Republicans headed into Christmas with a string of developments that reinforced their electoral footing, legal strategy, and governing momentum.
From holding a competitive House seat to locking in a major confirmation, the party closed the year with tangible wins rather than talking points. Taken together, these moments offered the GOP fresh proof of durability heading into 2026.
1. GOP Holds Tennessee Seat In Crucial Special Election
Republicans successfully defended a critical House seat in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, keeping it firmly in GOP hands after a closely watched special election. Republican Tennessee Rep. Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn with 52.4% of the vote as returns neared completion.
The race followed the July resignation of former Republican Tennessee Rep. Mark Green and attracted heavy spending from both parties despite the district’s Republican history. Van Epps’ victory reassured GOP strategists that even high-profile vacancies in competitive districts can stay red.
2. Republicans Rack Up Election Integrity Court Victories
While attention focused on President Donald Trump’s fast-moving agenda, the Republican National Committee quietly secured multiple election-law wins in court. The RNC prevailed in key legal battles across Arizona, Georgia, and Washington tied to election procedures and safeguards.
“These cases represent that a lot of times, things get started and resolved during an election year, but many times they don’t, and the RNC doesn’t walk away from them,” an RNC official told the Caller. “We are here to see these things through.”
One ruling from Arizona’s Court of Appeals concluded that Secretary of State Adrian Fontes failed to follow proper rulemaking when finalizing the state’s Election Procedures Manual. Party lawyers argued the manual weakened protections against non-citizen voting and restricted ballot challenges. The court’s decision validated those concerns.
Republicans notched additional legal victories in Georgia and Washington after courts rejected efforts to loosen absentee ballot rules and upheld signature verification requirements. The rulings reinforced GOP-backed election laws and capped a series of wins that RNC leaders say strengthen voter confidence while heading into the 2026 cycle.
3. GOP Polling Signals Midterm Staying Power
National polling suggested Republicans head into the 2026 midterms in a competitive position. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 46% of voters aged 50 and older plan to back Republican congressional candidates, compared with 38% who favor Democrats.
Older voters tend to turn out in higher numbers during midterm elections. Even Democratic strategists conceded the numbers show their party faces internal challenges as Republicans consolidate support among consistent voters.
4. Senate Confirms Trump’s NASA Pick In Bipartisan Vote
Isaacman, a close ally of Elon Musk, ultimately cleared the chamber before the calendar expired. Without Senate action, Trump would have needed to restart the nomination process, making the vote a timely institutional victory.
“You are as committed to American supremacy in the final frontier as is this committee and the entire Senate,” Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, the Commerce panel’s lead Republican, told Isaacman. “My hope is that you will be confirmed and in this role before the end of this year.”
5. GOP Stays Aligned On Election Participation Strategy
Republican leaders closed the year by reaffirming unity on voter participation and election security. The RNC told the Daily Caller it has no plans to break with Trump on mail-in voting despite reports suggesting a strategic shift.
Party officials said their focus remains on securing ballots while boosting turnout, arguing their legal work has improved voter confidence. GOP leadership framed the approach as a continuation of existing strategy rather than a retreat from Trump’s longstanding skepticism of mail-in voting.
“The RNC’s mission is to protect the vote and turn out the vote by strengthening voter confidence. Our election integrity work has boosted Republican participation by addressing concerns about security, and this cycle we’re again ensuring every ballot is secure and properly counted,” GOP Press Secretary Kiersten Pels told the Caller.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screen Capture/PBS NewsHour)
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