One week after Election Day, the results are becoming clear: The REALTOR® Party prevailed.
With races still outstanding, candidates supported by the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) have secured 369 victories so far, delivering a 90% win rate in races that have been called. That includes 55 wins in Opportunity Races, where REALTOR® members mobilized to provide additional support to candidates who champion homeownership, property rights, and the real estate industry.
In the latest episode of NAR's Advocacy Scoop podcast, Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer, joined Patrick Newton, NAR’s vice president of communications and outreach, to break down the election results, the strength of REALTOR® advocacy and what's next for housing policy in Washington.
A Bipartisan Strategy That Delivers
With both chambers of Congress changing hands, the election brought significant political turnover. But for NAR, the results reinforced the strength of a bipartisan advocacy strategy built around issues, not party affiliation.
As the nation’s largest connected PAC, RPAC’s nearly 50-50 split in disbursements between Republicans and Democrats underscores its commitment to supporting REALTOR® champions on both sides of the aisle.
McGahn credited RPAC's success to the relationships REALTORS® have built with lawmakers of all political parties, supported by NAR's federal lobbying team, state and local associations, and Federal Political Coordinators.
"That shows the bipartisan strength of RPAC and the importance of looking at each individual district," McGahn said. "Our local and state associations and RPAC are aligned on the candidates we support, and that approach works."
The results were particularly significant in a wave election, when political shifts can make it more challenging for organizations to maintain strong win rates.
McGahn also highlighted victories for key congressional champions who helped advance the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including Reps. French Hill and Mike Flood.
Other notable victories included Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina, Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida.
Voters Backed Pro-Housing Policies at the Ballot Box
The REALTOR® Party's success extended beyond congressional races.
Across the country, voters supported REALTOR®-backed ballot measures addressing down payment assistance, property taxes, and policies that protect homeownership.
Among the major victories were measures in California to expand down payment assistance, Florida to strengthen homestead property tax protections, Tennessee to prohibit a statewide property tax, and Wyoming to reject a proposal that threatened funding for essential local services.
"When pro-real estate issues were on the ballot, that's where we were winning," McGahn said.
She credited NAR's Issues Mobilization program for helping state and local REALTOR® associations target resources where they could make the greatest impact.
Independent Expenditures Deliver Additional Victories
NAR’s state and local independent expenditure program helped secure 156 victories or runoff appearances in the 2026 election cycle, supporting REALTOR®-friendly candidates in races across the country.
Notable successes included gubernatorial victories for Phil Scott in Vermont, Maura Healey in Massachusetts, and Byron Donalds in Florida. Other highlights included victories in judicial and local races, demonstrating the REALTOR® Party’s continued commitment to electing leaders who understand the importance of homeownership and strong communities.
New Congress, Same Advocacy Priorities
While the political landscape in Washington is changing, NAR's priorities are not.
With the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act now law, NAR is focused on ensuring its provisions deliver meaningful results for housing supply and affordability. McGahn also pointed to early discussions around a potential "ROAD 2.0" package as an opportunity to build on the historic bipartisan victory.
Another top priority is the More Homes on the Market Act, which would double the capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence and help remove the tax penalty keeping longtime homeowners from selling.
McGahn emphasized that NAR is pursuing multiple avenues to advance the legislation, including opportunities during the lame-duck session and in the next Congress.
"Nothing will unleash existing inventory faster and more efficiently than addressing this capital gains issue," McGahn said.
Meanwhile, NAR's advocacy team is already preparing to engage newly elected members of Congress, building relationships, and providing lawmakers with the research and expertise needed to advance policies that strengthen the real estate market.
The election results may bring new faces to Washington, but the REALTOR® Party enters the next Congress with a strong record of victories, bipartisan relationships, and a clear mission: protect property rights, expand housing opportunities, and advance the American dream of homeownership.
Listen to the full episode: The Votes Are In: What's Next?
