In November 2014, Republicans achieved significant electoral success, securing the largest number of House seats since the 1920s and gaining nine new Senate seats, which led to the ousting of Harry Reid as majority leader. The primary campaign focus for Republican candidates was on the issue of Obamacare, reflecting a nationwide discontent with the healthcare law.

Ted Cruz highlights that the overwhelming Republican victory may be attributed to their ability to galvanize and mobilize millions of Americans against Obamacare. However, he suggests that this clear linkage between their campaign focus and electoral gains was not acknowledged by political leaders in Washington at the time.