<div>Polls closed on the 2026 midterm elections on Nov. 3, with the results bringing significant milestones to Georgia and the nation. After a drop in support in nearly every state in 2024, Democrats came roaring back on Tuesday, gaining control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.Democrats dominated House elections, winning a significant majority. As of publication, Democrats have won 253 seats to the Republicans’ 157, and NBC projects that the final ratio will be 259-176, well above the 218 needed for control. If projections hold true, it will be the largest Democratic house majority since Bill Clinton was president. Democrats also took control of the Senate, flipping at least seven states including previous Republican strongholds like Texas and Kansas. In Georgia’s state elections, Democrats swept state races, returning Jon Ossoff to the Senate with an 18 point margin. Democrats flipped nine seats to take control of the state house, but Republicans held the state senate with a narrow two-seat majority. All three proposed state constitutional amendments passed. Lydia O’Neill is a second year international affairs major at the University of Georgia and the communications director of the UGA Young Democrats. She was surprised and thrilled with the results of the election.“It was genuinely surreal. Us UGA students have never had a Democratic governor in our lifetimes. We have felt this kind of void and lack of democracy, and maybe a lack of hope as we’ve been under Republican control in this state for most of our lifetime. This is kind of a moment that will live in all of our minds for the rest of our lives. It was such a great memory. We were all just crying, screaming, so happy. If I could describe it, it would just be absolutely surreal,” O’Neill said.Keisha Lance Bottoms made history with her win over Rick Jackson, becoming the first Black woman governor in American history and the first Democratic Georgia governor since 2003. She will join a group of four other Black governors around the nation next year, marking the first time that multiple Black governors have served concurrently. Derriana Smith, a UGA first year and Cedar Shoals Class of 2026 alum, was proud to have participated in electing Bottoms.“We are not just leading America for definite change, we just made history. History that will be discussed in classes and in books years from now,” Smith said. “To be a part of the generation of young people that made this result possible feels heartwarming. Knowing that so many young people are being active in politics and educating themselves just gives me hope for what the future entails for the country.”While Democrats saw great success at the national and state level, they were not able to extend it to Athens races. While Democrat Spencer Frye won reelection to state house district 122 of downtown Athens, Republicans took all other local contests. In the state senate, Republicans won both Athens-area seats, with Frank Ginn winning District 47 unopposed and Marc McMain defeating Ray Smith in District 46 by 9 points. Republicans also held state house Districts 120 and 124, and Mack “Dutch” Guest flipped District 121 away from Democrat Eric Gisler. For Cedar students who are 18, this was their first opportunity to vote. Senior Jillian Stirn cast her first ballot on Tuesday, and found that it helped her stay more engaged in politics. “As someone who struggles to keep up with politics, the whole voting process really made me tune into local politics more. I’ve talked about personal values and ideals with friends, but to actually vote meant that my opinions were able to be reflected. It circles back to the idea that every vote counts,” Stirn said.The ability to vote felt like a powerful new opportunity to senior Caitlin Smith.“I was extremely pleased with the outcome of the elections. Prior to this year, I knew where political systems were but I was not able to vote, and I definitely felt helpless. I had no way to really make an impact or it felt as much. Getting to vote in the midterms and seeing all these Democrats get elected and be the first of their race or gender to hold office and knowing that my vote helped make that happen feels super powerful,” Smith said.MAPPING THE MIDTERMS: An interactive map depicts states with Senate races in 2026 and information about each race. Map by Eli Stone.</div>

Block Source: cedarblueprints.com

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Polls closed on the 2026 midterm elections on Nov. 3, with the results bringing significant milestones to Georgia and the nation. After a drop in support in nearly every state in 2024, Democrats came roaring back on Tuesday, gaining control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Democrats...

Students react to historic election

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Polls closed on the 2026 midterm elections on Nov. 3, with the results bringing significant milestones to Georgia and the nation. After a drop in support i

Students react to historic election

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