From TIME · Angela Haupt · · 3m
Doctors and Scientists Win Midterms
Health experts and scientists secure key congressional seats in 2026 midterms.
In brief
Health experts and scientists secure key congressional seats in 2026 midterms. Healthcare professionals including pediatricians, microbiologists, and mathematicians won political seats in the 2026 midterm elections. Originally reported by TIME.
Midterm Winners Include Doctors
Democratic victors in the midterm elections included people who have spent their careers treating patients, studying viruses, and solving equations.
Healthcare Background Matters
Erik Polyak, executive director of 314 Action, says doctors connect with voters directly without party questions.
“You go into the ER and your doctor doesn’t ask what party you are”
Policy Skills Over Credentials
Brian Castrucci, an epidemiologist, cautions that health credentials alone don’t guarantee good policy.
“Congress needs people who know how to weigh evidence, ask hard questions, and admit what we do not yet know”
Dr. Annie Andrews Wins Senate
South Carolina’s incoming U.S. senator has researched childhood asthma and gunshot wounds.
“Everyone deserves the peace of mind that if they or their child get sick, they can see a doctor without going broke”
Firearm Safety Approach
Dr. Andrews’ focus on children’s safety helps discuss gun issues with strong gun-rights supporters.
“By emphasizing children’s safety, she has found a way to discuss the issue with strong gun-rights supporters”
Dr. Georges Benjamin
Dr. Benjamin leads the American Public Health Association and praises Andrews’ approach.
“He hopes that approach can help lawmakers have an intelligent conversation about protecting children and communities from firearm violence”
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Wins Senate
Michigan’s incoming U.S. senator helped take care of a woman who hit her head and later found her sleeping on the subway.
“I realized that I was a lot more interested in what happens before a patient gets to the door than what happens in the hospital”
El-Sayed’s Health Platform
El-Sayed supports Medicare for All, reversing Medicaid cuts, and stronger protections against political interference.
“He’s brilliant. He’s thoughtful. He’s respectful, and he follows the evidence wherever it goes”
Jasmine Clark Wins Georgia Seat
Clark, a microbiologist, won Georgia’s open seat after teaching biology at Emory University.
“That’s very top of mind for me”
Clark’s Research Focus
Clark wants to restore scientific research funding and reverse damage from Elon Musk’s government spending changes.
“That’s very top of mind for me”
Elaine Luria Returns to Congress
Luria, a former Navy engineer, won Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat after losing in 2022.
“She helped investigate the Jan. 6 attack before losing her seat to Republican Jen Kiggans in 2022”
Luria’s Healthcare Plan
Luria’s plan includes restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies and expanding prescription-drug negotiations.
“She also wants to expand telehealth and help recruit doctors and nurses to rural communities”
Dr. Amy Acton Becomes Governor
Acton defeated biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to become Ohio’s first elected female governor.
“She led with the facts and compassion”
Acton’s Healthcare Proposals
Acton’s proposals include medical-debt relief and an Ohio prescription-drug program.
“She’s got the ability to talk to both sides of the political aisle”
Mitchell Berman Wins Wisconsin Seat
Berman, an emergency-room nurse, defeated Republican Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st District.
“I've watched patients ration medication they can't afford and families lose everything because they got sick”
Berman’s Healthcare Priorities
Berman wants a public insurance option, lower prescription costs, and faster answers to prior-authorization requests.
“He also wants protections against violence toward health-care workers, and for bedside nurses to help determine staffing standards”
Christina Bohannan Wins Iowa Seat
Bohannan defeated Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks on her third attempt after losing by 799 votes.
“We lost everything trying to save him”
Bohannan’s Healthcare Goals
Bohannan wants to expand Medicare’s ability to negotiate prescription prices and cap insulin at $35 a month.
“She also supports expanding clean energy and lowering families’ living costs”
Daniel Biss Wins Illinois Seat
Biss, a mathematician, will succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th District.
“A lot of people come to policymakers with information that is maybe self-interested or reflects only one point of view”
Biss’s Healthcare Focus
Biss wants to reverse federal health-care cuts, expand prescription-drug negotiations, and establish Medicare for All.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the world right now”
The key point
Healthcare professionals including pediatricians, microbiologists, and mathematicians won political seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
