GOP Could Lose Control of Congress… Before Midterms?!!

Summary

---

The MeidasTouch Podcast: "GOP Could Lose Control of Congress… Before Midterms?!!"

Date: November 22, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Main Theme:
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers break down the unexpected and potentially seismic shifts that could see the Republican Party lose control of the U.S. House of Representatives before the 2026 midterm elections. The episode explores the impact of high-profile resignations—including Marjorie Taylor Greene’s—on the House majority, analyzes upcoming special elections, and spotlights Democratic momentum. Interspersed with signature banter, the brothers also feature voices from key races, power players, and a fired-up grassroots movement.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation and GOP Turmoil

[02:35]

• Ben explains the surprise announcement: Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning her Congress seat effective January 2026.
• This triggers a domino effect:
  • Republican majority narrows to 218-213 (post-resignation).
  • Upcoming special election in Tennessee’s 7th (historically +22 GOP).
  • Potential further resignations (e.g., Victoria Spartz of Indiana, or “centrist” MAGA Republicans like Don Bacon).

Insight:
Ben emphasizes how narrow the GOP majority has become, projecting that if Democrats win just a couple of special elections and more Republicans step down, “it is possible that Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives before the midterm elections.”

• Quote (Ben, 02:35):

  "Let me repeat that one more time...Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives before the midterm elections."

---

2. Analyzing the Numbers: The Real Math Behind a Potential Flip

[06:31]

• The House balance is currently razor-thin:
  • After Greene’s resignation: 218R - 213D
  • If Democrats win TN-7: 218R - 214D
  • Texas-18 and New Jersey-11 special elections could further tighten the gap
• Lisa Des Jardins’ analysis quoted by Ben (paraphrased):

  "As of April 16th, there could be a zero vote margin. So if anybody else leaves now...Democrats have a chance of taking over the House before the midterms even takes place."

Insight:

• Democratic-aligned PACs are pouring millions into the TN-7 race, sensing a real upset opportunity.
• Ad buy comparisons show energized Democratic spending to flip what was seen as a safe Republican seat.

---

3. MAGA Mike Johnson’s Fears

[08:13]

• Audio clips of Speaker Mike Johnson (“MAGA Mike”) highlighting Republican anxiety.
• Johnson claims a Democratic House majority would:
  • Impeach Trump "on the first day"
  • "Systematically unwind" his agenda
  • "[Resort] again to lawfare"
• Quote (MAGA Mike, 08:13):

  "If we lose the majority...if this radical element of the Democratic Party were able to take over, we've already seen that movie. They will try to end the Trump administration. He won't have four years, he'll have only two because they will move to impeach him probably on the first day..."

Tone:
The brothers mock the panic in Johnson's words, noting how the GOP's messaging is focused more on fear than substance or solutions.

---

4. Democratic Mobilization: Tennessee’s 7th as a Microcosm

[12:21]

• Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns in Tennessee to support Democrat Afton Bain; greeted by large, enthusiastic crowds.
• Harris’s speech is played in full, stirring the crowd to action and underscoring the stakes.
• Quote (Kamala Harris, 12:51):

  "Don't let anyone ever take your power or your vote or your voice from you. You tell people what you want. You don't let anybody tell you who you are. You tell them who you are...This is about you. This is about your future. This is about your country. This is about your power. And who is the power with? The people."
  [14:01]

---

5. Voices from the Front Lines: Candidates & Democratic Strategy

Afton Bain (Democratic candidate, TN-7)
[15:20]

• Describes Tennessee as “a beautiful place...with some of the best organizers in the country because we have to operate under incredibly oppressive circumstances.”
• Pushes back against outsiders who say "you get what you voted for,” citing GOP-led outcomes:
  • Highest maternal mortality rate
  • Most dangerous place for workers
  • Highest grocery inflation
• Calls out “billionaire boys club” and false populism by state GOP.
• Quote (Afton Bain, 15:20):

  "We have some of the best organizers in the country because we have to operate under incredibly oppressive circumstances. And I think my biggest pet peeve in politics is when people who don't live in the south say, you get what you voted for. Because this is not what I voted for..."

Congresswoman Del Benning (DCCC Chair) [17:15]:

• Highlights shifting dynamics, referencing recent "blue tsunami" elections as a “resounding repudiation” of Trump/MAGA politics.
• Dems’ focus: Lowering costs, tangible legislative action, holding GOP accountable.
• Quote (Del Benning, 17:15):

  "People want folks who are going to fight for them...They are rejecting Republicans and the Trump agenda. It has been damaging. It has raised costs for families...and they don't even care. They're not even talking about it."

---

6. Democratic Strategy Moving Forward

[18:16]

• Democrats feel energized and focused, whether or not immediate majority control is gained; flipping the House in 2026 remains a top goal.
• Ben urges listeners to "visualize what 2027 and 2028 can look like" if Democrats take back committee power—envisioning accountability hearings on Trump, investigations of corruption, and robust oversight.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ben [02:35]:

  "Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives before the midterm elections."

• MAGA Mike Johnson [08:13]:

  "They will try to end the Trump administration. He won't have four years, he'll have only two because they will move to impeach him probably on the first day of the new Congress."

• Kamala Harris [12:51]:

  "Don't let anyone ever take your power or your vote or your voice from you. You tell people what you want. You don't let anybody tell you who you are. You tell them who you are.”

• Afton Bain [15:20]:

  "I didn't vote for the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. I didn't vote for the most dangerous place for workers... But that is what 15 years of Republican super majority rule...has done."

• Del Benning [17:15]:

  "It was a resounding repudiation... Folks are rejecting Republicans and the Trump agenda. It has been damaging."

---

Important Timestamps

• [02:35] Main analysis: Greene's resignation & math behind a potential Democratic House takeover
• [06:31] Lisa Des Jardins breakdown of race-by-race House margin
• [08:13] MAGA Mike Johnson audio: panic over losing the House
• [12:51] Kamala Harris’s rally speech in Tennessee
• [15:20] Interview with State Rep. Afton Bain
• [17:15] Interview with Rep. Del Benning, DCCC chair
• [18:16] Wrap-up analysis: Democratic prospects & call to action

---

Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Urgent, sardonic, and hopeful—classic MeidasTouch blend. The hosts juxtapose Republican fear-mongering with authentic Democratic mobilization and optimism for change.
• Engagement: Frequent references to the “Midas Mighty” community, encouraging grassroots action, and highlighting the take-nothing-for-granted energy in the Democratic movement.
• For New Listeners:
  • The episode offers a lively, detailed account of how rapidly political fortunes can shift in Congress—from retirements to special elections to mass mobilizations.
  • If you’re looking for a blend of sharp political analysis, on-the-ground candidate interviews, and a sense of movement-building, this episode delivers.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. [e-mail], the only thing we treat better than Windows is you. Black Friday deals are going on all month long. Save up to 45% off site wide, plus an additional 10% off every order. Right [e-mail] rules and restrictions apply for.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Everyone who solves crime from their couch.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Knows more about forensics than their own.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Job, and has trust issues with small town sheriffs. Amazon Music's millions of podcast episodes are calling. Just download the Amazon Music app and.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Start listening to your favorite True Crime podcasts ad free included with Prime.

[MIDI Health Representative]

This podcast is supported by MIDI Health Are you in midlife? Feeling dismissed, unheard or just plain tired of the old healthcare system? You're not alone. For too long, women's serious midlife health issues have been trivialized, ignored and met with a just deal with it attitude. Many of us have been made to feel ashamed or forgotten. In fact, even today, 75% of women seeking care for menopause and perimenopause issues are left entirely untreated. But here's the powerful truth. It's time for a change. It's time for miti. MITI is not just a health care provider, it's a women's telehealth clinic founded and supported by world class leaders in women's health. What sets Midea apart? We are the only women's telehealth brand covered by major insurance companies, making high quality, expert care accessible and affordable for all women everywhere. Our clinicians provide one on one face to face consultations where they truly listen to your unique needs. We offer a full range of holistic, data driven solutions from hormonal therapies and weight loss protocols to lifestyle coaching and preventive health guidance. This isn't a one size fits all care. This is care uniquely tailored for you. At miti, you will join our patients who feel seen, heard and prioritized. You will find that our mission is clear to help all women thrive in midlife, giving them access to the health care they deserve. Because we believe midlife isn't the middle at all. It's just the beginning of your second act. Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit joinmitty.com today to book your personalized insurance covered virtual visit. That's joinmitty.com mitty the Care Women Deserve.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives before the midterm elections. Maga Mike would lose his Speakership and the Democrats could come into power. Let me repeat that one more time. It is possible that that Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives before the midterm elections. Let me explain. So we all know that on Friday Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned her seat from the House of Representatives effective early January of 2026. We also know that there will be a special election in Tennessee's 7th congressional district in just a few weeks between the Democratic candidate State Representative in Tenness Afton Bain and she's running against the MAGA Republican candidate Matt Van Epps. Tennessee's Congressional district number seven was a plus 22 district in 2024. The MAGA Republican Congress member Mark Green resigned his seat essentially effective right away and so it was expected that this would be a very safe seat for the MAGA Republicans. However, based on the trends that we saw in early November, it is possible that Democrats could overcome that 22 point advantage that Maga had in 2024 over this seat. Democrats are pouring a lot of money into Tennessee 7th congressional district to support Afton Bain in that election that is coming up. A few other things would need to happen as well. There would need to be some other resignations of MAGA Republican Congress members. Who could that potentially be? Well, MAGA Republican Congresswoman Victoria Sparse of Indiana, she posted unfortunately there's a lot of truth to what Marjorie Taylor Greene had to say when she resigned. I can't blame her for leaving this institution that has betrayed the American people. Will Victoria Spartz resign and is it possible that one other MAGA Republican Congress member will resign early? The so called centrist MAGA Republic Republicans who I don't think are centrist at all, like Congressmember Bacon, they are planning to resign at the end of their term. However, could they be convinced to resign earlier? If there's just a few more resignations, we will see the Democrats take control potentially before the midterms. If Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation is a sign of more resignations to come, especially as these Republican Congress members don't want to be part of the group that covers up child sex trafficking rings. Not a great thing to put on your resume if you want to have a career ahead of you doing other things other than being a Donald Trump sycophant. So Just take a look at how Lisa Des Jardins describes the situation. She goes folks, Marjorie Taylor Greene just cranked up the stakes in Tennessee's seventh special election that's scheduled for December 2nd. So right now the dynamic in the House is 219 Republicans to 213 Democrats. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's leaving early January of 2026. So that brings it to 2:18 to 2:13. Let's say the Democrats win Tennessee and pull an upset. Then you'll have 218 to 214. There will then be a Texas 18 special election that will be coming up January 31st. That will be 218 to 2 15. Then on April 16th, if Democrats hold the New Jersey 11 special election, which they are expected to do, you have 218 to 2 16. Therefore, we just need one or two more resignations because as of April 16th there could be a zero vote margin. So if anybody else leaves now, whether it's Victoria Spars and one other person or whoever, that means the Democrats have a chance of taking over the House before the midterms even takes place. And regardless, it makes things even closer though before the midterm elections in terms of the balance of power as of right now. So as I mentioned, Democrats are pouring money into the Congressional district, the House Majority PAC group aligned with Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. They are placing lots of ad spend in Tennessee 7th House Majority PAC 515,000. Afton Baines buying 214,000 compared to Maga Inc. Reserving 40,000. In terms of aired special general election spending, we're talking about still a slight advantage of Republican to Democrat there, but future linear reservations. We're seeing Democrats lead there. So Democrats are pouring millions and millions of dollars into Tennessee's 7th. Why? Because Democrats see a potential path right now to taking the majority before the midterms. Let me remind you of what MAGA Mike Johnson said recently after the Republicans were wiped out in the blue tsunami elections that were earlier this month, MAGA Mike said the following about losing the majority. Here, play this clip.

[Narrator/Host]

The president is on the ballot in 2026. President Trump is on the ballot next fall because if we lose the majority of the Republicans, the common sense people here who are doing the job for the American people, if we lose the majority in the House and this radical element of the Democratic Party were able to take over, we've already seen that movie. They will try to end the Trump administration. He won't have four years, he'll have only two because they will move to impeach him probably on the first day of the new Congress in January 2027. And they will try to systematically unwind all the important reforms that we've done for the American people to lower cost, to have a better quality of living, on health care, to increase access and quality of care. We are the party that is doing that. And the president needs four years to complete his agenda, not just two. So he is in a very real sense on the ballot. He's fiercely committed to us winning. He is going to help. He's offered to do rallies and the tele town halls and all the things. He's sent out a huge round of endorsements of incumbents, Republican incumbents just over the last few days. He is very much engaged, very dialed in and he understands the stakes. President Trump is on the ballot in 2026 and we're looking forward to that contest.

[Political Commentator/Host]

And then once again, when MAGA Mike was recently on state regime media, known as Fox, here is what he said. Play this clip.

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

But you are up against a fierce.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Opponent, fierce opposition and same with their courts.

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

I fear greatly we can't win every election. I fear greatly, whether it's five years, 10 years, 12 years from now, if.

[Political Commentator/Host]

They take one chamber or they take.

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

The presidency, that they will try to unravel everything that we're doing here.

[Political Commentator/Host]

And it's kind of hard to stop them, right?

[Narrator/Host]

Well, absolutely. I mean, everything is on the line in the midterm election in 2026 is why I keep highlighting the importance of that. Because remember, it's only twice in 90 years that a sitting president has picked up seats for his party in the House, for example, in that first two year cycle after he's elected. But we must do it. We must defy history and do that. This because if the Democrats, the radical woke progressive Marxist Democrats were able to take the majority in the House of Representatives, they would impeach President Trump on the first day of that Congress. I don't think there's any doubt about that. Early January of 2027 and it would descend again into chaos. They abused their power as they did in the last time. We will resort again to lawfare and all the abuses. It will be a disaster for the country. And so this is about much more than politics. It's about the founding principles of the country.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Ever have one of those days where you're juggling a thousand things and by the time the sun goes down, the last thing you want is a hangover the next morning? Same here. That's why I've started reaching for Willy's THC infused social tonic because honestly, sometimes you just need to unwind without the regrets. For me, Willy's is the perfect weekday alcohol alternative. Whether I'm relaxing after a long day or trying to get into a creative zone, this is the one that actually works. Unlike some of those non alcoholic drinks that promise a buzz but don't deliver, Willy's gives you an uplifting euphoric feeling and you feel it in about 15 minutes. Plus it's made by the Willie Nelson, so of course it's got that chill, peaceful energy built in. It's low calorie, low sugar, comes in 5 milligrams or 10 milligrams doses and that subtle tropical citrus flavor is perfect whether you sip it over ice or toss it in a mocktail. One shot of Willy's helps you relax, unwind and de stress. Perfect for taking the edge off at the end of a long day or socializing with friends, Willy's offers the kind of feeling that makes good company even better. Willys sold out three times in the first six months with over 50,000 plus happy customers and they just restocked. Willys ships directly to your doorstep in over 40 states. Order now at drinkwillys.com and use code Midas M E I D A S for $20. 20% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $95. And enjoy life in the high country. That's drink willys.com promo code Midas Me I D A S now we have.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Former Vice President Kamala Harris. She showed up in Tennessee first. Let me show you the crowd that greeted her. She was greeted like a rock star when she arrived in Tennessee to support Afton Bain. Play this clip. And here she is. Here's former Vice President Kamala Harris in the speech that she gave in Tennessee's 7th congressional district. Play this clip.

[Former Vice President Kamala Harris]

Don't let anyone ever take your power or your vote voice from you. You tell people what you want. You don't let anybody tell you who you are. You tell them who you are.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

You are.

[Former Vice President Kamala Harris]

And that includes at election time. This election is 14 days from today. Today's Tuesday. It's two weeks from now. And you know, I've been in elected office long enough to know that when people start deciding who am I going to listen to and I'm going speak truth right here. This is real talk. They're going to look at two groups of people who's writing their checks and who's voting. So let's make sure that they understand we vote and they need to come here and they need to listen and they need to interact and they need to understand. And one of the ways that you demand that is you show. Because you know what? I vote. And if you don't respond to my needs, I'm not voting for you. Where the leadership from the ground, from the neighborhood, from the community matters more than ever. There are some powerful forces that are trying to suggest that folks are alone and without power. Powerful forces that are trying to divide us and to tell folks that they don't matter and their needs don't matter. Well, we need to let them hear our voice and let them know that they're going to have to be responsive. This is a moment where we reclaim this. Our country. It is our country. It is not somebody else's. It is our country. And one of the best ways we show that we are clear about that is we vote. So that's why I'm here this afternoon to talk with all the leaders who are here. And there are people you will never meet who may never know your name. But because of your activism, because of what you will do over the next two weeks as a marker for what you will continue to do is going to have an impact on so many people around our country. So I thank you in advance for being active. This is about you. This is about your future. This is about your country. This is about your power. And who is the power with the people?

[Political Commentator/Host]

All right, now, last week I had State Representative Afton Bain on the Midas Touch Network. Here's what she told me about Tennessee. Here, play this clip.

[State Representative Afton Bain]

Well, first, I just, I want to say thank you for recognizing that Tennessee is a beautiful place and there are people that are trying to do good work here. We have some of the best organizers in the country because we have to operate under incredibly oppressive circumstances. And I think my biggest pet peeve in politics is when people who don't live in the south say, you get what you voted for. Because this is not what I voted for. I didn't vote for the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. I didn't vote for the most dangerous place for workers in the country. I didn't vote for the highest inflationary cost of groceries in the country. But that is what 15 years of Republican super majority rule the state has done. Tennessee has been bought and sold to the highest bidder, and those are multinational corporations in the billionaire boys club. There are no checks and balances. And what we are seeing right now is a rupture in their paradigm because they have ruled as you said with an iron fist and have squelched dissent and dissonance. And I think they're seeing the now we're seeing the kind of rumblings, the simmering of perhaps a different paradigm, one of which is, you know, economic populism and ensuring that the real villains are painted as the billionaire boys club and these greedy corporations that are making that are pitting us against each other as we and not delivering for the Tennessee people.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Now I also had the chair of the dccc, Congresswoman Del Benning, that's the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Congresswoman Dell Benny. Here is what she told me about the future races and kind of the status of the map right now. Play this clip. There seems to be momentum. Trump's approval seems to be plummeting. When you and I last spoke, it was before the elections earlier in November, which seemed to be a resounding rep repudiation of Trump and maga, but they seem to be doubling down. Congresswoman, what do you make of it all?

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

Well, it was a resounding repudiation and also a testament to what happens when you have great candidates who are talking about the issues that matter and want to serve to help their communities. People want folks who are going to fight for them. And we great folks all across the country who were focused on the issues that matter to the American people. Folks are rejecting Republicans and the Trump agenda. It has been damaging. It has raised costs for families across the country. Food, housing, health care, childcare, energy costs all going up. And Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs on day one. It's a big broken promise and they don't even care. They're not even talking about it. Here we are finally, the House is open again and we're not doing any legislation to help lower costs for families. It's not a priority for them, but we're going to continue to hold them accountable because the American people want folks who are going to work for them.

[Political Commentator/Host]

So indeed, Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation carries with it far more wide reaching implications than just her resigning. And I think she knew that this would also screw over MAGA Mike Johnson and the Republicans in the House. Now you may be asking, well, when does that seat get replaced? Well, we'll see potentially middle later next year as well. They'll have to be a special election then and that process can take some time. So the question is, could Democrats now make the inroads that they need to make? They should win the special election in Texas. They should win the special election in New Jersey. The Tennessee 7th is going to be difficult. Let's have one or two more more resignations of Republicans. Abrupt resignations. Allah. Marjorie Taylor Greene. You know, you see these magas don't want to be affiliated with covering up this child sex trafficking ring now. And there you possibly have it. Regardless of whether Democrats can take the majority, you know, before the midterms. I think Democrats are focused on certainly flipping the House in the midterms and then we get a lot of oversight. I just want you to visualize what 2027 and 2028 can look like and you see how terrified Maga Mike is. Visualize it because what we can have here is tons of hearings on all of the Trump crimes and corruption, their cover ups and more. Everybody hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers and thank you so much for watching. Hey Midas Mighty. It's Ben Bretton Jordi and we just want to thank you for being the backbone of this movement.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This year tested us more than ever, but together we proved that pro democracy voices don't just compete. We win.

[Political Commentator/Host]

We took on the entire Maga machine, won a Webby for Podcast of the.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Year, the Midas Touch podcast.

[Political Commentator/Host]

And you were with us every step of the way. And trust us, what we're working on next is bigger, bolder and built for 2026.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Let's keep this momentum going, spread the word. We are just getting started.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Shout out to the Midas Mighty. You're a guy who just wants to look nice. The kind of nice where you might.

[Narrator/Host]

Get a nice compliment on the niceness.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Of your nice new outfit. Good thing. Men's Wearhouse has everything from polos to jeans and yes, suits. Plus a team to help you find the perfect fit to make sure you look nice.

[Narrator/Host]

Nice.

[Political Commentator/Host]

Love the way you look. Men's Wearhouse it's okay not to be perfect with finances. Experian is your big financial friend and here to help. Did you know you can get matched with credit cards on the app? Some cards are labeled no ding decline, which means if you're not approved, they won't hurt your credit scores. Download the Experian app for free today. Applying for no Ding decline cards won't hurt your credit scores if you aren't initially approved, initial approval will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit scores.

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

Experian Starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify.

[State Representative Afton Bain]

They have the tools you need to.

[Congresswoman Del Benning]

Start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing to selling and beyond. Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into Sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] specialoffer.