They occurred in the middle of President Ronald Reagan's first term, whose popularity was sinking due to economic conditions under the 1982 recession.

It included most of the seats that had been gained the previous election, cementing the Democratic majority.

[1] Coincidentally, the number of seats the Democrats picked up (26), was the exact amount the Republicans would have needed to win the House majority.

In the previous election of 1980 Republicans gained many seats as the result of President Ronald Reagan's coattails.

To date, this election marks the last time the Democrats picked up a House seat in West Virginia.

It was also the last time the party holding the White House won independent voters in a congressional midterm election until 2022.

Arizona received an additional seat at reapportionment and added a 5th district in the southeast of the state.

Massachusetts lost one seat at reapportionment, combining the districts of Barney Frank and Margaret Heckler.