AP Data Shows Democratic Gains in Every Tennessee County Despite GOP Midterm Sweep

Republican candidates won the governor’s race, the U.S. Senate seat, and eight of the nine U.S. House districts in Tennessee on Tuesday. Despite these victories, new statistics from the Associated Press indicate that every county in the state recorded a higher percentage of votes for Democratic candidates than they did in the 2024 presidential election.

Tennessee has favored Republican candidates in recent election cycles. The 2026 midterm elections were the first held under the state’s new congressional map. Unofficial results showed a strong performance for the GOP, with their candidates taking the top state offices and nearly all legislative seats in the region.

The shift in voter behavior is evident in the margins across the state’s 95 counties. Davidson County, which typically votes for Democratic candidates, saw a 25.6 point increase in support for Democrats compared to 2024. Williamson County, a Republican stronghold, recorded a 17.6 point rise for Democratic voters.

Maury County illustrates the change in previously solid Republican areas. In 2024, 72% of voters in that county supported Republican candidates, while 27% supported Democrats. This year, the margin narrowed significantly. AP data shows 54% of voters supported Republicans and 33% supported Democrats, representing a 21 point shift toward the Democratic party.

Tennessee was not the only state with mixed results. Five states flipped their gubernatorial seats to Democrats in this election cycle. Ohio elected Amy Acton and Texas elected Gina Hinojosa. These are the first times in more than 20 years that voters in those states chose Democratic candidates for governor.

Seven states flipped their U.S. Senate seats to Democrats. No state flipped to the Republican party in either Senate or gubernatorial races this year. Election officials will certify the final results in the next few days.