STAT+: State Democratic wins make Medicaid expansion a possibility for more than a million people

Nov. 10, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. WASHINGTON — Three of the 10 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid could reconsider their holdout status now that Democrats have secured more power in state government. Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin are among the states where major power shifts took place in the midterm elections. The Democratic governors-elect in all three made Medicaid expansion a part of their campaigns, though the GOP still holds majorities in part of the state legislatures in Texas and Georgia, which could complicate the path forward. “Before Tuesday, I would have not expected much activity in the 10 remaining states that have not expanded Medicaid,” KFF Executive Vice President for Health Policy Larry Levitt said, referring to the elections. “But I think that dynamic has changed.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe