U.S.MIDTERM WATCH

11 more House seats shift toward Democrats in Cook Political Report…

The Cook Political Report moved eleven races overall, with five more Republican seats also shifting; the safest of the bunch are now merely likely.

On air: Vera Bullock on BBN Newsroom
Published 11:54 AM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Washington Examiner: “11 more seats shift toward Democrats, including three in previously safe red areas, major projection shows”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:54 AM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Vera Bullock.
Topics: Lisa Cook, Democrats.
BBN covered this story before: Lisa Cook's lawyer challenges impartiality of Trump panel reviewing… (October 15).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Washington Examiner11 more seats shift toward Democrats, including three in previously safe red areas, major projection shows

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe Cook Political Report moved eleven House races toward Democrats, including three seats that went from solid Republican to likely Republican, and five more Republican seats also shifted.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorJoining us is Desmond Yarborough, inmate and library aide at FCI Danbury, who says he knows forecasting. Desmond, what do you see?
Desmond YarboroughA source close to me says solid to likely is the biggest move in politics since the lunch menu changed here.
Desmond YarboroughThe pencil agrees, and it has never missed a count.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo, the pencil. And who is this source close to you?
Desmond YarboroughMy bunkmate. A source close to me, Vera, is a man named Desmond, and he runs a very accurate hotline. Or he ran one.
Desmond YarboroughI'd rather not say what kind.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYour bunkmate is Desmond?
Desmond YarboroughWe're close. Now, three safe Republican seats are only likely safe, and I know that feeling.
Desmond YarboroughI was likely safe myself until a judge looked at my tally sheets.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe tally sheets. Let me ask you directly, should voters trust a projection this early, or should they just wait for the actual votes?
Desmond YarboroughA source close to me says wait for the votes, and I'd add, count them yourself, and keep a pencil.
Desmond YarboroughI'm available for hire in the spring.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBefore the top of the hour, we'll ask which word is so touchy that people are fighting to say it online.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDesmond, does your source have a final call on the midterms?
Desmond YarboroughThe source says he's asking for a lawyer.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorRex, I hear you have targets and a very busy Friday of football, so please tell me nobody has a hotline.