‘Red Wave’ Optimism Quickly Fizzles Among Republicans—Here’s Why

Breaking Business ‘Red Wave’ Optimism Quickly Fizzles Among Republicans—Here’s Why Siladitya Ray Forbes Staff Covering breaking news and tech policy stories at Forbes. Following New! Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. Got it! Nov 9, 2022, 06:14am EST | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline Donald Trump Jr’s early evening prediction of a “bloodbath” at the midterm elections did not come to pass, with the race to control Congress still tight early Wednesday as Democrats defied expectations by pulling off victories in several battleground states, while a number of right-wing Republican candidates fizzled out.

A supporter of Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake reacts during her election night . . .

[+] gathering at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Getty Images Key Facts Both chambers of Congress are still in play early Wednesday, despite late polling suggesting blowout victories for the Republicans riding a so-called “Red Wave. ” While control of the Senate hangs in the balance, Republicans have not yet managed to gain a single new seat while Democrat John Fetterman beat Trump-endorsed Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania Senate race to flip the seat held by retiring Republican Sen.

Pat Toomey. The GOP still remains poised to win the House, but its margin of victory is likely to be significantly slimmer than anticipated. The biggest surprise of the night was right wing Rep.

Lauren Boebert’s (R-Colo. ) performance, who finds herself trailing Democrat Adam Frisch in an unexpectedly close race. Others, like Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy, tried to put on a brave face by predicting victory in front of his supporters on Tuesday night , claiming that by Wednesday morning they would be in the majority and “Nancy Pelosi will be in the minority.

” According to Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, McCarthy may cop the blame for the party’s poor performance and could see his position as House leader of the GOP challenged by Steve Scalise if Republicans win fewer than 225 seats. Crucial Quote Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen delivered a scathing criticism of the GOP’s performance during the network’s coverage of the election, calling the results a “searing indictment of the Republican Party… [The party] needs to do a really deep introspection look in the mirror right now because this is an absolute disaster. ” He also added: “The Democrat’s anti-MAGA strategy worked,” pointing to the several far-right candidates who lost on Tuesday night.

Chief Critic Rep. Mayra Flores (R-Texas), who was hailed as a major Republican success after flipping her district red in a special election earlier in June, lost to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez. Flores reacted to the loss, with an angry tweet saying: “The RED WAVE did not happen.

Republicans and Independents stayed home. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE RESULTS IF YOU DID NOT DO YOUR PART!” Earlier this year, billionaire Elon Musk said he voted for Flores in the special election noting it was the “first time I ever voted Republican,” and adding “Massive red wave in 2022. ” What To Watch For No major news outlet has made a call on control of either chamber being taken by either of the parties.

The New York Times , however, projects that the House tally may end up 224-211 in favor of the Republicans while the Senate is projected to remain split evenly at 50-50, allowing Democrats to retain control with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaker vote. Contra Despite the Republican party underperforming nationwide, a Red Wave did materialize in Florida, with the former swing state turning decisively red on Tuesday. Both Gov.

Ron DeSantis (R) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R) cruised to easy wins in their elections while the former Democratic stronghold of Miami Dade swung towards the GOP candidates. Both his individual and the party’s performance in Florida further strengthens Desantis’ credentials for a 2024 presidential run.

If he chooses to run, Desantis will likely have to go head to head with former President Donald Trump who is most likely to announce his run later this week. Further Reading Pennsylvania Senate Election: Democrat Fetterman Beats Oz To Flip Key Senate Seat (Forbes) Miami-Dade Goes Red: GOP Scores Massive Midterm Election Wins In Once-Democratic Stronghold (Forbes) Follow me on Twitter . Send me a secure tip .

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