Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) didn't mince words Wednesday after Democrats racked up major gains across the country in the 2026 midterm elections. In a post on X, Kelly said the results amounted to voters rejecting President Donald Trump, his policies and the congressional Republicans who backed his agenda.
Kelly criticized Trump for failing to address Americans' needs and argued the election outcome reflected deep dissatisfaction with his presidency.
"Trump ignored the needs of the American people and did the exact opposite of what he campaigned on," Kelly wrote.
He described the outcome as a "rejection" of Trump, his policies and Republicans in Congress, accusing GOP lawmakers of doing "nothing but enable him."
Democrats Secure Key Senate Victories
Democrats secured key victories in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) defeated Republican Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) beat Michael Whatley, and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) won reelection.
The Associated Press called the Georgia race, while early results largely favored incumbents. Democrats also targeted Republican-held Senate seats in Alaska, Maine, Iowa, Ohio and Texas as they sought control of the chamber.
Democrats Score Major Gubernatorial Victories
Democrats secured major gubernatorial victories as well. Gina Hinojosa (D) defeated Republican Greg Abbott (R) in Texas, and Amy Acton (D) beat Trump-backed Vivek Ramaswamy (R) in Ohio.
Gov. JB Pritzker (D) won a third term in Illinois, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) secured reelection.
Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) flipped Georgia's governorship, and Deb Haaland (D) won in New Mexico, making history as the first Native American woman elected governor.
Republicans retained Florida as Byron Donalds (R) defeated David Jolly (D). Meanwhile, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) maintained a lead over Republican Andy Biggs (R), though the race had not been called.
Trump Addressed Midterm Defeat
Trump blamed his absence from the ballot for Republicans' poor 2026 midterm performance, saying the party would have won "IN A LANDSLIDE!" if he had been a candidate. He also said he was willing to accept the election results and work with Democrats.
