The United States’ midterm election results sparked a wave of memes, as social media users reacted to reported Democratic victories in the Senate and House of Representatives and a blue shift in traditionally Republican states, including Texas. Posts also celebrated candidates from historically underrepresented communities winning seats in office.
Many of the jokes drew on video games and other pop culture. One user compared the results to a “Paragon interrupt,” while others referenced The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts and the moment half the universe returns in Avengers: Endgame. Film and TV references ranged from Barbie to Star Wars, with one post joking that The Acolyte would be renewed after election night.
Other posts played on the election’s blue theme with jokes about Texas turning blue, pronouns and a supposed return of “woke” culture. The reactions mixed celebration with familiar internet exaggeration, including fanciful claims about data centers becoming Pokémon Centers and AI being canceled.
The meme-filled response reflected how users often turn to online humor to express the anxiety and excitement surrounding elections. The source article noted that new posts continued appearing as it gathered examples.
Sources: Kotaku.