Fox News anchor Bret Baier sparked online criticism after viewers heard him asking whether the network could “do a spin on the races” during its live coverage of the 2026 midterm election results. The remark came during Tuesday night’s broadcast as Democrats secured major victories across the country.
However, Baier later clarified that he was referring to the network’s election results board, not political commentary.
Bret Baier explains his “spin on the races” comment during Fox News election coverage
Baier made the remark while co-hosting the election coverage with Martha MacCallum. After reporter Garrett Tenney finished discussing Michigan’s Senate race, in which Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers, Baier attempted to move to the next segment.
“Okay, can we do a spin on the races that…” he began before stopping himself. He then joked, “Oh, I’m sorry, Garrett. I guess we’re on TV now. Thank you so much.” Baier also lightened the moment by telling MacCallum and viewers that “that’s what happens at 11:24” in the evening.
However, the comment attracted attention online, prompting the anchor to explain what he meant.
In a post on X, Baier said, “That was to Bill Hemmer. A spin on the board with Bill to see the various races that were outstanding. Thanks.”
When another user questioned the meaning of “spin on the board,” Baier offered more details at 2:59 a.m. local time. “It means a spin on the board that Bill Hemmer controls looking at different states that had votes coming in,” he wrote. “Means show Michigan – Maine – Iowa The states that are remaining at that time.”
Baier also responded to a viewer who wondered why he was still awake covering the results so late. The anchor explained that it “takes a while to wind down” after such a significant day of election coverage.
The remark came as Democrats recorded major victories, including flipping Senate seats in Texas, Ohio, Iowa, South Carolina, Maine, North Carolina and Kansas. The party also gained control of both chambers of Congress.
