The 2026 midterm elections reshaped the political landscape as Democrats picked up seven Senate seats and flipped over 40 House districts. Trailblazers from both parties achieved personal milestones, ranging from Iowa Democrat Josh Turek becoming the first Paralympian senator to Louisiana Republican Julia Letlow becoming her state's first GOP woman in the chamber. Additionally, Democratic pastors flipped long-held Republican seats in Kansas and Texas, unseating prominent conservative incumbents in the process.
Key points
Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress after picking up seven seats in…: Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress after picking up seven seats in the Senate.
Decades of Republican dominance ended in Texas and Kansas with the election of Democratic…: Decades of Republican dominance ended in Texas and Kansas with the election of Democratic pastors to the Senate.
Julia Letlow made history as the first Republican woman elected to represent Louisiana in…: Julia Letlow made history as the first Republican woman elected to represent Louisiana in the chamber.
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When the newest class of U.S. senators are sworn into office in January, it will include some of America's firsts.
The 2026 midterm election resulted in a significant shift in the landscape of Congress as Democrats won in a big way up and down the ballot. While not all the races have been called, Democrats have flipped more than 40 House seats and picked up 7 Senate seats, giving them control of both chambers of Congress.
Here are some of the new faces to expect in the Senate who made history on Election Day.
Josh Turek of Iowa
Turek will be the first Paralympian to serve in the Senate. The Democrat is a two-time gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. Turek is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair due to spina bifida. He beat Republican Ashley Hinson in the general election.
Julia Letlow of Louisiana
Letlow has now made history twice. She was the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Louisiana in 2021. Letlow ran for the House in a special election to replace her late husband, Congressman Luke…
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