Good morning,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University of Missouri System regarding the federal government and higher education. We have put together a list of news articles that will keep you informed of the actions taken by the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government. These articles are meant to be informative and are not a reflection of the views or stance of the system regarding these issues.
If you would like more information regarding any of the stories we share, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Dusty Schnieders schniedersd@umsystem.edu and/or Emily Lucas el59bz@umsystem.edu.
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Midterm Elections
2026 Midterm Elections Reshape Washington
Tuesday’s midterm elections brought a significant shift in Washington, with Democrats winning control of both the House and Senate for the final two years of President Trump’s term. House Democrats are projected to hold at least 255 seats, well above the 218 needed for a majority, while Senate Democrats could secure as many as 56 seats as remaining races are decided. The results reflect widespread voter concerns over the economy, rising costs, and the war in Iran, with Democrats making significant gains in traditionally Republican states.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the next Speaker, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer will return as Majority Leader. Both have identified affordability and economic issues as top priorities, alongside efforts to revisit Medicaid cuts, tariffs, and the war in Iran. While Democrats will have greater influence over the legislative agenda and congressional oversight, President Trump will retain veto authority, making bipartisan negotiations necessary to advance major legislation.
The election results have also set the stage for a reshuffling of congressional leadership. House Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on November 10, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) competing to succeed Speaker Mike Johnson as the top House Republican. House Democrats will hold their leadership elections November 18–19. These decisions, along with upcoming committee leadership and membership changes, will shape congressional priorities heading into the 120th Congress.
Missouri’s congressional delegation will also see changes following the election of Fred Wellman in the 2nd Congressional District and Chris Stigall in the 6th Congressional District, who received the endorsement of retiring Congressman Sam Graves. We look forward to building strong relationships with both Congressmen-elect as we continue supporting our universities and the communities we serve. We are also grateful to Congresswoman Ann Wagner and Congressman Sam Graves for their years of public service, longstanding support of the University of Missouri System, and valued partnership over the years.
United States Senate – 2026 Midterm Elections
Democrats flipped seven Republican-held U.S. Senate seats in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, securing control of the Senate. These results included several traditionally Republican states, marking a significant shift in the political landscape heading into the 120th Congress.
- Maine: Troy Jackson defeated incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R).
- North Carolina: Former Gov. Roy Cooper defeated Michael Whatley (R), flipping the seat previously held by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R).
- Ohio: Former Sen. Sherrod Brown defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Husted (R).
- Iowa: Josh Turek defeated Rep. Ashley Hinson (R).
- Kansas: Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R), becoming the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1932.
- Texas: James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton (R), who had defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
- South Carolina: Annie Andrews defeated incumbent Sen. Darline Graham (R), who was appointed to complete the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Two Senate races remain uncalled:
- Alaska: Former Rep. Mary Peltola (D) holds a narrow lead over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R), with additional votes still being counted.
- Mississippi: Scott Colom (D) holds a narrow lead over incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R). The race remains particularly close, and Mississippi does not have an automatic or candidate-requested recount process; a recount requires a court order.
Capitol Hill News
Lame-Duck Session: Government Funding and NDAA Deadlines
Attention turns to the lame-duck session, where Congress faces several significant legislative deadlines. Government funding is set to expire December 11, and negotiations continue over the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Congress has passed annually for 65 consecutive years. With disagreements surrounding the war in Iran, Senate Democrats may seek to leverage both the government funding deadline and NDAA negotiations to pursue restrictions on military operations or related funding. These debates could complicate efforts to finalize both measures before the end of the year.
NCAA was nearing a historic win in Congress. Then voters changed everything
USA Today – November 4, 2026
The future of the Protect College Sports Act (S. 4668) faces increased uncertainty following Tuesday’s midterm elections. The legislation, which passed the Senate on September 28 with bipartisan support in a 77–22 vote, would establish a national framework for college athletics, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation, revenue sharing, student-athlete eligibility, transfer rules, and antitrust protections. With Democrats set to take control of both chambers in January, Congress faces a narrowing window to pass the legislation during the lame-duck session. Opposition remains among some House members over student-athlete rights and antitrust protections, while competing legislative priorities, including government funding and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), could further complicate passage. If Congress does not act before the end of the year, the legislation would need to be reintroduced in the 120th Congress.
How midterms may change the House impeachment equation for Hegseth
Fox News – November 6, 2026
Following the midterm elections, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces renewed scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties over the administration’s military operations in Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has announced plans to force a House vote on articles of impeachment when Congress returns next week, potentially bringing the issue before lawmakers during the lame-duck session. Several House Republicans have indicated they may support impeachment, although Republican leadership could seek to block a vote through procedural measures. With Democrats preparing to take control of the House in January, additional congressional oversight and investigations into Hegseth’s leadership and military operations are also anticipated. President Trump has publicly expressed support for Hegseth, who has defended his actions and indicated he intends to remain in office. Any impeachment would require a simple majority vote in the House, while removal from office would require conviction by a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Congressional Calendar
Congressional Calendar 2026 (Read here as a PDF.)