Democratic Physicians Win Key Seats in 2026 Elections

Democratic physician candidates won several seats in the November 2026 U.S. elections, reversing a historical trend where doctors in Congress were primarily Republicans. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, was elected to the Senate in South Carolina, becoming the first practicing Democratic physician to serve in the Senate since 1938. Other successful candidates included Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and several House members.

These victories coincided with losses for Republican physicians, including Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Roger Marshall of Kansas. Marshall's defeat followed reports that he had sued over 700 patients for unpaid medical bills.

Much of the Democratic success was driven by 314 Action, which invested over $30 million to recruit and fund candidates with science backgrounds. The organization provided campaign strategy, media training, and fundraising support to help these candidates reach national and local audiences. The new lawmakers campaigned on platforms of public health, equity, and health affordability, frequently countering the anti-vaccine messaging of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.