Election 2026: Doctors who won and lost races for Congress

There will be a healthy number of doctors in the House and Senate, and a few physicians engaged in contests that helped shift control of Congress.

Annie Andrews, a Democrat and pediatrician, won a seat in the Senate in South Carolina in what political analysts described as a significant upset. She defeated Republican Sen. Darline Graham, who filled the seat after the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsay Graham, who died in July.

Andrews became the first Democrat to win a Senate race in South Carolina since 1998, but her triumph had national implications.

Andrews’ victory helped Democrats regain the Senate majority, CNN projected. Democrats also reclaimed a majority in the House of Representatives.

Another physician in the Senate made history in the loss of his seat.

Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican and an obstetrician, fell short in his attempt to re-election. Democrat Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, defeated Marshall, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate in Kansas since 1932.

The current Congress features 20 physicians, which had tied a record.

After the midterm elections, the new Congress looks like it will have even more physicians.

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, battled Republican Mike Rogers in a highly watched race. An epidemiologist, El-Sayed previously led health departments in Detroit and Wayne County.

In a noteworthy contest beyond Congress, Amy Acton, a pediatrician, won the Ohio governor’s race, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a race that gained notoriety far beyond the state's borders. The Associated Press projected Acton the winner late Tuesday night. She became the first woman elected governor in Ohio.

Here’s a roundup of the congressional races featuring physicians in Congress.

House Races

Republicans

John Cowan (Ga.), a neurosurgeon, was projected to win his first House term, defeating Democratic attorney Chris Harden, The Hill projected.

Scott DesJarlais (Tenn.), was vying for his ninth term in Congress. He remained in a tight race with Democrat Victoria Broderick.

Andy Harris (Md.), who has been in Congress since 2011, was leading Democrat Dan Schwartz, NBC News reported.

Ronny Jackson (Texas), held a big lead in his bid for a fourth term in the House against Democrat Mark Nair.

Rep. John Joyce (Pa.), held onto his seat, fending off Democrat Beth Farnham, the AP reported. His district includes a swath of central and western Pennsylvania.

Mike Kennedy (Utah), who was elected to Congress in 2024, faced Democratic candidate Jonny Larsen.

Rich McCormick (Ga.), an emergency physician, defeated Democrat attorney Tony Kozycki, the Associated Press reported. He has been in the House since 2023.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa), who has served in the House since 2021, faced Democrat Christina Bohannan.

Greg Murphy (N.C.), who has served in Congress for four terms, faced Democratic challenger Raymond Smith in an extremely tight contest.

Bob Onder (Missouri), who was elected in 2024, held onto his seat by turning back a challenge from Bethany Mann, an environmental chemist.

Ralph Alvarado, a Republican, fell short in his bid to win a seat in Kentucky, losing to Democrat Zach Dembo. CNN projected Dembo as the winner Tuesday night.

Note: Neal Dunn (FL), who represented Florida’s second congressional district for a decade, announced at the beginning of the year that he was not seeking re-election. His term ends in January.

Democrats

Ami Bera (Calif.), who has represented Sacramento since 2013, held onto his seat, defeating Republican Robb Tucker.

Herb Conaway (N.J.), who represents part of southern New Jersey, retained his seat after overcoming three challengers, the AP projected.

Maxine Dexter (Ore.), who was first elected in 2024, easily won a second term after overcoming Republican Loran Ayles.

Adam Hamawy (N.J.), a surgeon, was projected to win his first term in Congress, The Hill reported. He defeated Republican Gregg Mele, an attorney, in the race for an open seat.

Kelly Morrison (Minn.), won a second term in the House, defeating Republican Tyler Bass.

Richard Pan (Calif.), a pediatrician, sought his first term in Congress in a contest against Rep. Kevin Kiley, an independent seeking a third term.

Raul Ruiz (Calif.), who has served in the House since 2012, won another term, comfortably defeating Republican challenger Joe Males.

Kim Schrier (Wash.), who has served in Congress since 2018, held a sizable lead over Republican challenger Spencer Meline.

Amish Shah, (Arizona), an emergency physician, sought his first term in Congress and held a firm lead over Republican Thomas Feely IV.

The Senate

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, will be leaving Congress when the session ends. Cassidy lost in the Republican primary. The chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Cassidy cast a critical vote that assured the confirmation of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Two Republican physicians in the Senate have some more years left on their terms. Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, won’t be up for re-election until 2028. Sen. John Barrasso, a Republican in Wyoming, is serving until 2030.

Beyond Congress

Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health secretary, won the California governor’s race.

Josh Green, Hawaii’s Democratic governor and a physician, sought to fend off a challenge from Republican Gary Cordery. Green was heavily favored in polls to win a second term.

Assessing the next Congress

Chief Healthcare Executive® held a roundtable assessing the impact of the elections and the implications for healthcare. The panel looked at the prospect of funding for healthcare, affordability, Medicaid cuts, rural hospitals, and more.

To get a glimpse of what the next Congress means for healthcare, check out their lively and insightful conversations.

Segment One: The impact on health policy

Segment Two: Medicaid cuts and rural hospitals at risk

Segment Three: The affordability of care

Segment four: Training and protecting doctors

Segment five: Legislation to watch and reasons for hope

(This story will be updated as more results arrive.)