Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, in a result that may strengthen their ability to scrutinize the administration’s health policies and push back against its agenda. Several candidates who emphasized health care, scientific expertise or their medical backgrounds also won key races.
The outcome was widely seen as a setback for Republican health proposals, including Medicaid cuts and changes associated with the Make America Healthy Again movement. Health care was not the only issue shaping voters’ choices: gas prices, grocery costs and the war in Iran also featured prominently. But Democratic victories could be read as encouragement for the party to pursue a stronger health care agenda.
Affordability was central in several closely watched campaigns. In Ohio, physician Amy Acton won the governorship after pledging to prioritize health care access, medical debt, surprise billing and prescription drug costs. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor’s race and promised to pursue full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The state’s existing program, which extends coverage to some low-income adults who meet work requirements, is due to expire at the end of the year.
Doctors and scientists also won congressional seats. Pediatrician Annie Andrews took South Carolina’s open Senate seat, while Abdul El-Sayed won a Senate race in Michigan. The two will be the first Democrats with medical degrees to serve in the Senate since 1969, according to the report. Andrews campaigned on reversing Trump administration health policies, protecting vaccine access and supporting rural hospitals.
El-Sayed, a physician-scientist who previously led Detroit’s public health department, has advocated for Medicare for All and said he intends to hold Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump accountable for what he views as policy failures. Separately, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra won the California governor’s race, with drug pricing among the issues he has focused on.
The results also dealt setbacks to prominent figures aligned with MAHA. Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn lost despite support from Kennedy and a million-dollar investment by the MAHA PAC. Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, a physician and founder of the congressional MAHA Caucus, also lost his reelection bid.
The broader implications for federal health policy are yet to be determined. With control of both chambers, Democrats will have greater ability to investigate administration actions and challenge its policies. Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, a health policy leader, posted “Subpoenas” on X late Tuesday.
Sources: STAT News.