Trump Attacks Abbott as a 'RINO,' Claims He'd Have Won 'In a Landslide' After GOP's Historic Midterm Losses

On Nov. 3, 2026, Democrats flipped control of the House and Senate in sweeping midterm wins, unseating Republicans Trump had endorsed, including Senate candidate Ken Paxton of Texas. Trump also saw Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lose his bid for a fourth term to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. On Truth Social and in interviews with Fox News and Politico, Trump wrote that Abbott "became a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life" and would not have lost otherwise, and separately claimed, "I wasn't on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!" He told Fox News he was "a little bit surprised" and cited gas prices tied to the Iran war and candidate quality.

The results handed Democrats control of both chambers for the rest of Trump's term and exposed a public break with a longtime ally he had endorsed. His unsubstantiated landslide claim and attack on a sitting governor reflect a pattern of disputing an unfavorable outcome rather than accepting a clear rebuke.

Both chambers were called for Democrats within a day. Trump has said he intends to lean on his veto power, calling himself "Mr. Veto," for his final two years.