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On November 8, 1994, the “Republican Revolution” took place when candidates from the Republican Party captured control of both houses of Congress for the first time since 1954.

Taking place during the first term of the Clinton presidency, the Republicans had campaigned under a unified theme called a “Contract with America”. It called for reducing the size of the government, lowering taxes, and promoting private enterprise. It also advocated passing welfare and tort reform. The Republicans painted President Clinton and the Democrats as “tax and spend liberals”. The Republicans picked up 8 seats in the Senate and 54 seats in the House. George W. Bush defeated Ann Richards and became Governor of Texas during the election, putting him on the road to becoming president in 2000.

On Sept. 27, 1994, attending a rally on Capitol Hill, then-Minority House Whip Newt Gingrich explains the new “Contract with America”. The plan was adopted by the vast majority of Republican candidates across the nation. It led to the “Republican Revolution” that captured majorities in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. (Credit: John Duricka/AP)

George W. Bush on election night, Nov. 8, 1994, with his daughter Barbara and wife Laura, shortly after defeating Texas Governor Ann Richards in Austin, Texas. The election placed Bush in the national spotlight and into a position to become president in 2000. (Credit: George Bridges/AP)