Incumbents in Congress face a difficult primary season. Colorado’s Diana DeGette is the latest to lose renomination in the 2026 midterm elections, as reported by Decision Desk HQ.
The trend of incumbent losses reflects shifts within both Democratic and Republican parties. Many Democratic voters express frustration with party leadership over what they perceive as weak responses to President Donald Trump’s second term. This has led to support for insurgent progressives. For Republicans, several incumbents lost after inciting Trump’s displeasure. Trump has backed primary challengers against them. More potential defeats loom as over a dozen states hold primaries in the coming months.
Comparison to Previous Cycles
House of Representative Incumbent Losses
This cycle, seven House incumbents have lost in primaries. This is an increase from four in 2024. In 2020, eight incumbents were defeated in primaries, marking a modern record for a non-redistricting cycle. Four lost in 2018, five in 2016, and five in 2014. The year 2010 saw four losses.
Redistricting years have seen more defeats. In 2022, 15 incumbents lost due to new district lines, while 12 were defeated in 2012. These changes often forced incumbents into contests with each other.
Senate Incumbent Losses
Senate primary defeats are less common. However, two GOP senators lost renomination this cycle. The last time a senator lost a primary was in 2017, when Senator Luther Strange was defeated in Alabama’s GOP primary. Before that, GOP Senator Richard Lugar lost in Indiana in 2012. Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski lost her 2010 primary but won the general election through a write-in campaign.
Reasons for 2026 Losses
Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington explained that incumbents often lose because voters seek change. This frequently results in challenging midterms for the president’s party. Farnsworth noted that 2026 is particularly intense due to Trump’s aggressive strategy against Republican incumbents seen as disloyal. Democratic contests also show anger, with many voters wanting candidates who promise more resistance against Trump.
Incumbents Who Have Lost in 2026
- Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana Republican): Cassidy lost renomination in Louisiana’s Senate race. The Trump-endorsed Julia Letlow eventually won the nomination, capitalizing on Cassidy’s impeachment trial vote against Trump.
- Senator John Cornyn (Texas Republican): Cornyn, a more traditional Republican, lost to Trump-backed Ken Paxton. His support for gun safety measures and skepticism about Trump’s chances in 2024 drew criticism.
- Representative Dan Crenshaw (Texas Republican): Trump’s endorsement against Crenshaw led to his loss. He was criticized for supporting aid to Ukraine and certifying Biden’s 2020 victory.
- Representative Diana DeGette (Colorado Democrat): DeGette was unseated by Melat Kiros, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, in a district viewed as more progressive.
- Representative Adriano Espaillat (New York Democrat): Espaillat lost to Darializa Avila Chevalier, with criticism over his stance on Israel being a key issue.
- Representative Dan Goldman (New York Democrat): Goldman was defeated by progressive Brad Lander, who gained support from influential local figures.
- Representative Al Green (Texas Democrat): Green lost to Christian Menefee in a generational contest following district redrawing.
- Representative Julie Johnson (Texas Democrat): Johnson’s loss was affected by district redrawing, losing to former Representative Collin Allred.
- Representative Thomas Massie (Kentucky Republican): Massie, a vocal Trump critic, lost to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein after opposing parts of Trump’s agenda.
Upcoming Competitive Primaries
Numerous primaries are still to come, with several expected to be competitive. Justice Democrats support candidates like Donavan McKinney against Shri Thanedar in Michigan and Mai Vang against Doris Matsui in California. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a tough challenge from Helena Foulkes amid local issues affecting popularity.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors Anna Commander and Gray R. Thomas.
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