Following court-ordered redistricting aimed at increasing Black voter representation, Democrats in Mississippi made significant gains in special elections on November 4th, breaking the Republican supermajority in the state Senate for the first time in years. The special elections, which encompassed six state Senate districts and one House district, resulted in Democrats securing two additional Senate seats and another in the House, reducing the Republican hold to 34 seats in the 52-member Senate. This shift stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit alleging the state diluted Black voting power, leading to a federal court order to redraw legislative maps and create more majority-minority districts. These election outcomes, which are not final until certified, represent a turning point in Mississippi politics and could influence future legislative and congressional district lines, and could change the balance of political power in the state.
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Florida Democrats saw significant victories in recent special elections, with RaShon Young and LaVon Bracy Davis winning their races for the state House and Senate, respectively. Both candidates secured a larger share of the vote than Kamala Harris received in those districts during the 2024 election. These wins, while in Democratic-leaning districts, have sparked debate among political experts about the potential implications for the upcoming midterms, particularly in a state that has trended Republican in recent years. The outcomes could reflect shifts in voter sentiment and dissatisfaction with the current administration. The results will be further tested in the November 2026 midterms.
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Democrats look to flip GOP seats in Georgia, Iowa special elections on Tuesday. It’s interesting to see the focus on these upcoming special elections in Georgia and Iowa, particularly because they are state senate races. The conversation around Iowa is especially intriguing, with the perception that the state might be ripe for a shift. Des Moines seems to be a bit more liberal than other parts of the state, perhaps even more so than some blue coastal areas. There’s a sense of untapped potential, a feeling that the political landscape could be changing.
Democrats look to flip GOP seats in Georgia, Iowa special elections on Tuesday.… Continue reading
Despite losing the special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District to Trump-endorsed Republican Jimmy Patronis, Democrat Gay Valimont significantly narrowed the Republican margin of victory, even flipping Escambia County—a county Trump won by 19 points in 2024. While Patronis won overall by a 17-point margin, Valimont’s strong performance, along with similar results in another Florida special election, suggests a potential shift in the political landscape. Democrats are highlighting these improved results in traditionally Republican strongholds as evidence of growing momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
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Special elections in Florida’s 6th and 1st Congressional Districts, previously held by Republicans Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz, will be held on Tuesday. A recent poll showed a surprisingly close race in the 6th District, with the Democratic candidate leading by a mere 3 points, despite the district’s strong Republican history. While control of the House isn’t at stake, a Democratic win in either race would significantly impact the Republican majority and boost the Democratic Party. Both parties are investing heavily in these elections, highlighting their importance in the early stages of the second Trump administration.
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Democrat Mike Zimmer secured victory in Iowa’s Senate District 35 special election, defeating Republican Kate Whittington with 52% of the vote. This win flips the seat previously held by now-Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer. Zimmer, a veteran educator, will serve until 2026, representing Clinton, Jackson, and Scott counties. While Republicans retain a 34-16 Senate majority, Democrats highlighted the win as a rejection of the current Republican agenda.
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A lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Florida challenges Governor Ron DeSantis’s failure to schedule special elections for two vacant Florida legislature seats. Plaintiffs argue this inaction violates the state constitution and established precedent, depriving constituents of representation. The governor’s delay contrasts with the swift actions of previous governors in similar situations. This is not the first time DeSantis has faced legal action for neglecting to call special elections. The lawsuit asserts the governor’s refusal is both unlawful and undermines democratic principles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood