Republican losses mount after 2026 midterms as Trump defends defense secretary and Iran war

Republican Representative David Valadao lost his reelection bid in California's 22nd District to Democrat Randy Villegas. Valadao was the last House Republican who voted to impeach President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot to lose his seat or retire. Valadao first won election in 2012, lost in 2018 when Democrats flipped more than 40 seats, won the seat back in 2020, and then voted for impeachment. Only two such Republicans remain in Congress, including Valadao and retiring Washington Representative Dan Newhouse.

Leadership and Cabinet

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced he will run for House minority leader, telling colleagues in a five-page letter that the election outcome was worse than expected and urged party unity. President Trump stated he is not considering removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling his work very good despite earlier advisers' questions. Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined Trump for a beam signing marking the final beam for the new White House ballroom.

## Context

Midterm elections in the United States serve as a referendum on the sitting president's first two years in office, often resulting in losses for the governing party. Congressional shifts directly impact legislative control, committee agendas, and federal oversight powers in Washington.