CCA's 2026 Mid-Terms Election Recap:

CCA Members Edition

With several races still undecided, the CCA Policy Team is pleased to provide this initial overview of the 2026 elections, the changing political landscape in Washington, and potential implications for communications policy. 

2026 Midterm Elections

The ads have stopped. The Get-Out-The-Vote notifications have been silenced. The cable-news election maps tucked away until 2028 (or at least until the first 2028 presidential hopeful announces an exploratory committee sometime next week). 

As the dust settles on the 2026 midterm elections, voters delivered a significant shift in political power, handing Democrats control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term in one of the most consequential midterm elections in decades. While several races remain too close to call, the outcome is clear, setting the stage for a very different political dynamic in the next Congress.

Both chambers changing party control in the same midterm election is relatively rare, with the last two instances the so-called “Republican Revolution” of 1994 under President Bill Clinton and the Democratic wave of 2006 during President George W. Bush’s second term. The 2026 cycle had no shortage of twists, from contentious primaries and significant retirements to record campaign spending, projected at nearly $12 billion.

One of the biggest factors shaping this election was an unusual wave of mid-decade congressional redistricting. Efforts by Republicans to strengthen their House majority prompted countermeasures in Democratic-led states, while court decisions reshaped maps elsewhere. In all, nine states used new congressional maps, shifting district boundaries for an estimated 34 million Americans—roughly one in ten. Despite the efforts, the new maps ultimately did not prevent Democrats from taking control of the House.

As in many midterm elections, voters weighed their views of the party in the White House, with the economy and affordability among their top concerns. Democratics will now face the challenge of translating electoral victories into a legislative agenda while exercising increased oversight of the Trump Administration. Messaging bills will could help lay the groundwork for a 2028 Democratic presidential candidate even if such legislation fails to become law. President Trump, meanwhile, has emphasized his veto authority, but also signaled a willingness to work with Democrats. With divided government ahead, the question becomes where the two parties can find bipartisan cooperation. Adding another layer to the political dynamics will be the emerging field of emerging 2028 presidential contenders, some of whom may seek to distinguish themselves from the Trump Administration as the next election cycle gets underway. 

Election Impact: U.S. Senate

Democrats flipped at least 7 Republican-held Senate seats, securing control of the chamber for the 120th Congress. As of Wednesday morning, Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them held a projected 54 seats to Republicans 44, with two races still uncalled. In Alaska, Senator Dan Sullivan (R) and former Representative Mary Peltola (D) remain locked in a close contest, with ranked-choice tabulation scheduled for November 18 if neither candidate secures a majority of first-choice votes. Mississippi’s race between Senator Cindy Hyde-Smtih (R) and Democrat Scott Colom is also too close to call, with the candidates separated by a razor-thin margin.

Republicans entered the election cycle with a thin margin of control and a Senate map generally considered favorable to their party, but retirements, cabinet appointments, and an increasingly completive political environment created opportunities for Democrats in states that have long favored Republicans. Among the more notable developments were the primary defeats of incumbent Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and John Cornyn (R-TX), along with Democratic victories in several states that had not elected a Democratic senator in decades, including against Republican candidates were personally hand-picked and supported by President Trump. 

States of Play: Senate Races of Note

Democrats secured notable victories across the country and the party’s ideological spectrum, including Texas State representative and seminarian James Talarico in Texas, the state’s first Democratic Senate winner since 1988; Adam Hamilton in Kansas, the first since 1932; and Dr. Annie Andrews in South Carolina, the first since 1998. Other significant victories included former Governor Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Iowa State Representative and Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek in Iowa, and logger and former State Senate President Troy Jackson of Maine. 

Special elections also brought in notable results. In Florida, appointed appointee Senator Ashley Moody (R) won election to serve the remainder of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s term. In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown (D) defeated appointed Senator Jon Husted (R) to complete the remainder of Vice President JD Vance’s term, returning him to the Senate just two years after losing his 2024 reelection bid. secured a return to the Senate. Senator-elect Brown may be sworn in as soon as Ohio certifies the election results. In Oklahoma, Representative Kevin Hern (R) won the seat vacated by Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Under a recent opinion from Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Hern may be sworn in once the election is certified, replacing appointed Senator Alan Armstrong (R) before the new Congress convenes. These changes will impact both lame duck margins of control, as well as seniority for the 120th Congress and beyond .  

Election Impact: Senate Leadership

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is expected to become the Majority Leader in the 120th Congress, with the party’s electoral gains strengthening his position following earlier questions about his leadership. Democrats will also select a new Whip following the retirement of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) is currently running unopposed for the position, potentially positioning him as a future leader of the Democratic caucus.

On the Republican side, John Thune (R-SD) is expected to continue leading the conference as Minority Leader. While there has been some speculation that President Trump could seek to influence the leadership contest or encourage a challenge to Thune, the Senator continues to enjoy broad support within the Republican caucus. No significant challenger has emerged, despite the party’s unexpected election losses ahead of leadership elections.

Election Impact: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Committee membership during the 119th Congress:

REPUBLICANS

1. Ted Cruz, Texas (Chair)
2. John Thune, South Dakota
3. Roger Wicker, Mississippi
4. Deb Fischer, Nebraska
5. Jerry Moran, Kansas
6. Dan Sullivan, Alaska
7. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee
8. Todd Young, Indiana
9. Ted Budd, North Carolina
10. Eric Schmitt, Missouri
11. John Crtis, Utah
12. Bernie Moreno, Ohio
13. Tim Sheehy, Montana
14. Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia
15. Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming

DEMOCRATS

1. Maria Cantwell, Washington (Ranking Member)
2. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
3. Brian Schatz, Hawaii
4. Ed Markey, Massachusetts
5. Gary Peters, Michigan
6. Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
7. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois  
8. Jacky Rosen, Neveda
9. Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
10. John Hickenlooper, Colorado
11. John Fetterman, Pennsylvania
12. Andy Kim, New Jersey
13. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware

Members in bold were on the 2026 ballot and won their respective races.

Members in bold and highlighted were on the 2026 ballot but their race has not yet been called.

Members with strikethrough lost their re-election bid for Senate, did not run again, or were elected to another office.

Members in italics and struck through did not run for re-election.

Note: All Senators also served on the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee.

Many of CCA’s advocacy priorities fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Commerce Committee, which will see several changes in membership and leadership in the 120th Congress. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Gary Peters (D-MI) are retiring, while Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) both won their respective gubernatorial races and will leave the Senate in January. Both gubernatorial victories also create interesting Senate succession scenarios. Blackburn has indicated she plans to remain in the Senate until taking office as Governor, allowing her to appoint her own successor, who would serve until a special election in November of 2028. Klobuchar could similarly appoint her own successor, depending on the timing of her resignation, with special election in November 2027.

While the respective party conferences will ultimately determine committee assignments, many familiar faces are expected to return in new roles. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is expected to reclaim the gavel she lost two years, with current Chairman Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) becoming Ranking Member. On the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is expected to become the Chairman, with current Chair Deb Fischer (R-NE) serving as Ranking Member. The anticipated leadership changes would provide continuity on several issues important to competitive carriers. Both Luján and Fischer have been closely involved in telecommunications policy, including universal service and FirstNet. While the committee’s membership and priorities will evolve under Democratic leadership; CCA will continue working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. 

Election Impact: U.S. House of Representatives

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and five of the six non-voting delegates were on the 2026 ballot. Even before Election Day, the House was facing significant turnover, with 74 members (32 Democrats and 42 Republicans) already set to depart due to resignations, retirements, primary defeats, or decisions to seek other offices, the highest number of pre-election departures since 1992. Democrats entered Election Day needing a net gain of three seats to reclaim the majority, a threshold they surpassed mid-evening on Election Night. While several races remain uncalled, Democrats have secured control of the chamber, with the final size of their majority still to be determined. 

Election Impact: House of Representatives Leadership

With Democrats regaining control of the House, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) is expected to become Speaker, with current Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA-5) moving into the Majority Leader position and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33) becoming Majority Whip. If elected to these positions, all three would make House history: Jeffries as the first Black speaker, Clark as the first woman Majority Leader, and Aguilar as the first Latino Majority Whip. While the final size of the Democratic majority remains uncertain, the party is expected to have more room to navigate its moderate and progressive factions than Republicans have enjoyed with their narrow majority over the past two years.

On the Republican side, leadership changes are already underway. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-4) informed staff Wednesday morning that he will not seek to lead House Republicans int he minority. Current Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) are seeking the position, setting up a potentially competitive leadership race. Both previously sought the Speakership in 2023, and each brings a different approach to leading the Republican conference. Scalise has served in House leadership for more than a decade, while Jordan has played a prominent role in congressional oversight and investigations.

Current Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) intends to seek the Republican Whip position, while Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI-9) plans to remain Republican Conference Chair. House Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on November 10, with the results helping determine how the party approaches its new role in the minority.

Election Impact: House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Committee membership during the 119th Congress:

REPUBLICANS

1. Brett Guthrie, Kentucky 2 (Chair)*
2. Bob Latta, Ohio 5*
3. Morgan Griffith, Virginia 9*
4. Gus Bilirakis, Florida 12*
5. Richard Hudson, North Carolina 9*
6. Buddy Carter, Georgia 1*
7. Gary Palmer, Alabama 6
8. Neal Dunn, M.D., Florida 2*
9. Dan Crenshaw, Texas 2
10. John Joyce, Pennsylvania 13
11. Randy Weber, Texas 14
12. Rick Allen, Georgia 12*
13. Troy Balderson, Ohio 12
14. Russ Fulcher, Idaho 1*
15. August Pfluger, Texas 11*
16. Diana Harshbarger, Tennessee 1
17. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Iowa 1
18. Kat Cammack, Florida 3*
19. Jay Obernolte, California 23*
20. John James, Michigan 10
21. Cliff Bentz, Oregon 2
22. Erin Houchin, Indiana 9*
23. Russell Fry, South Carolina 7*
24. Laurel Lee, Florida 15
25. Nick Langworthy, New York 23
26. Tom Kean, New Jersey 7*
27. Michael Rulli, Ohio 6
28. Gabe Evans, Colorado 8
29. Craig Goldman, Texas 12*
30. Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota (at large)*

DEMOCRATS

1. Frank Pallone, New Jersey (Ranking Member)*
2. Diana DeGette, Colorado 1
3. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois 9
4. Doris Matsui, California 7*
5. Kathy Castor, Florida 14*
6. Paul Tonko, New York 20
7. Yvette Clarke, New York 9*
8. Raul Ruiz, California 25*
9. Scott Peters, California 50*
10. Debbie Dingell, Michigan 6*
11. Marc Veasey, Texas 33
12. Robin Kelly, Illinois 2*
13. Nanette Diaz Barragán, California 44*
14. Darren Soto, Florida 9*
15. Kim Schrier, Washington 8
16. Lori Trahan, Massachusetts 3
17. Lizzie Fletcher, Texas 7
18. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York 14
19. Jake Auchincloss, Massachusetts 4
20. Troy Carter, Louisiana 2*
21. Rob Menendez, New Jersey 8*
22. Kevin Mullin, California 15
23. Greg Landsman, Ohio 1*
24. Jennifer McClellan, Virginia 4*

*Serves on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee

Members with strikethrough lost their re-election bid or did not run again for their House seats, due to retirement, running for other offices, etc.

Members highlighted in bold are part of state election counts still ongoing.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) will see significant turnover in the 120th Congress. Even before Election Day, eight E&C members – four Republicans and four Democrats – were set to depart due to retirements, unsuccessful primaries, or campaigns for other offices. Election day brought additional turnover, most notably the defeat of Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Richard Hudson (R-NC-9), who also chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee. In Florida, mid-decade redistricting made reelection more challenging for E&C members Darren Soto (D-FL-9) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14). Castor won reelection, while Soto held a narrow lead in a race that remained too close to call Wednesday morning.

With Democrats taking control of the House, Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), a longstanding member and former E&C Chair, is expected to reclaim the gavel. Current E&C Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2) is expected to become Ranking Member. Unlike Republicans, House Democrats do not impose term limits on committee leadership positions, allowing longtime members like Pallone to return to chairmanships when their party regains the majority, a key difference from House Republican rules that typical limit chairs or ranking members to three consecutive terms atop a committee as Chair or Ranking member.

At the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, where many of CCA’s advocacy priorities are first considered, current Ranking Member Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-7) is expected to return as Chair, assuming she wins her still-uncalled reelection race. With Chriaman Hudson’s loss, the top Republican position is now open. trailing in North Carolina, the top Republican position could also be open. Subcommittee Vice-Chairman Representative Rick Allen (R-GA-12) and Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), current Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee and a member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, are among the potential candidates. Final committee assignments and subcommittee leadership will be determined as the 120th Congress organizes by January, with committee ratios and number of members for each party determined by the overall balance of power. 

Post-Election: What Remains for the 119th Congress

Before the Sunday shows can begin analyzing everything that’s happened this week, waxing poetic and prophetic about this election season and the next, the current Congress still has plenty of unfinished business as the lame duck session of the 119th Congress begins today. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to D.C. on November 9 with approximately five legislative weeks scheduled for the remainder of the year. Republicans will retain control of both chambers of Congress until adjourning sine die for the 119th but with limited time and competing priorities, the question is how much Congress can realistically accomplish before adjourning. 

Remaining Legislative Days In the 119th

Appropriations

At the top of the list of remaining legislative priorities is funding the federal government. The current continuing resolution (CR) expires December 11, 2026, leaving Congress to either complete its FY2027 appropriations work or enact another extension to avoid a government shutdown. Complicating the picture is the election defeat of Seante Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), who lost her bid for a sixth term, and whether historical trends of Appropriators working together hold – it is sometimes said that in Washington, there are Democrats, Republicans, and Appropriators. With twelve appropriations bills to pass for 2027, the House has passed three – Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and National Security-State. The rest have advanced out of the Appropriations Committee but have not yet seen floor time. The Senate has passed none of their bills, and all bills must be reconciled between chambers to be identical before becoming law. Appropriations bills include funding for various agencies and telecommunications related activities, such as the FCC and NTIA, and agency activities will pause activities if funding lapses. To prevent a lapse in funding and subsequent Federal Government shutdown, Congress may choose to roll all the funding bills into an Omnibus – one massive, end of the year spending package. This method is efficient and utilizes precious Senate floor time in an effective manner but is unpopular with budget hawks who view end of the year “‘buses” as a shortcut on a critical function of Congress. The current Congress could also lean fully into Senioritis and choose to enact a short-term continuing resolution (CR) providing funding into early 2027, absolving themselves of immediate responsibility and starting their holiday festivities early. 

Omnibuses often take on the tenor of the holiday season becoming “Christmas trees” with all sorts of policy priorities and legislative odds and ends tacked on as leaders search for votes and members. Sometimes colloquially called “ash and trash”, it’s the final chance for bills in the current Congress, large or small that might not make it over the finish line on their own, despite broad support. A straightforward CR, however, could leave significantly less room for those priorities. Among the outstanding issues that could be affected are the Farm Bill, which includes rural broadband programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and FirstNet reauthorization, with the FirstNet Authority’s current authorization set to expire in February 2027.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Also considered a must-pass but rarely adorned with other priorities like Omnibus thanks to strict rules by Committee leaders is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA provides funding and policy support for America’s military and U.S. national security and ensures seamless continuity of military operations and programs. Congress has passed this defense bill for 65 consecutive years, and the House and Senate have been working towards a final package, including provisions addressing spectrum, cybersecurity, and national security. In the past, NDAA’s have been attached to Omnibuses or traveled closely alongside.

Additional 119th Congressional Priorities

The Senate is scheduled to begin consideration of a massive, bipartisan energy-related permitting bill, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, when it returns on November 9. Other potential lame duck legislation includes the Protect College Sports Act, which has already passed the Senate but awaits House action.

That said, it is possible that the Senate's remaining agenda could ultimately be much narrower, and that the narrow margins in the House of Representatives could be further stressed if there are any attendance issues. If that scenario plays out, other legislative priorities and pending nominations could be left unfinished. For competitive carriers, that could mean FirstNet reauthorization and permitting reforms, both of which have seen considerable work this Congress, are pushed into the 120th Congress despite their importance and the progress already made.

Senate Republicans have an opportunity to advance additional judicial and administration nominees before relinquishing control in January, but floor time could become a significant obstacle. The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a November 10 hearing on Danielle Thumann Severs, President Trump's nominee to the FCC, while Democrats have called for pairing her nomination with the renomination of Commissioner Anna Gomez. Whether her nomination can advance through the committee and receive a Senate floor vote, alone or as part of a broader nominations package, before the end of Congress remains uncertain. 

With the clock ticking, the coming weeks will determine which priorities cross the finish line and which will be left for the 120th Congress.

Looking Ahead: The 120th Congress

When the 120th Congress convenes in January, Democrats will control both chambers of Congress while Republicans retain the White House. With control of the chamber comes control of the calendar, and Congressional oversight is expected to be a major focus, including increased scrutiny of the Administration's actions over the past two years regarding technology and telecommunications policies and companies. At the same time, divided government will make bipartisan cooperation essential to advancing any legislation. 

For CCA, our advocacy priorities remain unchanged. Guided by our member-driven annual Advocacy Agenda, CCA will continue working with policymakers from both parties through the remainder of the 119th Congress and into the 120th, convening on January 3, 2027, including:

• Universal Service Fund (USF) Reform: Building on the work and draft legislative framework developed by the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional USF Working Group to modernize the program, preserve predictable and sufficient high-cost support, including operating expenses, and address long-term sustainability. Under Democratic control, there will likely be an increased focus on affordability within USF

• FirstNet: FirstNet reauthorization if not addressed in 2026

• IP Transition: Working with Congress to ensure a smooth IP transition for U.S. networks from legacy TDM to all IP interconnection, while preserving competition and protecting consumers   

• Infrastructure and Permitting Reform: Building on bipartisan momentum and support for energy infrastructure permitting reform to advance similar reforms to reduce costs and delays associated with deploying and upgrading communications networks 

• Spectrum Access: Advocating for meaningful CCA member access to spectrum for commercial use and equitable participation in future spectrum auctions, and for improvements and maximization of existing commercial bands    

KEY UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL DATES AND DEADLINES:

Week of November 9, 2026 : House Republican Caucus Organizational and Leadership Elections 

November 10, 2026 : Senate Republican Leadership Elections 

November 18-19, 2026 : House Democratic Caucus Organizational and Leadership Elections

December 11, 2026 : Current Government Funding Expires

January 3, 2027 : The 120th Congress Convenes

Ways to Stay Involved

Key CCA Dates:

• Weekly Throughout 2027: CCA Washington Representatives Group Call ( Sign Up )
• January 13, 2027: CCA’s Advocacy Agenda Meeting – now virtual in 2027 ( Register )
• February 9-10, 2027: CCA Summit and Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. ( Register )
• September 13-15, 2027: CCA’s 2027 Annual Convention in Palm Springs, CA 

CCA’s Advocacy Agenda: Our annual policy framework, CCA’s Advocacy Agenda guides the policy priorities for the upcoming year. CCA holds a meeting open to all members at the start of each year where CCA members engage in discussion and provide feedback on issues critical to the competitive communications service provider industry. The final product is then approved by CCA’s Board of Directors. This year’s 2027 Advocacy Agenda meeting will be held virtually January 13, 2027. Register here . 

CCA Summit : The inaugural CCA Summit will bring together carrier leaders, policymakers, regulators, technology executives, and industry partners for a focused discussion on the issues shaping the future of connectivity. Building on CCA’s longstanding presence in Washington while broadening the conversation beyond traditional policy discussions, attendees will gain a front-row perspective on how decisions made in Washington intersect with the realities of building networks, deploying new technologies, investing in infrastructure, competing in a rapidly changing marketplace, and serving consumers and communities. Programming will feature influential leaders and conversations bringing together perspectives from federal government, competitive providers, and the broader technology ecosystem. This event will take place alongside Capitol Hill Day in D.C., February 9 - 10, 2027. Register here .

CCA’s Capitol Hill Day : Now paired with the CCA Summit, Capitol Hill Day is CCA’s premier advocacy event for all members—carriers, associates, and affiliates. It is an opportunity to engage face-to-face with congressional policymakers and their offices to share the direct impacts CCA members have on their communities, and advocate for the best policies for rural America. All CCA members are welcome, and we encourage robust participation in our annual event. For any questions regarding this event, please contact our Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Maribeth Collins . Register here .

Be a Speaker at CCA Events: If you are interested in joining CCA events as a speaker, including The CCA Summit, and would like to lend your expertise to specific industry topics and discussions, please submit to be considered as a speaker for our events. 

CCA Washington Representatives Group: The Washington Representatives (WASH REPS) Group holds weekly calls to discuss the latest developments on legislative and regulatory issues most important to competitive carriers and other industry stakeholders. WASH REPS members also receive a weekly Media Recap which includes the week's legal filings, press releases, news clips, and other important CCA updates. This Committee is open to all CCA members. Sign up here .

CCA Policy Working Groups: CCA’s Washington Reps Group holds topic-specific discussions via working groups , which are open to all members and not limited to just Washington Representatives Group participation. We welcome any colleagues within your company that you believe would benefit from these conversations. Working groups allow tailored conversations to ensure that we are hearing your greatest priorities and needs in a more targeted way to make sure we are most efficiently advocating on your behalf to decision makers. These working groups are open to all CCA members and not limited to Washington Reps Group participants. 

CCA PAC : For more information on future elections and CCA PAC’s political activities on Capitol Hill, please authorize CCA PAC here . If you have any questions regarding the PAC, please reach out to CCA PAC Treasurer Maribeth Collins .

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