Republicans face steep climb after midterm losses in Texas and beyond

Republicans suffered a major defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections, with Democrats flipping seven Senate seats and winning governorships in Texas and other states, signaling a sharp reversal from Trump's 2024 presidential victory. The losses included Democratic Senate wins in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, and Maine, where Republican Susan Collins lost after nearly 30 years in office. Voters cited the Iran war and rising energy prices, including heating oil up 82% year-over-year, as key concerns. Trump's 2024 coalition of working-class and minority voters proved fragile, as his tariffs and military actions eroded support. The party now faces a difficult path to rebuilding that coalition for the 2028 election.