The Republican Party, hoping to regain the majority it lost in the 2006 election or at least expand its congressional membership, lost additional seats. With one exception (Louisiana's 2nd district), the only seats to switch from Democratic to Republican had been Republican-held prior to the 2006 elections. Republicans gained five Democratic seats total, while losing 26 of their own, giving the Democrats a net gain of 21 seats, effectively erasing all gains made by the GOP since 1994.[1] In addition, with the defeat of Republican congressman Chris Shays in Connecticut's 4th district, this became the first time since the 1850s that no Republican represented the New England region.[2][3]
The 10.6% popular vote advantage by the Democrats was the largest by either party since 1982, 26 years earlier, and as of 2022 remains the most recent time that either party won by a double-digit margin in the overall popular vote for the House of Representatives.[4] Turnout increased due to the concurrent presidential election. The presidential election, 2008 Senate elections, and 2008 gubernatorial elections, as well as many other state and local elections, occurred on the same date. This was the first and, as of 2022, the only election since 1980 in which the party of a newly elected president simultaneously gained seats in the House. It was the only time since 1994, and the last time until 2018, that Republicans held less than 200 House seats.
Oregon 5: Darlene Hooley: Because of the "cumulative effect of arduous travel, the relentless demands of fund-raising and 32 years of public service"[14]
Republican incumbents
Twenty-seven Republicans retired. Thirteen of their seats were then won by Democrats (see Open seat gains, below).
Illinois 11: Jerry Weller: To spend more time with his family,[19] amid questions about his Nicaraguan land dealings, his wife's investments, and his relationship to an indicted defense contractor[20]
New Mexico 1: Heather Wilson: Ran in and lost the Republican primary for New Mexico's open U.S. Senate seat
New Mexico 2: Steve Pearce: Ran for and lost the election for New Mexico's open U.S. Senate seat
New York 13: Vito Fossella: Amid scandal following a drunk driving arrest which led to revelations of infidelity and a secret family he maintained in Virginia
One Republican lost in a primary and the seat was eventually won by a Democrat. One Democrat lost the primary as did two Republicans. The three primary winners, however, managed to retain the seat for the same party.
Note: In Louisiana's 2nd and 4th districts, primary runoffs were held November 4, 2008 and the general election for both of these races were held December 6, 2008.
^Raymond Hernandez (November 10, 2007). "Citing Health, Lawmaker Announces Plan to Retire". The New York Times. Retrieved December 1, 2007., "Representative Jim Saxton of New Jersey, a Republican who has served in Congress since 1984, said Friday that he would not seek re-election next year because he had prostate cancer."
^Raju Chebium (November 19, 2007). "Ferguson won't seek re-election to Congress". Home News Tribune. Archived from the original on February 29, 2008. Retrieved November 19, 2007., "Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-Warren Township, said today he won't seek re-election next year to a fifth term ... he next elections are in November 2008; Stender is again a Democratic candidate for the 7th district seat Ferguson currently occupies."
