7 biggest surprises from the 2026 primary cycle

The 2026 primary cycle has served up enough surprises to fill out a bingo card.

Tuesday’s primaries in Delaware marked the last contests of the season, as both parties gear up for the battle for control of Congress

Over the last six months, the left flank of the Democratic Party cemented its political power, ousting a number of incumbents, while President Trump maintained his status as the GOP kingmaker — despite suffering a handful of high-profile losses as Republicans have fought to hold their majorities in the House and Senate this fall.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued a historic decision reshaping the landmark Voting Rights Act and setting off a final redistricting scramble.

With just 48 days until Election Day, here are the key surprises from the 2026 primaries.  

Democratic socialists clinch upsets 

Democratic socialists and far-left progressives surprised many this cycle when they ousted sitting House members, including Congressional Progressive Caucus lawmakers — showcasing the antiestablishment and anti-incumbent energy that dominated this year.

Democratic socialists Darializa Avila Chevalier and Melat Kiros defeated Reps. Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.) and Diana DeGette (Colo.), respectively, while democratic socialist Claire Valdez won the primary for retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s (N.Y.) open seat. Donavan McKinney, who was backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), ousted Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan. 

Democratic socialists also scored notable wins in Democratic primaries for Senate — state Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the DSA, defeated Trump whistleblower Alex Vindman in a Florida Democratic House primary, while democratic socialist N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas won against the establishment favorite Jim Priest in Oklahoma.

DSA candidates even fared well down the ballot, such as when state Rhode Island state Rep. David Morales defeated incumbent Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary for Providence mayor.  

Fetterman makes cameo at GOP midterm convention

One of........

© The Hill