The anticipated red wave turned into a red trickle, leaving many scratching their heads and others throwing in the towel. But Republicans had some major wins, with more wins anticipated once the counting is done. (Day 5 and we’re still counting votes in Nevada, Arizona and California. Completely unacceptable.) What are the silver lining takeaways in this election?
First Things First – What Happened to the Red WAVE
If you are old enough to recall Bill Clinton’s slogan while running against George Bush, Sr. – It’s the Economy, Stupid – you would rationally assume that the current state of the U.S. economy would lead to a LOUD repudiation of the current administration and its’ policies.
As expressed by “Fox & Friends” co-host Ainsley Earhardt:
“How do you explain this country? Open borders, record gas prices, inflation is the worst in 40 years, the president’s approval ratings are so bad, worst crime since the 1980s. Yet I heard last night this is an indictment on the Republican Party. Is it? How are these — these issues, when our country is in such a bad state right now, how is this not a red wave?”
Two voting groups changed historical voting patterns
68% of Unmarried women and 63% Gen Z voters (age 18-29) swung overwhelmingly to the Democrats, fighting off a red wave. What lead to this strong affiliation? Abortion rights and debt forgiveness were huge components of this mass support. (The Biden Executive Order on student loan forgiveness was struck down as unconstitutional AFTER the mid-terms, but not before it had the desired effect of a bribe.)
It is truly amazing how much more important abortion has become to Americans rather than putting food on the table, filling up your gas tank or keeping your home warm in the winter. Destroying life through all nine months up until the moment of birth (California’s Prop 1) and not requiring assistance to those who survive an attempted abortion (Montana’s Referendum #131) is hard to fathom, but the cultural Left is blazing new grounds of depravity.
Although abortion was not directly on the ballot, it was indirectly on the ballot and tens of millions of dollars were poured out by pro-abortion interests, while the Republican party was relatively silent. Over-all, pro-life messaging was outspent 35:1, and much of the messaging was pure propaganda and misinformation. The Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision did NOT create a national abortion BAN. It returned the decision to the states which was the CONSTITUTIONAL reversal that should never have been necessary. But this did not keep Planned Parenthood and NARAL from spreading fear regarding miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, pre-eclampsia which were NOT affected by abortion legislation. High risk pregnancy emergencies are not considered abortion when the life of the mother is at risk.
The predicted increase in pregnancy deaths has not occurred. Instead, a new Charlotte Lozier Institute analysis indicates the Texas heartbeat law saved 5,000 to 10,000 babies from abortions during its first 6 months. The Dobbs decision may have cost Republicans a red wave, but that’s a trade I will gladly take.
But even better news . . . we did not have to sacrifice a political gain for a moral one. We are still going to retake the House along with MULTIPLE wins across the country.
God Bless Texas
While the national results revealed deeply troubling priorities and ideologies, Texas Republicans maintained control of all statewide officeholders, picked up 2 Congressional seats, a member of the State Board of Education, and expanded Republican majorities in the Texas House and Senate.
“Voters sent a clear message they support those who fight for their beliefs. It is not enough to merely sit on the sidelines and cheer for your team or to be better than the other side. You must be the man in the arena, on the field, actively battling for righteousness. Our elected officials must realize this and act accordingly. Our battle for the heart and soul of this country did not begin or end last night. We must continue to ensure the America and Texas we love is preserved. The Republican Party of Texas plans to do exactly that.” – Matt Rinaldi, Chairman, Republican Party of Texas
Tarrant County – The Last Red Holdout
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, is one of just two of the nation’s 20 largest urban counties that is still red. It is a true firewall in the state of Texas, which is a firewall to the nation. It is a crucial hold out against the onslaught of blue across the state and it just increased its’ fortitude with the election of Tim O’Hare as Tarrant County Judge.
Also, newly elected State Representative for District 93, Nate Schatzline, which covers the northern part of Fort Worth, is a man after God’s own heart! I’ve heard Nate speak multiple times and volunteered on his campaign. He will be a great warrior on the wall.
*Opinion: I do not believe it is a coincidence that numerous individuals, committed to protecting our religious liberty, have felt called to the DFW area. I see an intentional, divine strategy, and that further strengthens my resolve to fight for our country and for the next generation.
Other Major Wins
In the race for Nevada governor, Republican challenger Joe Lombardo beat incumbent Democrat Steve Sisolak.
Florida, previously a “purple” swing state, became a solid “red” fortress. Besides a blowout election for Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is poised to send 20 Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives, an increase of four from the current delegation. This is a HUGE win for Republicans and a huge loss to Democrats.
Abraham Hamadeh, (R) won election for Attorney General of Arizona.
Kari Lake is poised to beat Katie Hobbs as Governor of Arizona.
An unusually strong, well-financed campaign by GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin (and district lines that were drawn by a court-appointed special master after judges struck down maps prepared by the Democratic-controlled state legislature) helped boost GOP congressional results in New York State. It was the best showing by a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 20 years. The GOP looks set to make major gains in the State Legislature, ending the Democratic supermajorities in both houses in Albany, and may flip enough congressional seats in New York alone to retake the House majority.
“What Congressman Zeldin has accomplished here, today, is very significant,” New York Republican State Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy said. “The House gains in New York are going to be substantial when the dust settles.”
Republicans won all 3 Supreme Court Justice seats in Ohio, as well as 3 in Texas.
In North Carolina, Republicans flipped two Democrat incumbent Supreme Court seats. In 2023, Rs will have a 5-2 majority.
Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer won Oregon’s 5th District seat in Congress, flipping longtime Democratic seat red.
Parental rebellion against wokeness, radical gender ideology and misguided COVID-19 policies produced solid results in numerous school board elections across the country. The 1776 Project stated it has flipped more than 100 races nationwide. Of the 67 candidates Moms for Liberty supported in Florida, 41 won.
Interesting note – the Republican path to the majority in the House came through flipped seats in New York and California. Two of the brightest blue states in the country. This is why you don’t give up, even when it seems impossible.
Biggest Win of All
God is still on His throne. He is neither surprised, discouraged or dismayed. He is in control!
“The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” Psalms 33:10-11
Keep your chin up and stay on the wall!!!
Pray for Gen Z . . . for IDENTITY in Christ to be revealed.
Gen Z got played. Promise of debt repayment in exchange for their vote. Pray that they will wake up and recognize the lies that they are being told. Pray against a culture of death that has invaded their hearts and minds.
Add other significant wins or prayers in the comments below.
2 Responses
Thank you for putting the election results into positive perspective! I agree whole heartedly regarding the abortion and debt forgiveness factors—both, to me, purely shortsighted selfish motives—and the dems knew exactly what they were doing with the debt forgiveness. They knew it would not hold water, but timing was everything!
However, our God also knows exactly what He is doing and that trumps man’s plans every time. He is still on the throne, and prayer changes things! I have peace and hope for our nation, but we must continue to pray and do our part in our sphere of influence.
Thank you Elaine for laying out solid facts with a Kingdom perspective – wins and losses – yet not all is lost! Disappointment mustn’t skew our ability to see the ground we’ve gained – but now is the time to take heart and secure it, and forge ahead to apprehend more. I keep holding to this truth above all the noise, “Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of His throne!” Great article!