Democrats flip congressional seats in Pa., NJ amid midterm gains

Voters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey expressed a mix of surprise, celebration and disappointment after Democrats flipped several congressional seats in the midterm elections.

"I had no idea that we were going to get such a change in our government in its entirety," said Jose Ocasio of Pittstown, New Jersey.

In Yardley, Pennsylvania, Cheryl Wright welcomed the results.

2026 election results from across the region

"I cried tears of happiness this morning," Wright said.

Others were disappointed.

"I was devastated," said Barbara Zielsdorf of Mullica Hill, New Jersey.

In Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick lost to Democrat Bob Harvie.

In the Lehigh Valley, Democrat Bob Brooks flipped the 7th Congressional District, defeating Republican Ryan Mackenzie.

Democrats also flipped two House seats in New Jersey.

"These are the kind of people we want fighting for us down in Washington, and it doesn't end there," Gov. Mikie Sherrill said.

In the 2nd Congressional District at the Jersey Shore, Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock defeated Republican Jeff Van Drew. Van Drew had won the district by 17 points two years earlier.

"We took a congressional seat that, literally last week, Cook reported as 'solid Republican,'" Mullock said.

Van Drew wished Mullock well following the race.

"I wish him the very best. His success is our success," Van Drew said.

Alyssa Maurice of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University said several factors came together in the district.

"For a Democratic challenger to be successful, there really needed to be a perfect storm. He really needed Democrats to be energized. He needed Republican turnout to be dampened and for independents to break his way decisively. And we saw all of that come to fruition in this midterm cycle."

Voters are now waiting to see whether the newly elected leaders deliver on their campaign promises.

"Personally, it's more about gas prices. That's all I care about right now," said Grant Peterson of Northeast Philadelphia.

Greg Machnik of Sewell, New Jersey, expressed concern about what the election results could mean in Washington over the next two years.

"I'm a little worried, especially in Washington, that not many things are going to get done in the next two years," Machnik said.

Experts say voters expect to see results from the newly elected leaders over the next two years, or the political pendulum could continue to swing back and forth heading into 2028.