Former president Barack Obama has weighed in after Democrats rode a sweeping wave of energy to the polls in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Several states, from Texas to Georgia and South Carolina, made historic votes as Democrats regained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
In a post shared on social media, Obama, who campaigned heavily during the final weeks of the midterms, highlighted that the candidates who were “united by shared values” mattered at the ballot box and those who made a “commitment to putting the people of their districts and states first.”
“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,” Obama began.
“These results were only possible because outstanding candidates stepped forward in every region of the country — including in areas once considered long shots. 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.”
Several of the candidates Obama backed down the stretch, including Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek and James Talarico, all won their races. Among Obama-endorsed candidates, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Peggy Flanagan, Gina Hinojosa and David Crowley made history in their respective races.
Heading into Tuesday, Democrats eyed flips of several Senate and House seats. They came away with seven new seats in the Senate and 25 new seats in the House, with some races still to be called.
Obama concluded his remarks by thanking election officials on both sides of the political spectrum who helped “ensure a smooth election,” and he left a message for new leaders stepping into their respective roles as the calendar turns to 2027, especially in Washington.
“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,” he wrote.
