In an interview Friday following the 2026 midterm elections, Smith said the GOP's sweeping losses could open the door to bipartisan cooperation, potentially allowing Democrats to overcome President Donald Trump's veto power.

"Forget Trump, we could get Republicans in Congress who are willing to talk to us and work with us," Smith said. "They just got wiped out on an unprecedented scale."

Smith said Democrats could try to build a two-thirds majority to override presidential vetoes, though doing so would require enough support in both chambers.

Asked whether Democrats would prioritize affordability or investigations into the Trump administration, Smith was direct: "Measures to lower costs."

Smith wants to restore cuts to federal healthcare programs, repeal tariffs he blames for higher prices, and push for an end to the war in Iran.

Smith also defended his support for impeaching Trump, accusing the president of misusing the Justice Department, disregarding court rulings, and deploying the military inappropriately.

"I think President Trump at that point is presenting a danger to the country," Smith said, describing his concerns about the president's continued actions.

The former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee also outlined his priorities if he regains the position.

Smith said he wants to investigate military leadership firings under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and challenge the administration's proposed $1.6 trillion defense budget.

He suggested investing in less expensive military technology, including drones and cheaper missiles, while directing more federal resources toward healthcare, job training, and infrastructure.

Smith acknowledged that delivering on those priorities would be difficult, even with Democrats controlling Congress.

"We don't just snap our fingers and fix these problems," he said.