# US House races 2026

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336>\
**Category:** Politics & Elections\
**Created:** [September 23, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336 "2025-09-23T16:38:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/21 "2026-03-22T15:53:34Z")

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Yes .

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**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/22 "2026-03-29T15:45:34Z")

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[_The Hill_: House Republicans flee Congress in record numbers amid growing dysfunction](https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5805206-house-republicans-retiring-2026/)

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**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2026, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/23 "2026-03-29T16:07:15Z")

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I don’t blame them for leaving, but they are leaving a leadership/intelligence vacuum–scant,for sure. Once the dust settles and these fugitives are replaced by appointed/elected party loyalists with neither an independent thought in their collective head, nor a moral principle to call their own, what happens to functionality then?

As a country, we are so fucked.

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**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/24 "2026-04-02T03:46:54Z")

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I remain an optimist. Our country has been through much, much worse.

And then there’s this:

CNN: Not just the base: Democrats in recent elections are flipping independent and Republican votes

> **[Not just the base: Democrats in recent elections are flipping independent and...](https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/01/politics/democrats-elections-flip-seats)**
>
> Two special election victories in Florida provided more evidence that the Democratic success in elections since Donald Trump’s return to the White House rests not just on a motivated base but also on winning over Republicans and independents.

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**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/25 "2026-04-08T02:44:27Z")

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Here’s another one, today:

# Liberal judge cruises to victory in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

[https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/07/chris-taylor-wins-wisconsin-supreme-court-race-00863281&2](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/07/chris-taylor-wins-wisconsin-supreme-court-race-00863281&2)

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**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/26 "2026-04-08T02:46:03Z")

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> [@JKellyMap](#):
>
> Here’s another one, today:

I’d heard a news story on this race earlier today; they interviewed several state GOP leaders, who were feeling pessimistic about the vote. Turned out they were right, as the liberal candidate won 60-40.

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**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/27 "2026-04-08T11:13:09Z")

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Note that the SCOWIS race was approximately 1 zillion percent less advertised than the previous one. I saw maybe a dozen ads total, last election I saw about that many every ad break (ok, that many every half hour which is NOT hyperbole). Probably due to the face that either way liberals would have control, they just solidified it.  
As far as I know Elon Musk stayed out of it – probably figured it wouldn’t help and would possibly backfire (like last time, so satisfying)

Brian

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**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/28 "2026-04-08T16:28:22Z")

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> [@N9IWP](#):
>
> Note that the SCOWIS race was approximately 1 zillion percent less advertised than the previous one. I saw maybe a dozen ads total, last election I saw about that many every ad break (ok, that many every half hour which is NOT hyperbole). Probably due to the face that either way liberals would have control, they just solidified it.

That seems likely to be the reason. I was up in Green Bay for a few days last week, and I saw a fair number of yard signs (mostly for the GOP candidate), but nothing like what I’d see for a presidential or congressional election; I saw no more than a couple of TV ads (and my parents watch a _lot_ of TV).

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**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/29 "2026-04-08T19:37:09Z")

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Also worth noting, a Democrat won the Waukesha mayoral race. While the city is not as red as the county it is still notable. Probably helped the outgoing mayor endorsed her. He was a Republican but left the party due to January 6.

> **[DECISION WISCONSIN: Waukesha has a new mayor, Common Council President Alicia...](https://wtmj.com/news/2026/04/07/decision-wisconsin-waukesha-has-a-new-mayor-common-council-president-alicia-halvensleben/)**
>
> WAUKESHA, Wis.-- Common Council President Alicia Halvensleben will serve as Waukesha's next mayor. The city of Waukesha held its first open-seat mayoral

Brian

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**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/30 "2026-04-08T21:47:54Z")

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Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat in the House will stay in the MAGA camp.

> **[Republicans win Georgia race — but Democrats post largest swing yet in...](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/republicans-win-georgia-race-democrats-post-largest-swing-yet-special-rcna267192)**
>
> Republican Clay Fuller carried Georgia's 14th District by 12 points. President Donald Trump carried the district by 37 points in 2024.

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**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/31 "2026-04-08T23:05:22Z")

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> [@N9IWP](#):
>
> He was a Republican but left the party due to January 6.

January 6 **2021**? It took him _five years_ to make that decision?

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**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2026, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/32 "2026-04-08T23:33:46Z")

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He switched to Independent in 2021

> **[Shawn Reilly (politician)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Reilly_(politician))**
>
> Shawn N. Reilly is an American lawyer and politician serving as the mayor of Waukesha, Wisconsin since 2014. Originally a Republican, Reilly became an independent in 2021 following the January 6 United States Capitol attack and endorsed the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign, citing concerns about Donald Trump's influence on democracy. 
> Shawn N. Reilly is the third oldest of nine children, born into a large family with roots in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His father, Bill Reilly, was an attorney,...

Brian

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**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2026, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/33 "2026-04-09T12:01:51Z")

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My local Sinclair-adjacent paper managed to cover this story without once mentioning the Democratic overperformance. A few pages later, it ran an editorial from the publisher trumpeting their total belief in printing the truth, no matter what.

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**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/34 "2026-05-10T18:42:23Z")

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With the ruling from the Virginia Supreme Court tossing out the results of the election that put a new map in place favorable to the Democrats things are looking worse for the midterms. Now Florida and other states are rushing to redraw their Congressional districts in favor of the GOP just like Texas. And with SCOTUS gutting the Civil Rights Act things are looking rougher than expected for the Democrats. I’m starting to think the assumption they will be able to take back the House is not so likely.

[This article](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/us/politics/democrats-virginia-plans-gerrymandering.html?unlocked_article_code=1.hVA.qwrq.IHMHVWkdRCak&smid=url-share) about a conversation among D leaders suggests a sense of desperation is setting in.

> The conversation reflected the desperation and fury that have gripped the party after the state Supreme Court struck down a favorable map that had been ratified by voters. The most dramatic idea they discussed — which would involve an unusual gambit to replace the entire state Supreme Court, with a goal of reinstating their gerrymandered map — drew mixed reactions on the call, said the people, and it was not clear that it would even be viable, or palatable to Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly.

I don’t them replacing the entire state Supreme Court being very likely. I’m not sure what other option exist but it is clear the judiciary is willing to let the GOP get away with everything they are trying to do while blocking the Democrats from doing the same.

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**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/35 "2026-05-11T02:09:35Z")

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> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#):
>
> …I don’t them replacing the entire state Supreme Court being very likely…

Clarify, please?

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**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/36 "2026-05-11T02:39:59Z")

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Replace the Virginia supreme court that just issued the ruling that Democrats aren’t allowed to gerrymander (even though Republicans can).

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**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2026, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/37 "2026-05-11T15:48:29Z")

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What Chronos said. In the article I linked that is part of the discussion the Democrats are having. Remove the justices from the Virginia Supreme Court, replace them with new judges and have them reverse the decision tossing out the new House districts.

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**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/38 "2026-05-12T00:04:50Z")

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Aaaaaand it just gets worse for the Democrats - [Supreme Court Clears Path for Alabama to Use New Voting Map](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/us/politics/supreme-court-alabama-map.html?unlocked_article_code=1.h1A.2Crw.x5vIpmYJ4dCM&smid=url-share)

The new map eliminates a black majority district. So likely another GOP hold.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/39 "2026-05-12T17:54:52Z")

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However, this info drop makes it look bad for the current administration-

> **[US inflation rose to 3.8% in April, eroding Americans’ paychecks | CNN Business](https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/12/economy/us-cpi-inflation-april)**
>
> For the first time in three years, Americans’ wages are no longer outpacing inflation.

> Prior to the late-February US-Israeli strikes on Iran, inflation had eased to 2.4%. **[It leaped higher in March](https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/business/live-news/us-cpi-march-inflation-iran)**, and now, the energy price shock from the Iran war is further **[compounding longstanding affordability concerns](https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/12/politics/cost-of-living-us-financial-problem-vis)** for Americans weighed down by years of fast-rising prices.

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**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\
**Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-races-2026/1023336/40 "2026-05-15T21:11:44Z")

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I think Democrats are incapable of this kind of cheating:

[Philadelphia Inquirer: National Democrats jump into Lehigh Valley congressional race to counter influx of last-minute spending from mysterious PAC](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/national-democrats-jump-into-lehigh-valley-congressional-race-to-counter-influx-of-last-minute-spending-from-mysterious-pac/ar-AA238dkX)

> [@](#):
>
> The four-way Democratic contest in the [7th Congressional District](https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/trump-support-lehigh-valley-northeastern-pennsylvania-2026-20260122.html) has seen an influx of more than $1.2 million in last-minute television ads from a new and mysterious group with connections to Republican operatives.
> 
> [Democrats](https://www.inquirer.com/topic/democratic-party) both locally and nationally are raising alarms, calling the maneuver dishonest and aimed at boosting a potentially weaker candidate to go up against freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in November.

My wife and I have been watching Jeopardy lately on the Philadelphia ABC station, where this race is heavily advertised, with ads for both anti-corporate-greed blue-collar-resume Bob Brooks, endorsed by Josh Shapiro and Bernie Sanders, and Lamont McClure, the ringer whose ads position him as “the progressive in the race,” emphasizing his anti-Trump credentials in a district that Trump won in November 2024 by two points.

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