Since President Trump took office in January, Democrats recorded a critical victory in their first major test at the ballot box on Tuesday.
The election came amid growing anger over Trump administration's immigration and economic policies, the treatment of free speech, and the federal cuts made under Elon Musk's Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The night played a major role in the administration, serving as part of a referendum on masks that poured millions of dollars into Wisconsin races.
Meanwhile, Democrats have tried to invade Florida, the president of Florida. There, two special House elections appeared as last minute sleeper races with several Republicans.
Republicans managed to hold Florida seats, but Democrats ultimately had a source of celebration in the sunshine.
Here are five takeaways from the Tuesday night election.
A bitter night for Trump and Musk in Wisconsin
Trump and Musk had a tough night in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the battlefield that the president won by less than percentage points in November, pointing to issues that could move beyond the administration as he looks to the midterm.
Both men approved former GOP state attorney general Brad Simel, but it was Musk who invested heavily in the race in the weeks leading up to the election. His American PAC spent only $12.5 million in the race, and Musk himself traveled to Badger State on Sunday before the election.
Democrats, who supported liberal candidate Susan Crawford, tried to exploit the rage against Mask as an effort that proved to have been successful in the end, as Crawford won decisively.
The elections provide warning signs for Republicans that Musk may be politically toxic in other major elections. Democratic candidates running for the second half of November this year and next year have already begun hammering musks in their messages.
But the outcome was embarrassing for Trump, who urged Republican voters to support Shimmel.
Ultimately, the Wisconsin race was the biggest responsibilities Republicans have faced in the ballot box since Trump took office.
The President is confident that in his efforts to maintain a majority of the home next year, he will be writing his party for his party.
Democrat energy has passed through the roof
Democratic energy was on full display in both Wisconsin and Florida.
In Wisconsin, more than 95% of votes are counted in Kenosha, Racine and Outggame counties, Crawford had about 53% won Kenosha as of 11pm Tuesday night.
And while the votes are still tallied, Crawford seemed to have a good shot to flip Racine and Outggame, Trump County also won last year.
Crawford also overgrowed in counties where Harris' former vice president won in November, including Door County, where Crawford won 56% compared to Harris' 51%.
Democrats lost both special elections in Florida, but the party is clearly superior, so they narrowed their margins down considerably in the deep red districts.
The results have taken to mind Democrats who have struggled to unite around a unified message since Trump took office.
If Tuesday proves anything, that means that even if there is dissatisfaction with the Democratic leader, the party is still organised and intended for a large number of people.
Florida is still Trump's country
Even if Democrats performed fairly excessively in Florida's 1st and 6th Congressional Districts, they couldn't win – highlighting the GOP's grip against the state.
On Tuesday afternoon, Decision Desk HQ data showed Republicans dominate voter turnout on Election Day.
Republicans enjoy the state's advantage of nearly 1.2 million voter registration, making voter turnout during special elections in the off-year period their biggest obstacle. In particular, the fines faced criticism from Republicans for not raising enough money and not airing the ads sooner. Those same local critics sighed at ease as the fine rose into the air and bolstered the ground game.
Fine has also received support from many GOP allies, including Trump, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R-FLA.) and Rep. Byron Donald (R-FLA.). Republican candidates also received minor boosts from outside donors, including Musk.
The increased ground games, coupled with paid media, were enough to revitalize Republican bases in the district, allowing Fine and Patronis to win with a comfortable margin.
So, Democrats had reason to be happy in the sunshine, but Tuesday highlighted how steep the climb they face as they were about to break into what is still Ruby Red's condition.
Republicans perform poorly
Despite the fact that Republicans turned out in Florida and ultimately won, the party ultimately suffered poor performance in both special House elections and in Wisconsin races.
In Florida's sixth district, Fine defeated Democratic opponent Josh Weil by 14 points. Trump and Mike Waltz have scored more than 30 points compared to current national security advisers who previously swept the seats.
But Democrat Gay Valimont's overperformance in Florida's First Congressional District seemed to raise even more brows. Patronis defeated Balimont 14.8 points five months after Trump scored the district with 37 points. Democrats also celebrated turning Escambia County overturned. Balimont scored just three points Tuesday after Trump won nearly 20 points in November.
Democrats described the outcome as a warning to Republicans.
Meanwhile, Republicans downplayed the concept of silver lining for Democrats.
“Florida's overwhelming Republican victory sends a clear message. Americans will be fired by elected leaders who fight for President Trump's agenda and reject Democrats' failed policies,” said Mike Marinella, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. “While Democrats burn cash, House Republicans will continue to hammute them to be out of contact. We'll crush them again in 2026.”
In Wisconsin, many counties were still reporting results as of Tuesday night. But in Fond Du Lac, one of the few GOP counties reporting more than 95% of votes, Simel appears to be in a shortage of Trump, winning 60% of Trump County's votes at around 64% last year.
In Florence, in another county reporting more than 95% of the vote, Simel slightly kicked out Trump, chasing 73% to 75%.
That goes without saying, Crawford got on track and turned the Trump River districts of Outggame, Racine and Kenosha.
There was some hope for a decline in the party's performance. Democrats frequently warped the GOP with voter turnout during the off-year elections.
GOP gets some breathing patios at home
GOP's victory in Florida means that two more lawmakers will soon head home to the party. This is a welcome development for the party as it tackles the challenge of passing important priorities with only narrow margins.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces obstacles to navigate the GOP's tight 218-213 majority in the home as he tries to pass Trump's agenda. House Republicans are considering passing on a budget adjustment package that combines border security, tax laws and energy and defense spending. A loss of one or two seats would shave Republican reinforcements in the home.
That was revealed last week when Trump announced that he would draw the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) to the United Nations US ambassador.
Fine and Patronis were widely expected to win the race, but making sure the two districts stay in the hands of the GOP would come as a relief for Johnson.
