A major turning of the tables in the Senate in favor of the GOP appears to be underway, with three Democratic senators announcing that they are not seeking re-election in 2026, which led one conservative influencer to describe the situation as “massive” and point out that the resignations could present a unique opportunity to turn multiple blue states red.
For context, in early 2025, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) all announced that they were not seeking re-election in the 2026 midterms, leading conservatives to rejoice online and gear up for the elections. In addition, some noted that the change could lead to Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire, all generally thought of as blue states, turning red.
Sen. Peters announced that he was not running for re-election on January 28, 2025, in a YouTube video, saying that after serving three terms in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate, it was time for him “to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins.” The senator added, “I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026.”
Likewise, Sen. Smith announced that she was not running for re-election in an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune, saying that while she was leaving public office, she was going to “keep fighting to uphold our shared values and get things done to the very best of my ability.” She added, “While I’ll be sad to leave the Senate in two years, today I am full of hope for the future—and pride for the things we’ve been able to accomplish.”
In addition, Sen. Shaheen announced her retirement on March 12, 2025, noting that she had served in public office for 30 years. In a statement, she told her constituents, “I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never, and will never, change.” The senator continued, “But today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026. It’s just time.”
Continuing, the senator said that there are “urgent challenges” coming in the future “both here and around the world,” adding, “And while I’m not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring. I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond to continue to try and make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country.”
In response to the news, conservatives reacted online by celebrating and stressing how critical the midterms will be — along with toasting to the Democrats’ loss. Conservative influencer Scott Presler wrote, “WOW! 3 democrat Senators have announced they are NOT seeking re-election in 2026,” going on to list the senators’ names before adding, “It just keeps getting worse for democrats — these are all swing states.”
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Furthermore, Eric Daughtery of FL Voice News called the news “MASSIVE,” adding, “Republicans have 2 VERY possible flips after Democratic incumbents decide not to run: MICHIGAN and NEW HAMPSHIRE in 2026.” Daughtery continued, “This, paired with North Carolina and Georgia, gives Republicans 55 seats + the vice president (56).” He attached a screenshot of a map featuring Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Michigan turning red or purple, saying, “Very possible this happens.”
Featured image credit: Sen. Gary Peters via X