Who won, who lost, which states changed political direction and what the results mean for Donald Trump, America and the Greek diaspora
Historic election of Greek Americans, first Muslim senator, new governors and significant upheavals in traditionally Republican states
Greek News & Radio FL
Response from Florida
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Ioanna Lazarou – Publisher, Journalist
America woke up today to a different political landscape.
The midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, overturned the balance of power in Washington, as Democrats managed to secure control of both houses of the US Congress.
This development creates a new political reality for President Donald Trump, who will have to work with a Congress in which the opposing party will have a majority during the last two years of his presidential term.
The elections were characterized by significant upheavals, historic firsts, high interest in the economy and the cost of living, but also intense debates around immigration policy, the war with Iran, and the federal government's choices.
At the same time, in Florida, the state where Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence is located, Republicans managed to retain the most important state positions.
Greek News & Radio FL presents the most important results, political changes and developments that shape the next day.
- The big picture: Who now controls Congress?
American citizens were asked to vote:
- The 435 members of the House of Representatives.
- Senators in 35 electoral contests.
- Governors in 36 states.
- Members of state legislatures.
- Local officials.
- To decide on dozens of constitutional amendments and referendums.
The most important development of the evening was the change in control of Congress.
Senate – US Senate
Democrats: 54 seats
Republicans: 44 seats
This was the distribution presented by ABC News' election projections on the morning of November 4, with two contests still pending.
Democrats secured seven seats that were previously in Republican hands.
House of Representatives
Democrats secured the 218 seats needed for a majority.
According to Associated Press tallies, they won more than two dozen districts that previously had Republican representatives.
The final composition of the Parliament had not yet been finalized, as counting was continuing in some districts.
What does this mean;
Donald Trump remains president of the United States. No presidential election was held.
However, Democrats gain the ability to shape the legislative agenda, block bills, exercise parliamentary control and, through the Senate, influence the confirmation of government appointments.
The new Congress will take office in January 2027.
Sources: Associated Press, ABC News, Ballotpedia, November 4, 2026.
- THE SEVEN GREAT SENATE REVOLUTIONS
The most significant changes were recorded in seven states, where Democrats won seats previously held by the Republican Party.
Texas – TEXAS
Winner: James Talarico – Democrat
Loser: Ken Paxton – Republican
The result in Texas is one of the most significant political shifts of election night.
James Talarico managed to defeat Ken Paxton in a state that had been a stable Republican electoral base for decades.
It was the first Democratic senatorial election in Texas since 1988.
North Carolina – NORTH CAROLINA
Winner: Roy Cooper – Democrat
Loser: Michael Whatley – Republican
Former Governor Roy Cooper scored a significant victory against the former chairman of the Republican National Committee.
North Carolina is among the states that can determine the balance in national elections.
Ohio – OHIO
Winner: Sherrod Brown – Democrat
Loser: Jon Husted – Republican
Former Senator Sherrod Brown returned to the Senate, defeating Republican John Husted.
The contest concerned the completion of the term for the seat previously held by current Vice President J.D. Vance.
Maine – MAINE
Winner: Troy Jackson – Democrat
Loser: Susan Collins – Republican
Susan Collins, one of the most well-known moderate Republican figures, lost her seat to Democrat Troy Jackson.
Iowa – IOWA
Winner: Josh Turek – Democrat
Loser: Ashley Hinson – Republican
Josh Turek's election marks the return of Democrats to the Senate from Iowa, for the first time since 2008.
Kansas – KANSAS
Winner: Adam Hamilton – Democrat
Loser: Roger Marshall – Republican
Adam Hamilton's victory is a historic result, as Kansas had not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
South Carolina – SOUTH CAROLINA
Winner: Annie Andrews – Democrat
Loser: Darline Graham – Republican
According to Ballotpedia's morning tally, Annie Andrews won the senatorial race, marking the first Democratic senatorial election from South Carolina since 1998.
These changes were enough to change the political control of the Senate.
Source: Ballotpedia, Associated Press.
- WHICH DEMOCRATS RETAINED IMPORTANT SEATS
Not all significant victories were limited to winning Republican seats.
Georgia – GEORGIA
Winner: Jon Ossoff – Democrat
Loser: Mike Collins – Republican
Jon Ossoff was re-elected to the Senate.
His victory is considered particularly significant, as Georgia remains a state with intense competition between the two major parties.
Michigan – MICHIGAN
Winner: Abdul El-Sayed – Democrat
Loser: Mike Rogers – Republican
This particular victory also has historical significance, as Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
New Hampshire – NEW HAMPSHIRE
Winner: Chris Pappas – Democrat
Loser: John E. Sununu – Republican
The election of Greek-American Chris Pappas is of particular importance for the Greek diaspora.
Pappas is moving from the House of Representatives to the Senate, taking the seat vacated by outgoing Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
- THE GREAT REVOLUTIONS IN STATE GOVERNMENTS
Democrats won at least four governorships that were previously under Republican control.
State | New governor | Party | Defeated opponent |
Texas | Gina Hinojosa | Democratic | Greg Abbott |
Georgia | Keisha Lance Bottoms | Democratic | Rick Jackson |
Ohio | Amy Acton | Democratic | Vivek Ramaswamy |
Iowa | Rob Sand | Democratic | Zach Lahn |
Florida | Byron Donalds | Republican | David Jolly |
Nevada | Aaron Ford | Democratic | Joe Lombardo |
California | Xavier Becerra | Democratic | Steve Hilton |
New Mexico | Deb Haaland | Democratic |
|
Wisconsin | David Crowley | Democratic | Tom Tiffany |
According to Ballotpedia, Democrats secured at least 27 state governorships and Republicans at least 20, with some contests still pending at the time of this morning's briefing.
Greg Abbott's historic defeat in Texas
The election of Gina Inohosa in Texas is taking on particular political weight.
Greg Abbott, one of the best-known Republican governors in the US, lost his bid for re-election.
Inohosa becomes the first woman of Latina descent to be elected governor of Texas.
Georgia elects Keisha Lance Bottoms
The former mayor of Atlanta becomes the first black woman elected governor in United States history.
Her victory also marks the return of Democrats to Georgia government after many years.
Ohio elects Amy Acton
Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to become Ohio's first female governor.
Nevada elects Aaron Ford
Democrat Aaron Ford defeated Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, who conceded defeat.
Ford becomes the first black governor of Nevada.
- FLORIDA: REPUBLICANS RETAIN POWER
Florida was one of the most significant exceptions to the general electoral shift toward the Democrats.
Despite the unfavorable national result for the Republicans, the party retained the most important state positions.
New governor: Byron Donalds
Byron Donalds – Republican: about 50%
David Jolly – Democrat: about 49%
Byron Donalds was elected the new governor of Florida, succeeding Ron DeSantis.
The difference, according to the evening tally by WKMG News 6, was about 100.000 votes.
Donald becomes the state's first black governor.
In his victory speech, he thanked Donald Trump for his support and stated that Florida remains politically Republican.
Senate: Ashley Moody
Ashley Moody – Republican: about 51%
Angie Nixon – Democrat: about 48%
Ashley Moody defeated Angie Nixon, preserving the Senate seat for the Republicans.
The contest concerned the seat vacated by Marco Rubio when he took office as Secretary of State.
Attorney General: James Uthmeier
Winner: James Uthmeier – Republican
Democrat José Javier Rodríguez prevailed.
Financial management: Blaise Ingoglia
Winner: Blaise Ingoglia – Republican
Democrat Annette Tadeo prevailed.
Georgia: Wilton Simpson
Winner: Wilton Simpson – Republican
He retained the position of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.
What do the results mean?
Florida remains under Republican state administration.
However, the elections revealed significant regional differences and closer contests compared to previous election periods.
- PALM BEACH COUNTY: THE STATE VOTED REPUBLICAN, THE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC
One of the most interesting results for South Florida comes from Palm Beach County.
Despite Byron Donald's victory at the state level, Democrat David Jolly prevailed in Palm Beach County.
David Jolly – Democrat: 55,5%
Byron Donalds – Republican: 43,3%
Voter turnout in the county was approximately 64,8%.
In total, 576.527 out of 889.577 registered voters turned out to vote, according to unofficial figures published on Wednesday morning.
Democrats also prevailed in other important county races.
Results for Congress
Jared Moskowitz – Democrat
He was re-elected in the 25th congressional district, defeating Republican Scott Singer, former mayor of Boca Raton.
Pia Dandiya – Democrat
He won the 22nd congressional district against Republican Casey Askar.
Lois Frankel – Democrat
She retained her seat in the 23rd district.
Brian Mast – Republican
He was re-elected in the 21st electoral district.
Local upheavals
Democrat Kathryn Waldron defeated Republican Sarah Baxter in the county's 6th District Commission.
In the 4th District, Republican Marci Woodward retained her seat by a narrow margin.
In the state House, Democrats won Districts 93 and 94, while Republicans regained District 87.
Source: Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Boca Post, November 4, 2026.
- THE GREEK-AMERICANS WHO ELECTED
The results of Greek-American candidates are of particular importance to the Greek diaspora.
According to Kathimerini, seven politicians of Greek origin were elected to the new Congress.
Chris Pappas – Democrat
State: New Hampshire
Position: Senator
Chris Pappas defeated Republican John Sununu.
His election marks the return of a Greek-American to the Senate for the first time since 2013.
He is also the first openly gay man to be elected to that particular legislative body.
Gus Bilirakis – Republican
State: Florida
Position: House of Representatives
Gus Bilirakis was re-elected to Florida's 12th congressional district.
He is one of the most recognizable political figures of the Greek diaspora in Washington.
Nicole Malliotakis – Republican
State: New York
Position: House of Representatives
Nicole Malliotaki was re-elected to New York's 11th congressional district.
Its district includes Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.
Mike Haridopolos – Republican
State: Florida
Position: House of Representatives
Mike Charidopoulos won a new term in Florida's 8th congressional district.
Jimmy Patronis – Republican
State: Florida
Position: House of Representatives
Jimmy Patronis was elected to a full two-year term in Florida's 1st congressional district.
Dina Titus – Democrat
State: Nevada
Position: House of Representatives
Dina Titus retained her seat in Nevada.
Maggie Goodlander – Democrat
State: New Hampshire
Position: House of Representatives
Maggie Goodlander was re-elected in New Hampshire.
The importance for the Greek community
The presence of seven Greek Americans in Congress is an important element of the political representation of the Greek community.
The elected officials come from both major parties.
This is of particular importance for issues of concern to the Greek diaspora, such as Greek-American relations, the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, and the cultural presence of Hellenism in the United States.
Source: Kathimerini, November 4, 2026.
- THE HISTORIC ELECTION OF A MUSLIM SENATOR
One of the results that garnered international attention was the election of Abdul El-Sayed.
Michigan – Abdul El-Sayed
Party: Democratic
Position: United States Senator
Opponent: Mike Rogers – Republican
The 42-year-old politician, with previous experience in the public health sector, was elected to the Michigan seat.
He becomes the first Muslim senator in US history.
During the election campaign, he supported policies to reduce the cost of living, limit the influence of large financial interests, and expand access to healthcare.
His candidacy also sparked intense political controversy on foreign policy issues, particularly regarding the United States' stance towards Israel.
What power does he gain?
It is important to clarify that he was not elected governor of Michigan, but a federal senator.
He will represent the state in the United States Senate.
His election does not mean that Michigan has gained a Muslim government or that a religious community has collectively gained power.
It means that an American citizen of the Muslim faith won a major federal election.
There have also been Muslim candidates in state and local elections. However, the records published on the morning of November 4 are not yet sufficient to present a definitive, complete list of all elected candidates of the Muslim faith.
Sources: Reuters, CBS News, Associated Press.
- WHAT THE PROTAGONISTS SAID AFTER THE ELECTIONS
The statements of political leaders reflect the climate of the following day.
Donald Trump
The American president acknowledged that Democrats ran effective election campaigns, while he attributed part of the blame for the Republican defeats to the party's candidates.
The loss of Congress creates new conditions for the implementation of his government agenda.
J.D. Vance
The vice president of the United States linked part of the Republicans' electoral failure to the effects of the war with Iran.
The economic consequences of the conflict were a major issue in the pre-election debate.
Hakeem Jeffries
The leader of the House Democrats described the result as an extremely strong electoral swing.
He even used the term "American tsunami," underscoring the extent of his party's gains.
Jeffries is expected to run for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives when the new body is formed.
Chuck Schumer
The Democratic leader in the Senate expressed confidence that he will maintain his leadership position.
The relevant internal party process had not yet been completed.
James Talarico
The new Democratic senator from Texas emphasized the need to address the economic problems of Americans.
In statements to CNN, he argued that voters gave Democrats an opportunity to reduce the cost of living and tackle corruption, not to focus on political revenge.
Byron Donalds
Florida's new governor thanked voters and pledged to represent all residents of the state, regardless of who they supported.
Source: Associated Press, November 4, 2026.
- ECONOMY AND PRECISION AT THE FOCUS
According to post-election surveys by the Associated Press, the cost of living was a central issue for many voters.
The main economic concerns included:
- Accuracy in food and basic goods.
- The cost of housing and rent.
- Energy and fuel prices.
- The cost of healthcare.
- The economic consequences of the war with Iran.
The election debate was also influenced by immigration policy, the functioning of federal agencies, and concerns about political polarization.
Democrats presented the election as an opportunity to strengthen parliamentary control over the government.
Republicans emphasized security, immigration, and maintaining their political agenda.
The result shows that a significant portion of voters chose a change in parliamentary representation, without this meaning that all states or all social groups moved in the same direction.
- FLORIDA: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS VOTED BY CITIZENS
In addition to political candidates, Florida voters were asked to decide on three important constitutional amendments.
Amendment 1 – REJECTED
It concerned the increase in the ceiling of the state budget stabilization fund and its mandatory reinforcement until the new limit is reached.
Voters rejected the proposal.
Amendment 2 – REJECTED
It concerned the abolition of specific taxes on equipment and machinery used in agriculture, livestock farming and agrotourism.
The proposal was not approved.
Amendment 3 – APPROVED
This specific amendment concerned the increase in the primary residence tax exemption, known as the homestead exemption.
The proposal was approved with approximately 62% of the votes.
It provides for an increase in the relevant exemption to $150.000 in 2027 and $250.000 in 2028, with specific conditions.
The change affects property taxation and creates new data for local government revenues.
The financial result for each owner depends on the value of the property and the applicable tax rates.
Sources: FOX 35 Orlando, WKMG News 6, November 4, 2026.
- BAD WEATHER AND FLOODING: THE PROBLEMS OF ELECTION DAY
The elections took place while several areas of the United States were facing serious problems from severe weather events.
In Florida, heavy rains and flooding caused difficulties for voters to travel.
Polling stations had to be relocated in eight counties.
According to the Associated Press, more than twenty polling places changed locations due to the flooding.
Broward County also experienced temporary delays in the start of voting due to a technical issue.
The problem was addressed, however some citizens had to wait or return later.
Did the bad weather affect the result?
The bad weather created real obstacles for some voters.
However, there is no sufficient published evidence to prove that the final election result of a particular state changed.
This distinction is essential.
The existence of difficulties in accessing the polls is a confirmed fact. Estimating the number of citizens who ultimately did not vote because of them requires additional research.
- WHAT IS CHANGING IN STATE PARLIAMENTS
The changes are not limited to the federal Congress.
According to Ballotpedia, Democrats gained control of at least five state legislatures.
Between them:
North Carolina: House of Representatives.
Wisconsin: State Senate and State House.
Pennsylvania: State Senate.
Minnesota: State House.
This development affects issues that are decided mainly at the state level, such as education, taxation, public health and local economic policy.
What happened in Florida?
Republicans maintained control of the state legislature.
However, according to Ballotpedia, they lost the enhanced two-thirds majority in the State Senate.
This is an important difference, as some legislative and procedural decisions require increased majorities.
- THE ELECTION MESSAGE AND THE NEXT DAY
The result of November 3 cannot be interpreted solely as a victory for a party or a defeat for an individual.
The midterm elections reflected different political attitudes in different regions of the country.
In Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, Democrats achieved significant upsets.
In Florida, Republicans managed to retain the most important state positions.
In other states, voters chose different parties for different offices.
This proves that voting behavior cannot always be reduced to a simple division between "red" and "blue" states.
American voters evaluated candidates, economic conditions, policy choices, and local issues.
The questions that are now being asked
How will President Trump work with a Democratic-controlled Congress?
Which legislative priorities will be able to move forward?
How will economic policy be affected?
What will be the new Congress's stance on the war with Iran and on the United States' international relations?
And what role will the new senators and members of parliament of Greek origin play in issues of particular interest to the diaspora?
These are some of the most important issues of the next period.
- JOURNALISTIC COMMENTARY – AMERICA AFTER THE ELECTIONS
The November 3, 2026 election is a significant moment for American democracy.
The change in the parliamentary majority, the changes in state power, and the election of new representatives from different social groups shape a different political environment.
America did not vote in a unified way.
The people of Texas gave their government a different political direction.
Florida voters chose to retain the Republican administration.
The Greek diaspora will be represented by seven persons of Greek origin in Congress.
And for the first time in the country's history, a Muslim American will serve in the Senate.
Beyond personalities and parties, what will determine the next political period will be the ability of elected representatives to address the problems that concern citizens daily.
Economic security, the cost of living, social cohesion, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the international standing of the United States remain key challenges.
The polls are closed. The new political period is just beginning.
Source | |
National House and Senate results | Associated Press AP News |
Detailed results and political upheavals | Ballotpedia Ballotpedia News |
Winners and losers by region | Roll Call Roll Call |
Historic gubernatorial and senatorial elections | ABC News, The Guardian ABC News |
The seven Greek Americans | Everyday ekathimerini |
The first Muslim senator | Reuters, CBS News Reuters |
Florida results and constitutional amendments | FOX 35, WKMG News 6 FOX 35 Orlando |
Palm Beach County Results | Boca Post Boca Post |
Problems from bad weather | Associated Press, AccuWeather OPB |
Statements by Trump, Vance and Democrats | Associated Press AP News |
Official results pages
For the latest updates, the most important sources are:
Associated Press – Results across states:
AP Election Results 2026
CBS News – 2026 Election Results:
CBS News Election Center
Ballotpedia – Elections and state contests:
Ballotpedia 2026 Election Analysis
Source: Greek News & Radio FL – Original digital creation with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Greek News & Radio FL
Response from Florida
Editor's note: This report is based on the published election results and winner projections available on November 4, 2026. The completion of the count and the official validation of the results are carried out by the competent electoral authorities.
