Steve Kornacki‘s data wizardry helped propel NBC News to the No. 1 spot in broadcast and cable in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo during Tuesday night’s coverage of the 2026 midterm elections.
NBC News’ performance comes as, according to Nielsen Media Research, a total of 31.2 million viewers across 13 networks tuned in between 8 and 11 p.m. ET to watch the blue wave sweep across the nation as the Democratic Party won both chambers of Congress. (All times Eastern) This year’s numbers were significantly better than the last midterm election, up +23% compared to 2022.
Total election-night audience, all networks
Sum of the average audiences of every network Nielsen reported. Total viewers only.
Presidential
Midterm
