Updated on: November 5, 2026 / 4:37 PM EST / CBS News

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Washington — Widespread Republican losses in the midterm elections are roiling the GOP, prompting soul-searching over what went wrong and a brewing blame game that's expected to heat up as the party looks toward the next election.

From House and Senate races to governors' mansions, Republicans saw striking losses, both in battlegrounds and in places where the party saw significant support just two years ago. The victories dramatically shifted the balance of power in Washington, delivering Democrats a sizable majority in the House far beyond what was expected heading into Election Day, as well as a Senate majority larger than what the GOP has enjoyed for the last two years.

As Republicans process the results, including some GOP officials who have ambitions of their own in 2028, they're offering frank assessments of the shortcomings — and laying the groundwork for where the party heads next.

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