Federal Election 2026 results: What may be next for afterschool

As the dust settles from Election Day 2026, the results carry a range of implications for public support of afterschool and summer learning programs at the federal, state, and local levels. On the ballot for the November 3 election were 39 governor seats; state legislators in 46 states; mayors in 23 of the 100 largest cities; all 435 congressional districts; and 35 Senate seats. While a number of results are not yet final, Democrats will take control of both the House and Senate when the 120th Congress convenes in January, picking up at least 39 seats in the House and at least 7 seats in the Senate.  

At the state level, Republicans entered Election Day with a 26-24 advantage in governorships, but Democrats flipped gubernatorial races in Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio and Texas. Several legislatures changed party control as well, with Democrats now holding both chambers and the governorships in Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Additionally, several ballot initiatives focusing on funding education and child care passed. A companion blog with state and local election results will be posted next week.

Regardless of the election results, support for afterschool programs continues to be bipartisan with an overwhelming majority of parents, regardless of political affiliation, agreeing that all young people deserve access to quality afterschool and summer programs. The bipartisan support reflects the essential role these programs play in for fostering academic success, supporting social development, and providing a safe environment for children during out-of-school hours, while giving parents peace of mind. The Afterschool Alliance will have post-election poll results on voter sentiment toward afterschool later this winter. In the meantime, election exit polling from November 3 suggests that the economy and affordability were major factors for voters. The election results will bring  new challenges that need to be addressed, as well as opportunities to seize. Below is a look at the current political landscape and what it may mean for afterschool and summer learning programs.

U.S. House of Representatives

As of the morning of November 5, Democrats will control the House of Representatives in the 120th Congress, with 247 seats compared to 152 for Republicans and 34 races yet to be called. With 218 seats needed to control the chamber, Democrats will enter the 120th Congress with a substantial majority. House and committee leadership will begin to take shape over the next two months. Current Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become Speaker of the House, while current Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he does not plan to run for Minority Leader in the 120^th Congress. Leadership of the House Education and Labor Committee may also change, with a three-way race for chair between current Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Rep. Susan Bonamici (D-Oregon) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) The House Appropriations Committee is expected to be led by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), a long-time champion of afterschool programs and former afterschool program instructor.

There will likely be shuffling among leadership of other committees as well. Many champions of afterschool in the House will continue to serve in the 120th Congress, although some will not return due to retirements, resignations, or election losses. The new Congress is also an opportunity to reach out to newly-elected members of Congress to share the importance and value of afterschool and summer programs, and begin cultivating new champions. Of note, incoming Rep. Mark Texiera (R-Texas) won his election. Texiera is a long-time champion of afterschool programs and spoke on a Hill briefing in 2012 on the power of afterschool programs to support young people.  

House Afterschool Champions returning include:

• Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.)
• Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.)
• Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D- Calif.)
• Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.)
• Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
• Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.)
• Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.)
• Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas)
• Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.)
• Rep. Gottheimer (D-N.J.)
• Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio)
•  Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.)
• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon)
• Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.)
• Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.)  

House Afterschool Champions who will not be in 119th Congress

• Rep. David Valadao (R- Calif.)
• Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) ran unsuccessfully for an open Senate seat in Iowa
• Rep. Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.)
• Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.)
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)

House Afterschool champions in races not yet called as of Nov. 4

• Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.)
• Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.)

US Senate

Democrats will control the Senate in January, winning a minimum of 54 seats with 2 races yet to be decided. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is in line to once again serve as Majority Leader.

The change in party control will also bring changes in key committee leadership. On the Senate Appropriations Committee, current Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-Maine), founding chair of the Senate Afterschool Caucus, lost her re-election bid. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), long-time afterschool champion and Senate Afterschool Caucus co-chair is in line to take over as Ranking Member of the Committee. Current Ranking Member Patty Murray is in line to become Chair of the Appropriations Committee.  Committee leadership positions are expected to be finalized closer to January. The Senate HELP Committee is expected to once again be chaired by long time afterschool and summer champion Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)  

As in the House, the Senate will have a number of established afterschool champions, although some will not be back. The election also provides an opportunity to reach out to newly elected Senators to share the importance and value of afterschool and summer programs, and begin cultivating new champions.

Senate Afterschool champions returning for the 120th Congress include:

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
• Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)
• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada)
• Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
• Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.V.)
• Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.)

Senate Afterschool Champions who will not be in 120th Congress

• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
• Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
• Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) did not seek re-election
• Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) did not seek re-election
• Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) did not seek re-election

What’s next?

While the election may be over, now is an important time to continue building support for afterschool and summer learning programs. Reach out to returning and newly elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. The Afterschool Alliance has tools and templates to help maintain momentum going into the 120th Congress.

It is also not too late to reach out to Congress about the importance of federal support for afterschool and summer learning programs as the fiscal year 2027 spending process remains unfinished. Look for an appropriations update blog soon!

Beyond Washington, the state and local political landscape will also present opportunities to advance afterschool and summer learning. A forthcoming blog will take a closer look at the state-level landscape and opportunities to build on the momentum for additional funding.

We look forward to continuing to work with you at all levels on behalf of the children, young people and families who rely on quality afterschool and summer learning programs.