Urban vs. Rural: The Great Divide
Democrats nailed suburban districts across Virginia and Pennsylvania but got a hard time in rural states like Indiana, Missouri, and North Dakota. It looks like the party still can’t quite click with blue‑collar white voters.
Trump: Still a Force to Reckon With
Pretty much every Democrat attributes their House triumph to Trump’s unpopularity among women, minorities, the young, and grad‑degree suburbanites. Republicans say the President’s late‑night push helped them pick up Senate seats. And folks in swing states like Florida and Ohio? They’re still cheering him on.
Progressive Pilots Missed the Mark
The likes of Beto O’Rourke (Texas), Andrew Gillum (Florida) and Richard Cordray (Ohio) came up short. Even though they had eyes everywhere and a lot of fan‑fare, they couldn’t break through the noise. That could spell trouble for the progressive camp’s 2020 presidential race.
Party Leaders Keep the Governor’s Wave in Check
Trump‑backed Ron DeSantis and Mike DeWine took Florida and Ohio, while Kim Reynolds captured Iowa. All three are key battlegrounds for the next presidential election.
Republicans: Trump‑Centric like Never Before
Out flew the Senate (Bob Corker, Jeff Flake) and House (Barbara Comstock, Mike Coffman) moderates. The remaining caucus is solidly in the Trump camp, shaping the party’s next moves.
Late‑Game Hot‑Topics Shifted the Gears
The GOP found a rallying cry when Democrats switched gears on Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh. Those three senators who had backed Trump’s first pick, Gorsuch, flipped to oppose Kavanaugh and lost. Trump’s focus on the Mexican migrant caravan also helped win some Senate surprises, but maybe cost a few House seats.
Great Lakes: Democrats Hold Holds
Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, Ohio’s Sherrod Brown, Pennsylvania’s Bob Casey, and Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow stayed in their seats—no serious threat from Trump‑backed challengers. A good sign for Democrats heading into the 2020 race.
