Barack Obama: Democratic midterm wins 'a clear message' — voters want unity not division
Obama says voters chose unity over division and calls for Democrats to act where they have power after gains in both chambers.
Former US president Barack Obama welcomed the decisive wins by Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterm elections as a clear signal from voters that they want unity rather than division.
In a post on the X platform dated November 4, 2026, Obama wrote: "Tonight, the American people sent a clear message — they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face."
Key victories and historic firsts
Obama said the Democratic gains in both the House and the Senate were made possible because "outstanding candidates stepped forward in every region of the country — including in areas once considered long shots." He added: "They came from different backgrounds and represented a range of political perspectives, but were united by shared values, a belief in public service, and a commitment to putting the people of their districts and states first."
The former president also praised the thousands of election officials and volunteers from both parties who, he said, helped ensure a smooth election and performed "one of the most essential functions of our democracy." He noted that, although the current administration led by President Donald Trump has two years left in office, Democrats must now "roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future."
Among the results Obama highlighted was his campaign appearance alongside progressive Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed, who won the Michigan Senate race and became the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress. Other notable Democratic successes included James Talarico’s victory in Texas — described as the first Democratic Senate win there in 38 years — and a Senate win in Kansas by Adam Hilton, the first for that party in the state since 1932.
Democrats also recorded historic gubernatorial returns: Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia will become the first Black woman to serve as governor in U.S. history; Gina Hinojosa became the first governor of Texas of Latino heritage and the first Democrat in that office since 1990; and David Crowley won the governor’s race in Wisconsin, becoming the state’s first Black governor.
Obama’s message stressed both celebration and immediate work: "While this administration has another two years in office, our job now is to roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future."
Photo: EPA/ARI SAPERSTEIN
