DeSantis calls midterm results ‘extinction-level event’ for Republicans

“Let’s just be clear, that is going to hurt — not just for the next two years,” DeSantis said at a Wednesday morning press conference. “That is something that can reverberate for the next decade or more. … We knew it could be worse. I don’t think most of us thought it would be this bad.”

DeSantis called the midterm results “close to an extinction-level event for Republicans across the country” as Democrats made significant gains nationwide, including flipping seats in Iowa, Kansas, and Florida.

“Over my lifetime, Texas has been the crown jewel of Republican politics,” DeSantis said. “No one holds a candle on the Republican side to the Lone Star State. … If the Republican party doesn’t have Texas as an anchor we won’t be viable nationally going forward.”

In Florida, Republicans managed to retain control of the state, winning both the Senate seat and the governorship, with Byron Donalds set to succeed DeSantis. However, Republican victories in the red state were much closer than expected.

DeSantis defended the Florida results, saying, “I don’t think there is any other state that can say that, given all the carnage that was inflicted last night,” DeSantis said.

The stunning Republican defeat on Tuesday night has left the GOP searching for answers. Vice President JD Vance delivered his assessment of the results, attributing much of the loss to disgruntled Republicans. He cited a number of changes the GOP needs to make moving forward, including ending the Iran war, focusing on affordability, putting America first, and changing the country’s relationship with Israel.

“I remain hopeful about our country,” Vance insisted. “To the people who are pissed off and want to say, ‘I told you so’: you’re right, you did tell us so. Take that energy into electing Republicans who share your worldview. To the people who are just pissed at the results, you should be. Let’s take that anger and get back to the work of saving our country.”