Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody won Florida’s special Senate election Tuesday, defeating Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon, while Democrats secured five Senate victories in New Hampshire and four Northeastern states as the 2026 midterm results unfolded.
Independent election-night coverage confirmed Moody’s Florida victory; the Associated Press confirmed New Hampshire’s result. The six victories preserved seats already under their respective parties’ control. They did not produce additional Senate pickups as Democrats sought to overcome Republicans’ pre-election 53-47 advantage.
Florida: Moody Keeps Republican Seat
Moody, Florida’s former attorney general, secured her first statewide election victory for the U.S. Senate after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the position in January 2025.
The appointment followed Marco Rubio’s resignation to become secretary of state under President Donald Trump.
Moody defeated Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat who campaigned on reducing household costs and expanding government health care programs.
The special election determines who serves the remaining two years of Rubio’s original Senate term, which expires in January 2029. Moody’s victory gives Republicans an important hold as they seek to retain control of the Senate.
New Hampshire: Pappas Defeats Former Republican Senator
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire) defeated former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu (R-New Hampshire) in the contest to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
The Associated Press projected Pappas’ victory, denying Republicans a pickup in a competitive open-seat race.
Sununu previously represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2009 before losing reelection to Shaheen in 2008. Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019.
Before Election Day, a commentary column in The Dallas Express examined Republican canvassing efforts supporting Sununu and noted public polls that placed Pappas ahead.
Four Democratic Incumbents Win Reelection
Democrats also retained Senate seats in four other states, according to AP race calls summarized in its election-night coverage.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) defeated Republican Justin Murphy, while U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) defeated Republican John Deaton.
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) won reelection against Republican Michael Katz. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) also prevailed over Republican Raymond McKay and independent Michael Bahry.
All four victories preserve Democratic-held seats rather than alter the Senate’s partisan balance.
Battle For Senate Control Continues
The new calls follow Democrat Roy Cooper’s victory in North Carolina, where he defeated Republican Michael Whatley to capture the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
As previously covered by The Dallas Express, Cooper’s victory represents a Democratic Senate pickup, unlike the six holds in this latest group.
Republicans entered Election Day with 53 Senate seats, while Democrats and two independents who caucus with them held 47. With North Carolina representing one Democratic pickup, additional competitive races will determine whether Republicans maintain their Senate majority.
The Associated Press’ projections do not constitute official certification. State and county election officials continue counting and canvassing ballots.
Provided by Dallas Express
