Incumbents in Congress face a tough primary season. Colorado’s Diana DeGette recently lost renomination in the 2026 midterm election cycle, announced by Decision Desk HQ. This trend shows changes within both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Many Democratic voters express frustration with party leadership, citing a weak response to President Donald Trump’s second term. Some have turned to insurgent progressives, while other primaries focus on generational shifts. On the Republican side, Trump-backed challengers have led to losses for incumbents who have fallen out of favor with him.
Over a dozen more states will hold primaries, potentially increasing incumbent losses.
Recent Cycles and Incumbent Defeats
House of Representatives
To date, seven House incumbents have lost primaries, up from four in 2024. In 2020, eight incumbents lost—a record for a non-redistricting year. Other cycles include four losses in 2018, five in 2016 and 2014, and four in 2010.
Redistricting years like 2012 and 2022 saw more defeats, with 15 incumbents losing in 2022 and 12 in 2012. Many incumbents ended up competing against each other due to redrawn districts.
Senate
Senate primary defeats happen less often. So far, two GOP senators have lost renomination. In 2017, Senator Luther Strange lost the Alabama GOP primary. Earlier, in 2012, GOP Senator Richard Lugar lost in Indiana. Additionally, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski lost her primary in 2010 but won the general election with a write-in campaign.
Reasons for 2026 Incumbent Losses
Political science professor Stephen Farnsworth from the University of Mary Washington explains the reasons behind incumbent losses. Voters often want change, affecting the president’s party during midterms. He notes President Trump’s active role in removing GOP incumbents he finds disloyal. In Democratic contests, voters seek more aggressive candidates against Trump.
Notable 2026 Primary Losses
Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana Republican)
First elected in 2014, Cassidy lost renomination. Trump-endorsed Representative Julia Letlow won the nomination. Cassidy faced backlash for voting against Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial, a move criticized by Louisiana conservatives.
Senator John Cornyn (Texas Republican)
Long-serving since 2002, Cornyn lost to Trump-backed Attorney General Ken Paxton. His support for a gun-safety bill and doubts about Trump’s 2024 chances drew criticism. Cornyn lost the runoff to Paxton by a 64-36 margin.
Representative Dan Crenshaw (Texas Republican)
Crenshaw lost to Steve Toth, endorsed by Trump. Criticized for aiding Ukraine and certifying Biden’s 2020 victory, Crenshaw acknowledges lesson in honesty and voter trust.
Representative Diana DeGette (Colorado Democrat)
Longtime Denver representative DeGette lost to Melat Kiros, a DSA member. Kiros was viewed as more progressive, aligning with the district’s shift.
Representative Adriano Espaillat (New York Democrat)
In New York’s 13th District, Espaillat lost to DSA member Darializa Avila Chevalier. Her support from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a focus on progressive issues helped her win.
Representative Dan Goldman (New York Democrat)
Goldman lost to Brad Lander in Brooklyn and Manhattan’s 10th District. Lander had backing from Mamdani and progressive alliances, resonating with voters.
Representative Al Green (Texas Democrat)
Green lost to Christian Menefee in a Houston-based district impacted by generational change. Redistricting also influenced the outcome.
Representative Julie Johnson (Texas Democrat)
Johnson’s loss to Collin Allred stemmed from redistricting. The suburban Dallas district she occupied shifted conservatively.
Representative Thomas Massie (Kentucky Republican)
Massie’s opposition to Trump-led initiatives and relationships with figures like Jeffrey Epstein led to his defeat by Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein.
Upcoming Competitive Primaries
Justice Democrats have spotlighted races to watch. They endorsed Donavan McKinney against Representative Shri Thanedar in Michigan and former Representative Cori Bush against Representative Wesley Bell in Missouri.
Mai Vang and Angela Gonzales-Torres also lead progressive charges in California. Governor Dan McKee’s performance in Rhode Island faces local challenges.
Contact Newsweek editors Anna Commander and Gray R. Thomas for further details.