{
  "id": 18155266,
  "title": "How Science and the Environment Fared in the 2026 U.S. Midterms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/how-science-and-the-environment-fared-in-the-2026-u-s-midterms",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-04T16:45:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Eos",
    "slug": "eos",
    "url": "https://eos.org/research-and-developments/how-science-and-the-environment-fared-in-the-2026-u-s-midterms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 U.S. midterm elections saw a significant number of individuals with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine backgrounds running for office at federal, state, and local levels. Voters also decided on measures pertaining to conservation efforts, pollution control, healthcare access, and environmental reviews. With Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress, environmental advocates anticipate policy shifts that could potentially reverse recent changes to federal science and environmental policy. Here are some key midterm election outcomes affecting science and the environment in the United States.\n\nThe House Science Committee, chaired by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) following the Democratic takeover of Congress, may have the power to reverse Trump administration changes to science policy. Lofgren expressed the committee's intention to focus on stopping the Office of Management and Budget's proposal to overhaul the federal grantmaking process. Democrats also intend to scrutinize science officials, such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for their actions.\n\nThe Republican-to-Democrat shift in the House also means that leadership of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, which oversees NASA, will change from Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) to current ranking member Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC). Democrats are expected to prioritize opposing proposed cuts in NASA science programs and the closure of facilities at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.\n\nIncumbent Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper (D), a former geologist and advocate for science, successfully retained his position. In Michigan's 7th District, environmental activist and Sunrise Movement co-founder William Lawrence (D) is set to win the congressional race. Lawrence's platform emphasizes protecting Michigan's natural areas, restoring wetlands and rivers, and holding polluters accountable.\n\nHurricane Helene's aftermath continues to impact North Carolina, with more than half of residents dissatisfied with the Trump administration's disaster recovery efforts. In the 11th congressional district, which includes Asheville and 16 rural counties affected by Hurricane Helene, Democrat Jamie Ager (environmental scientist and fourth-generation farmer) emerged as the victor. One voter in the district expressed their preference for a party that takes action against climate change over one that denies its existence.",
  "summary": "Science was on the ballot across the United States in Tuesday’s midterm elections. On federal, state, and municipal levels, hundreds of people with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine ran for office. Americans also voted on measures related to conservation projects, pollutant abatement, healthcare access, and environmental reviews.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}