Politics

Republicans Take Major Hit as 2026 Worries Grow

By Jake Beardslee · December 22, 2025

Recent Democratic victories in high-profile special elections are fueling concerns among Republican strategists about vulnerabilities heading into the 2026 midterms, even as party operatives caution against overinterpreting off-cycle results.

In Miami, Eileen Higgins became the city’s first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades after defeating a Trump-backed candidate by roughly 20 percentage points. The outcome marked a significant political shift in a city long viewed as Republican-friendly and prompted warnings from conservative activists about broader electoral consequences.

Far-right Republican activist Laura Loomer reacted sharply to the Miami result, writing, “A bright red city in a bright red state just went blue.”

She further warned of implications tied to former President Donald Trump, adding, “President Trump’s Presidential library will now be constructed under the control of a rabidly anti-Trump Democrat who supports soft on crime policies.”

Democrats also notched a notable victory in Georgia, where Democrat Eric Gisler won the 121st House District, a seat that had previously swung Republican. Analysts said the result highlighted potential weaknesses in GOP redistricting strategies.

Loomer argued the implications extend beyond isolated races, stating, “Midterms will be a bloodbath.”

Despite these outcomes, Republican strategists urged caution, noting that special and off-year elections often feature lower and more Democratic-leaning turnout, making them an imperfect gauge of broader midterm dynamics. They argue Republicans could regain momentum as the electorate expands and national issues such as inflation, crime, and border security take center stage closer to Election Day.