Story perspectives

Cook Moves Seven Seats Democratic, GOP Leads 218-212

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Cook Political Report moved seven House races toward Democrats on June 18, 2026.
Six of the shifted seats are Republican-held.
EMILY’s List women have shifted several competitive races toward Democrats, positioning them as leading flip candidates.
Republicans hold a 218-212 edge with four vacancies, requiring Democrats to flip three seats in November.
Democrat Shomari Figures (D-AL) faces a tough reelection after his district was redrawn GOP-friendly.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 midterms, Republicans captured the House with a 54-seat swing, ending four decades of Democratic control and installing Newt Gingrich as speaker after the Contract with America won 230 seats. The Cook Political Report’s 2026 projection of seven House races moving toward Democrats echoes that historic reversal, suggesting a potential shift comparable to 1994.

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Story summary

The Cook Political Report moved seven House races toward Democrats on June 18, 2026.
Six of the shifted seats are Republican-held.
EMILY’s List women have shifted several competitive races toward Democrats, positioning them as leading flip candidates.
Republicans hold a 218-212 edge with four vacancies, requiring Democrats to flip three seats in November.
Democrat Shomari Figures (D-AL) faces a tough reelection after his district was redrawn GOP-friendly.

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