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Skip NavigationMarketsBusinessInvestingTechPolitics & PolicyVideoWatchlistInvesting ClubPROLivestreamMenuFirst Solar is likely to gain ground following the Democrats’ sweep in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections , according to William Blair. The investment firm upgraded the solar panel stock to outperform from market perform. “Democrats swept the midterms, winning both chambers of Congress and flipping five governorships in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Nevada, as of the time of writing,” analyst Jed Dorsheimer said Thursday in a note to clients. “Ultimately, we believe this will unlock support at a local level for more utility-scale solar procurement and siting. We view First Solar as the best-positioned [original equipment manufacturer] of utility-scale solar panels in the U.S.” With more Democrats in Congress, it seems likely that the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act could become law, according to William Blair. The proposal calls for expedited federal permitting for solar projects and expanded solar grid development — both of which would benefit First Solar and its stock. Texas recently elected a Democrat as governor, which also bodes well for First Solar, Dorsheimer said. The state is the largest contributor to new U.S. solar capacity, he said. In 2025, Texas added roughly 11 gigawatts to put its solar capacity at around 52 gigawatts, Texas Public Radio reported, citing solar industry data. That’s enough power to run more than 6 million homes, per the news outlet. However, state-level tailwinds “will take time to show up in bookings,” Dorsheimer wrote. William Blair’s call falls in line with consensus on the Street. Of the 41 analysts covering First Solar, 29 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, LSEG data shows. Shares have fallen nearly 26% year to date.Read More