The Republican National Committee (RNC) has spoken out against any narrative that there is a “Democratic wave” taking place.
The Democrats have flipped 28 state legislative seats since President Donald Trump’s second term began in January 2025, something Democrats have touted as a phenomenon to watch heading to the 2026 midterms.
But RNC National Press Secretary Kiersten Pels has pushed back on this characterization dismissing Democratic special-election wins.
“These races have never been predictive of general elections,” she said in a statement to Newsweek.
Why It Matters
Control of state legislatures influences abortion, guns, voting access and redistricting, making special-election trends a potential signal for the 2026 midterms.
Democrats argue that their successes during Trump’s second term signal dissatisfaction that will show itself in the upcoming midterms, while Republicans argue that these races are not reflective enough to have a big impact.
What To Know
Democrat Bobbi Boudman won the most recent flip for her party, the special election for New Hampshire House Carroll County District 7.
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin was one of many who celebrated the win in a post on X last week, saying: “Representative-elect Bobbi Boudman ran an incredible campaign and won in a district Republicans carried by 13 points last election. Democrats have now flipped 28 state legislative seats since Trump took office, while Republicans haven’t flipped one.”
Similarly, DLCC President Heather Williams said in a statement: “Tuesdays are becoming a headache for state Republicans across the country as they suffer one stunning defeat after another.”
Pels was responding to these kinds of statement when she told Newsweek: “Ken Martin is desperately trying to spin state legislative specials as some kind of national ‘wave,’ even though these races have never been predictive of general elections. The reality is that Democrats are consumed by infighting, factional warfare, and competing agendas that are tearing their party apart.
“Meanwhile, Republicans remain united behind President Trump and his America First policies that are lowering costs, strengthening our economy, and delivering real results for American families.”
Newsweek has broken down a list of all 28 seats flipped.
Democratic flips spanned 2025-2026 special and general contests, including New Hampshire’s Carroll County District 7 and earlier gains in Georgia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Virginia and New Jersey.
The New Hampshire House, Republicans held a 214-178 advantage before recent vacancies and a declared independent—heightening the stakes for November, when all 400 seats will be on the ballot.
What People Are Saying
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told Newsweek: “President Trump is the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party, and he is committed to maintaining Republicans’ majority in Congress to continue delivering wins for the American people. President Trump was elected with a resounding mandate to reverse disastrous Biden-era policies and unleash a new era of prosperity for our country–and it’s clear that he has delivered for Americans with a secure border, cooling inflation, working-class tax cuts, new trade deals, new drug pricing deals, and trillions in investments.
“The United States is once again respected thanks to President Trump’s peace-through-strength, America First policies and bold actions. The White House is keen to tout these victories in the months ahead as we continue to work to Make America Great Again.”
DLCC President Heather Williams: “Bobbi Boudman’s flip in New Hampshire tonight is just the latest in a string of 28 Democratic state legislative flips since Trump’s election. These wins aren’t a flash in a pan—together, they tell an undeniable story of Democratic momentum as voters reject Republicans and blame them for soaring costs.”
What Happens Next
Both parties are expected to escalate spending and organizing in battleground legislatures such as Arizona, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and competitive Texas districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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