Newly Elected Lawmakers Begin Orientation in Washington

Freshmen members of Congress from Minnesota and Wisconsin arrived in Washington, D.C., for orientation this week.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Elections

Wide photograph of the United States Capitol dome above bare winter trees and an empty stone plaza under overcast daylight. — Freshman members of Congress from Minnesota and Wisconsin began orientation in Washington, D.C., this week as the new term opens. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust Congress to represent your interests well?

Newly elected members of Congress representing Minnesota and Wisconsin attended congressional orientation in Washington, D.C. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat elected to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith, shared a video of her first day, while Republican Michael Alfonso, elected to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, posted photos of his family's arrival.

Why it matters

The orientation marks the start of the new congressional term for lawmakers from both states, shaping how incoming members begin their work in the nation's capital. It also reflects the transition of Minnesota's Senate seat following Tina Smith's retirement.

The orientation began November 10, 2026, for newly elected members from Minnesota and Wisconsin. No vote counts or legislative figures were reported in connection with the arrivals.

The players

Peggy Flanagan

Peggy Flanagan is the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and a Democrat who was elected to succeed retiring Senator Tina Smith.

Michael Alfonso

Michael Alfonso is a Republican who was elected to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House.

The details

Peggy Flanagan posted a video on Facebook about her first day in Washington as a newly elected Democrat taking Tina Smith's Senate seat. Michael Alfonso shared photos of his family's arrival as the Republican representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District.

November 10, 2026: Newly elected members arrived in Washington, D.C., for congressional orientation.

Political Context

Freshman orientation has long served as the standard entry point for newly elected members of Congress before they take up committee work and floor votes. Coverage of these arrivals typically highlights the incoming class's composition across party lines.

Newly seated members will begin committee assignments and legislative work in the coming weeks. Constituents in Minnesota and Wisconsin can follow their representatives' activity through official congressional channels.

The takeaway

Watching how incoming members settle into orientation offers an early look at the priorities they will bring to the new Congress. Readers can track their early votes and committee roles as the term begins.