Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont issued an ominous warning Tuesday night, ahead of the expected government shutdown at midnight, saying he is worried about whether Republicans will accept defeat if Democrats win control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.
Newsweek reached out to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Sanders has increased his warnings to Democrats and the public as the midterms approach, raising concerns about the stability of U.S. democracy, intensifying economic inequality and the possibility that Republicans may not accept electoral defeat if Democrats capture the House of Representatives in November of next year.
With President Donald Trump’s administration supporting redistricting maneuvers in various states, the integrity and outcome of the next congressional cycle are drawing heightened national focus.
What To Know
While speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Sanders said, “I, among others, you know we’re working very hard in these 2026 elections. And by the way, to be honest with you, I worry about whether or not the Republicans will accept defeat if Democrats win a majority in the House, we will see whether they will accept defeat.”
Sanders then questioned a potential scenario in which Democrats win a few seats, and additional elections are close. In this instance, the senator added, it’s possible that Republicans will question if illegal voters factored into the tallies, as he further speculated that the GOP could challenge the close races in court versus trusting the outcome of a recount.
“Bottom line here is, I worry about the growth of authoritarianism in this country, and I think you have a president who doesn’t respect or even understand the Constitution,” Sanders added.
With more than a year until the 2026 midterms, Democrats hold small leads in major national polls. A CNBC poll released in early August found Democrats favored by 49 percent of voters on the generic congressional ballot compared with 44 percent for Republicans, while YouGov and Emerson College polls report similar margins.
What People Are Saying
Trump, in August on Truth Social: “The Republican Party is doing really well. Millions of people have joined us in our quest to MAKE AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN. We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS. We have raised far more money than the Democrats, and are having a great time fixing all of the Country Destroying mistakes made by the Biden Administration, and watching the USA heal and prosper. The results are incredible, a record pace!!! In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
What Happens Next
The midterms are scheduled for November 3, 2026. Local and statewide races in New Jersey and Virginia this fall will serve as an early litmus test of public sentiment toward the Trump administration and congressional Republicans. Every stage leading up to Election Day will likely be shaped by ongoing legal battles, redistricting disputes and intensified scrutiny of political messaging.
