This month, Democrats win crucial special elections; Last week, Virginia Democrats advanced four constitutional amendments and Cook Political Report shifted 18 House races in Democrats’ favor

Following Democrats’ commanding double-digit overperformances throughout 2025, Democrats are already winning in 2026 across the country. By almost every measure, it’s clear Democrats have the momentum in 2026 ahead of the critical November midterm elections.

Democrats across the country are already overperforming in 2o26. In Fort Pierce, Florida, Chris Dzadovsky won the city commission special election runoff election by 31 votes in a region Trump won by almost 10 points. In Connecticut, Iris Sanchez won the House District 25 special election by 33 points. In Virginia, Gretchen Bulova and Margaret Franklin won the special elections for House Districts 11 and 23, respectively, while Dr. Mike Jones overwhelmingly won Virginia Senate District 15, ensuring Democrats retained the majority. 

Because Democrats retained their trifecta in Virginia and because of election victories last year, they were able to advance four constitutional amendments this week, including a redistricting amendment to fight back against Donald Trump’s scheme to rig the congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. 

Finally, new data proves that Democrats have the momentum up and down the ballot. This week, Cook Political Report shifted 18 House races in Democrats’ favor: “It’s increasingly clear that Democrats are in a strong position to win control of the House this November.” 

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: 

“Democrats have the wind at our backs. From Florida to Virginia to California, Democrats are winning as voters in red, purple, and blue districts alike sour on Trump and his failed economy. Democrats in states like Virginia are also showing what we can accomplish when voters trust us with majorities, from standing up against Trump’s attempts to rig the 2026 midterms to fighting to actually lower costs and protect health care. After winning or overperforming in nearly 90 percent of races last year, it’s clearer than ever that Democrats are taking that momentum into the 2026 midterms as we compete and organize everywhere.”

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