Source: Fox News
Summary
Twelve House members and two senators were ousted in the 2026 midterms during party primaries, according to the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Kyle Kondik, the center’s communications director, noted the high number of losses, which is unusual for a non-redistricting year. Factors contributing to the upsets include scandals, political shifts, and ideological battles. Democratic Reps. Shri Thanedar, Dan Goldman, and Adriano Espaillat were defeated by left-wing challengers. Republican Rep. Cory Mills lost his primary in Florida amid controversies. Trump played a role in ousting some GOP lawmakers, while others faced challenges from more conservative or progressive candidates.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Twelve House members and two senators were sent packing in primaries.
Scandals, redistricting, and ideological battles shaped the outcomes.
Younger, more radical candidates replaced older, more moderate ones.
The process feels like a cycle of renewal and replacement.
Author: Evan Null
Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida
Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, facing a pair of controversies, is the latest in a growing list of congressional incumbents sent packing in party primaries this year. Mills, an Army veteran and former military contractor, denied allegations of threatening a former girlfriend with releasing explicit videos. Despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump, he lost his primary to Ryan Elijah, a former local television news and sports reporter.
Twelve House Members and Two Senators Ousted
Twelve House members and two senators have been ousted in the 2026 midterms as they bid for renomination, according to the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Kyle Kondik, the center’s communications director, told Fox News Digital that the number of losses is one of the highest in decades for a non-redistricting year. He noted that the years with higher numbers are those that end in two, which are full redistricting years.
Redistricting and Ideological Shifts
The rare but not unheard of redistricting push over the past year contributed to some of the losses by incumbents. Other factors include scandals, President Donald Trump’s moves to oust some GOP lawmakers, the increasing push by Democrats for generational change, and the successful movement by the far-left to target more moderate, establishment-backed Democrats in nomination showdowns.
Democratic Reps Defeated by Left-Wing Challengers
Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan was defeated earlier this month by a left-wing challenger, state Rep. Donavan McKinney, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York was ousted in the state’s June primary by progressive challenger Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller backed by socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Age and Ideology as Key Factors
Age and ideology were also key ingredients in DSA-member Melat Kiros’ victory over more moderate Democratic Rep. Diana Degette of Colorado. Age and the push for fresh faces fueled a victory by 38-year-old Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee, who won a special congressional election earlier this year over Rep. Al Green, a fellow Democrat who turns 79 next month. The two incumbents faced off for a House seat redrawn through a Texas Republican redistricting push.
