1st District since 2013, entered Election Day favored to win but faced a well-funded challenge from Buck as both parties battled for control of the House.
The district includes parts of Las Vegas and Henderson and had become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles. Republicans have not won Nevada's 1st District since former Rep. John Ensign left office in 1999.
Buck, a former teacher and elementary school principal, told Fox News Digital earlier this year that she hoped to replicate her 2020 victory in the Nevada Senate, when she flipped a Democratic-held district.
Titus' victory denied Republicans one of their targeted pickups as the GOP sought to defend its House majority. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had placed Titus in its Frontline program for vulnerable incumbents, while the National Republican Congressional Committee backed Buck through its program supporting Republican candidates in targeted districts.
Titus previously served in the House from 2009 to 2011 representing Nevada's 3rd Congressional District before returning to Congress in 2013.
Susie Lee projected to win re-election in Nevada battleground, defeating Halo composer
Democratic Rep. Susie Lee won re-election in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Marty O'Donnell and keeping a closely watched Las Vegas-area House seat in Democratic hands.
Lee, who was first elected to Congress in 2018, secured another term representing the southern Nevada district after Republicans targeted the seat as a potential pickup in the battle for control of the House.
Nevada's 3rd District includes parts of Las Vegas and Summerlin and has repeatedly produced competitive congressional races. Lee won re-election by about 4 percentage points in 2022 and less than 3 points in 2024. President Donald Trump narrowly carried the district in the 2024 presidential election, underscoring its battleground status.
O'Donnell, a video game composer known for his work on the "Halo" franchise, won the Republican nomination in June after previously seeking the seat in 2024. He received endorsements from Trump and Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo.
The Republican challenger focused heavily on affordability and Trump's "no tax on tips" policy, an especially relevant issue for Nevada's hospitality-driven economy. Lee, meanwhile, emphasized her bipartisan record and argued that other provisions in the Republican tax package would hurt Nevada families.
Lee's victory denied Republicans one of their top Nevada pickup opportunities as both parties fought over narrow margins for House control.
DeSantis sees GOP blues for 2028, perhaps 6 years of Dem control of Senate
Termed-out Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned the GOP will struggle to retake Congress in 2028 after Democrats’ sweeping midterm victories, predicting the party could hold 55 Senate seats and more than 250 House seats.
“Looking at the Senate map and considering such a massive House margin, it is very unlikely Republicans will recapture the Congress in 2028,” DeSantis wrote on X. “Might not have a shot at Senate control until 2032.”
Democrats have secured control of both chambers, with results still being counted. The latest tallies showed at least 54 Democratic Senate seats and a firm House majority.
DeSantis’ figures are his projection of where the final counts could land.
Democrat Aaron Ford wins election for governor in Nevada
Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford defeated Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo to win Nevada’s governorship, The Associated Press projects.
Ford, who has served as attorney general since 2019, will become Nevada’s first Black governor. He campaigned against Lombardo’s alignment with President Donald Trump and argued the governor was responsible for rising costs facing Nevada families.
Ford’s victory gives Democrats control of the governor’s office for the first time since Lombardo defeated Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in 2022.
Republican triumphs in Nebraska, projected to defeat independent Osborn
The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republican Senator Pete Ricketts will win his first full term in office. The former governor has served in the upper chamber since 2023.
Senate Republicans again sent independent Dan Osborn packing in Nebraska, scoring a crucial win along the way to keep their thin majority.
It’s the second time in as many election cycles that Nebraska voters have rejected Osborn. The then relatively unknown mounted a close campaign against Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., in 2024, She ultimately defeated him by single digits.
This time around, however, Ricketts and Republicans sought to paint Osborn as running a deceptive campaign, arguing that if elected, he would side with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., rather than stay truly independent in the Senate like other independents, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine, have done.
Ricketts, a former two-term governor of Nebraska, has now clinched his second term in the upper chamber.
‘We are coming for your system of politics’: Abdul El-Sayed sets sights on political opponents amid
Abdul El-Sayed framed his victory as vindication against his political opponents shortly after beating out Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers early on Wednesday morning.
“To the Super PACs and special interests who tried to beat us, we are coming for your system of politics. To AIPAC, who spent $42 million against us, thank you for giving me the opportunity to beat you — twice,” El-Sayed said, referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
El-Sayed, who is poised to become the nation’s first Muslim Senator, recounted the long odds that were described to him at the outset of his campaign.
In the Democratic primary, El-Sayed overcame a race against Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., who had the backing of party leadership in the Senate.
“They told us that the establishment was too strong, that D.C. was going to dictate who won and who lost, that Washington and its special interests didn't want us. They told us that when all the votes have been counted on August 4th and then again on November 3rd, it would have been time and money and energy wasted.
“Guess what? It's November 3rd,” El-Sayed said.
Democrat projected to win Texas House seat GOP redrew to flip, defeating Trump's pick
Democratic sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia has defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Carlos De La Cruz in Texas' 35th Congressional District, winning a seat Republicans redrew to favor their party, Fox News projects.
Garcia's victory represents a setback for Republicans' redistricting strategy in a heavily Latino district the GOP-controlled Legislature redrew to favor Republicans.
The mid-decade redraw pushed progressive Democratic Rep. Greg Casar into another district, leaving an open seat Republicans sought to capture in their battle for House control.
Garcia, a Bexar County sheriff's deputy who described himself as an "old-school" Democrat, emphasized his law enforcement background and economic concerns.
De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and brother of Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, received Trump's endorsement.
Garcia's victory represents a setback for Republicans' redistricting strategy in a heavily Latino district they designed to favor the GOP.
Texas voters will also decide Tuesday which party will control their governor's seat with incumbent Republican Greg Abbott running for reelection. Additionally, state Attorney General Ken Paxton is locked in a close race with Democrat James Talarico for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Midterm results produce wave of historic firsts across the country
The 2026 midterms produced a series of historic firsts across the country.
New Hampshire Democrat Chris Pappas is set to become the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate, while Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is poised to become the first Muslim senator.
Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan will be the first Native American woman elected to the Senate, and former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will become the first Native American woman to serve as a governor.
Georgia Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is set to become the first Black woman elected governor of any state, as well as Georgia’s first woman and first Black governor. Florida Republican Byron Donalds and Wisconsin Democrat David Crowley will become their states’ first Black governors as well.
Other notable breakthroughs include Gina Hinojosa becoming Texas’ first Hispanic governor, Amy Acton becoming Ohio’s first woman governor and Julia Letlow becoming Louisiana’s first Republican woman senator. Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar also became their states’ first female governors.
Republican Jim Pillen projected to win second term as Nebraska governor
The Fox News Decision Desk projects Republican Gov. Jim Pillen will win reelection in Nebraska, defeating Democratic challenger Lynne Walz and securing a second term leading the Cornhusker State.
Pillen, a veterinarian, livestock producer and former University of Nebraska regent, was first elected governor in 2022, defeating Democrat Carol Blood by a significant margin.
However, his path to a second term proved more competitive this year as he faced headwinds from a third-party candidate and criticism over his first term.
Pillen faced local pushback over a 5% budget cut and hiring freeze within state government, according to Fox News Power Rankings. He also faced former Republican state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who appeared on the ballot as the candidate of the newly formed America First Party. Pillen easily secured the Republican nomination in May, receiving three-quarters of the primary vote against a field of several challengers.
However, his path to a second term proved more competitive this year as he faced headwinds from a third-party candidate and criticism over his first term.
Pillen faced local pushback over a 5% budget cut and hiring freeze within state government, according to Fox News Power Rankings. He also faced former Republican state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who appeared on the ballot as the candidate of the newly formed America First Party. Pillen easily secured the Republican nomination in May, receiving three-quarters of the primary vote against a field of several challengers.
WALZ WINS:
The Fox News Decision Desk projects Democrat Lynne Walz will win Nebraska's gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and flipping the governor's mansion in the Cornhusker State.
Walz, a former teacher, small business owner and former state senator from Fremont, defeated the one-term incumbent governor [narrowly/substantially]. Pillen entered the race seeking a second term after cruising to victory in 2022. However, the contest became increasingly competitive in its closing stretch.
Fox News Power Rankings pointed to several factors complicating Pillen's reelection bid, including local pushback over state budget cuts and the presence of Lindstrom, a former Republican state senator who challenged Pillen in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary and ran this year under the newly formed America First Party banner.
Pillen, a veterinarian, livestock producer and former University of Nebraska regent, was first elected governor in 2022, and will serve only one term after losing to Walz.
Walz served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2017 to 2025, representing the Fremont-area 15th District. During her time in the unicameral Legislature, she chaired the Education Committee and served on the Health and Human Services Committee.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer celebrates El-Sayed Senate win, takes aim at Republicans
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer congratulated Democrat Abdul El-Sayed following his victory in Michigan's U.S. Senate race Tuesday night.
El-Sayed defeated former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in the closely watched contest, according to the Fox News Decision Desk.
"Michigan families and businesses have been hammered by Republicans in D.C. for almost two years," Whitmer, who endorsed El-Sayed, said in a statement.
"Their chaotic policies have meant higher costs on everything, from gas, to groceries, to health care, and housing," she continued. "With this election, Michiganders decided to reject their dangerous agenda and choose leaders who will actually lower costs and get stuff done that makes our lives better. I wish Senator-elect El-Sayed success as he goes to D.C. to fight for every person in Michigan to get ahead."
"This was a long, intense campaign. It's time to come together and remember who we are as Michiganders," Whitmer said.
"We are leaders who roll up our sleeves and solve problems, and we know that we are always stronger together. Let's get to work and make our state proud."
Political newcomer claims Daines’ Senate seat, keeps Montana red in bitter three-way race
The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republican Kurt Alme will win the Montana Senate race, defeating independent Seth Bodnar and Democrat Alani Bankhead.
Alme, armed with the backing of President Donald Trump, is expected to defeat an insurgent independent and Democratic newcomer to claim the open seat in the upper chamber, putting an end cap on an election cycle in the Treasure State that became chaotic the moment Daines opted to nix his bid for re-election.
Alme beat independent Seth Bodnar, a former Green Beret and president of the University of Montana, and Democratic nominee Alani Bankhead, according to Fox News’ Decision Desk.
Bankhead was not the consensus pick for Democratic brass in the state, but her refusal to drop out of the race, like several Democratic nominees with independents running in red states this cycle, had likely benefited Alme.
Several prominent Montana Democrats, including former Sen. Jon Tester, announced their support for Bodnar with the expectation that the political newcomer would step aside — even the chair of the Montana Democratic Party chair, Shannon O’Brien, resigned to support Bodnar, per a statement given to MSNOW last month.
“Bankhead does not have the momentum, resources or will to win this race,” O’Brien wrote.
Dem megadonor calls to get money out of politics after pouring millions into elections
Reid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor and the co-founder of LinkedIn, took to social media after Democrats looked poised to capture control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate early on Wednesday morning, arguing that voters had issued a clear mandate for economic results.
“Voters made clear they demand a different kind of country. Americans want an economy that can compete globally and deliver for them at home,” Hoffman said in a post to X.
“These elections were an overwhelming wave against Trump and his cronies. Now, it’s on Democrats to make a hopeful case for our future — to fight for an economy that serves every American, not just the already rich and powerful, Hoffman said.
According to reporting from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Hoffman poured over $8 million in contributions to the House Majority PAC, a fundraising group tied to Democrats in the House.
Even so, Hoffman argued the time had come for increased restrictions on political contributions.
“On my donations this cycle: We should get money out of politics,” Hoffman wrote in a separate post.
“And while people like Elon are spending outrageous amounts to keep authoritarian clowns in power, those of us who believe in the ideas of America cannot yield,” he added.
Ohio Dem projected to secure historic 23rd term in Congress
Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur won reelection in Ohio's highly competitive 9th Congressional District Tuesday, defeating Republican Derek Merrin in a rematch with implications for control of the House.
The 80-year-old secured a 23rd term in Congress despite running in a district redrawn to favor Republicans.
Kaptur and Merrin faced off in 2024, where the incumbent prevailed by fewer than 2,400 votes.
Kaptur, first elected in 1982, is the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
Kaptur and Merrin faced off in 2024, where the incumbent prevailed by fewer than 2,400 votes.
Kaptur, first elected in 1982, is the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
IF MERRIN WINS
HED: Republican flips key Ohio House seat, ousts 22-term Democrat
Republican Derek Merrin defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Ohio's 9th Congressional District Tuesday, flipping a key battleground seat in the fight for control of the House.
The defeat bring an end to Kaptur's more than four-decade career in Congress.
The victory came two years after Merrin lost to Kaptur by fewer than 2,400 votes. Republicans got another opportunity at the seat after Ohio redrew the district ahead of the 2026 election.
Kaptur, first elected in 1982, is the longest-serving woman in congressional history.