Republicans Grapple with Democratic Gains Ahead of Midterms

Wisconsin GOP candidate admits party got 'butts kicked' in recent elections, signaling potential trouble for Republicans in November

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:25pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone campaign sign or podium in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease about the shifting political climate.As the political landscape shifts, a sense of uncertainty lingers over the upcoming midterm elections.Madison Today

In the wake of Democratic victories in Wisconsin Supreme Court and mayoral races, as well as a closer-than-expected special election result in Georgia, Republican leaders are acknowledging their party's struggles and the potential for further losses in the upcoming midterm elections. While some GOP strategists downplay the significance of these results, others see clear signs of Democratic momentum that could pose challenges for Republicans in key races across the country.

Why it matters

The recent election outcomes in Wisconsin and Georgia provide early indicators of the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms, when control of Congress and state governments will be at stake. These results suggest that Democratic candidates may be overperforming in both red and blue areas, potentially foreshadowing broader gains for the party in November.

The details

In Wisconsin, Democrats expanded their majority on the state Supreme Court with a 20-percentage-point victory, while also flipping the mayor's office in the conservative suburb of Waukesha. Meanwhile, in a Georgia special election to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Republican candidate won by a much narrower margin than the party had enjoyed in the past. These swings from red to blue have added to a growing body of evidence of Democratic momentum, according to political analysts.

  • On April 8, 2026, Wisconsin Republicans acknowledged their party's recent defeats in the state.
  • The Georgia special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene took place in early 2026.

The players

Tom Tiffany

A U.S. Representative from Wisconsin who is running for governor and admitted that Republicans 'got their butts kicked' in recent elections.

Jared Leopold

A Democratic consultant whose clients include Keisha Lance Bottoms, a candidate for Georgia governor.

Stephen Lawson

A Republican strategist in Georgia who said the 'sky is not falling' for his party but acknowledged they are running behind where they have been in the past.

Meredith Brasher

A Democratic strategist who said the Georgia special election result was a 'red alarm for Republicans.'

Jackie Harling

The Republican chairwoman of the Georgia district where the special election took place, who said Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation energized Democrats while her party suffered from 'election fatigue.'

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What they’re saying

“We got our butts kicked.”

— Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative, Wisconsin

“In rural, urban, red, blue, Democrats have overperformed everywhere. That is a significant canary in the coal mine about what November of '26 is going to look like.”

— Jared Leopold, Democratic consultant

“That's a red alarm for Republicans.”

— Meredith Brasher, Democratic strategist

“Marjorie Taylor Greene was like a freight train that you couldn't stop, and when she pulled out, it gave Democrats hope and it gave them a shot at winning something they believed was unwinnable.”

— Jackie Harling, Republican chairwoman, Georgia district

“This to me was a very clear sign of momentum and enthusiasm for Democrats in the fall.”

— Devin Remiker, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman

What’s next

The judge in the Georgia special election case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow a recount of the votes.

The takeaway

The recent election results in Wisconsin and Georgia suggest that Democratic candidates may be gaining ground in both red and blue areas, potentially foreshadowing broader gains for the party in the 2026 midterm elections. However, Republican strategists caution against reading too much into these outcomes, and both parties will need to continue focusing on the key issues and values of voters in order to secure victories in November.