Nurses Urge Democrats to Push Medicare for All After Election Wins

Voter Discontent Over Health Care Costs Drives Political Shift

National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States, has highlighted the recent midterm elections as a clear rejection of policies supported by the Trump administration, attributing the shift to voter frustration over rising costs of living, particularly health care expenses. The union insists that the newly empowered Democrats have a mandate to implement substantial changes, such as advancing Medicare for All.

"We live in the wealthiest country on earth, and there is no reason in 2026 and beyond that our patients should continue trying to decide between paying for lifesaving medical care or filling up their gas tank," stated NNU President Jamie Brown, RN. "The anger about having to make such agonizing choices is what handed control of the House and the Senate to Democrats, and now it’s time for those who won their elections to deliver meaningful change for the voters who have put them in office. It’s time to advance Medicare for All."

Exit polls indicated that 60 percent of all voters and 78 percent of Democrats believe the federal government should take a more active role in ensuring access to health care. Health care emerged as the second most discussed topic in election advertisements, underscoring its significance to voters. With upcoming health care reductions from the Republican 2025 budget proposal, H.R. 1, set to take effect in January, along with rising premiums affecting millions, Congress faces pressure to enact decisive measures to address the worsening health care crisis.

Looking toward 2027, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the lead House sponsor, has called for a comprehensive review of the Medicare for All bill, a demand echoed by nurses. A strategic post-election call by the National Coalition for Medicare for All is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, where nurses will discuss how to convert current momentum into a strong push for Medicare for All in the upcoming Congress. The call will provide plans, allow supporters nationwide to engage, and feature guest speakers.

RSVP here to participate in the National Coalition for Medicare for All call.

"Nurses know there is no better policy solution to save lives and improve health outcomes than Medicare for All," remarked Brown, RN. "No other solution guarantees care to all of our patients, addresses the root problems of our broken system, and saves money while doing it. Nurses were not surprised to see candidates rise to power, even in tough swing state races, because they backed Medicare for All."

NNU-endorsed candidates who triumphed in swing states, leveraging Medicare for All as a key issue, include U.S. Senators-elect Abdul El-Sayed (MI), Troy Jackson (ME), and Peggy Flanagan (MN). In swing districts, newly elected U.S. Representatives who campaigned on Medicare for All include: Randy Villegas (CA-22), Bob Brooks (PA-07), Will Lawrence (MI-07), Matt Little (MN-02), and Mike McGuire (CA-01). The initiative also secured substantial wins in traditionally Democratic districts, such as U.S. Senator-elect Juliana Stratton (IL) and U.S. Representatives-elect Claire Valdez (NY-07), Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13), Brad Lander (NY-10), Donavan McKinney (MI-13), Melat Kiros (CO-01), Daniel Biss (IL-09), Patty Garcia (IL-04), and Dr. Adam Hamawy (NJ-12).

"Nurses are advancing our Vision for a Healthy Society, where everyone has what they need to live a good life, and Medicare for All is central to that healthy future," said Brown, RN. "Nurses and our allies will continue to hold elected Democrats accountable to the will of the people, and that means getting Medicare for All across the finish line, before one more patient suffers extreme financial hardship just because they got sick, and before one more life is lost."

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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