Democrats Secure Control of Both Chambers of Congress in 2026 Midterms

Democrats won majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, ending Republican control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term.

Senate Democrats reached at least 54 seats after net gains of seven, according to Associated Press and network projections. Flips occurred in Texas, where James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton; Kansas, where Adam Hamilton unseated Roger Marshall; Ohio; South Carolina; Iowa; North Carolina and Maine. Alaska and Mississippi remained too close to call with ballots still outstanding. The previous Republican majority stood at 53-47.

In the House, Democrats are on track for roughly 250-256 seats after flipping more than 40 districts. They needed only a net gain of three for a majority. Wins included seats in Kentucky and other areas that Trump carried in 2024. Fourteen Republican incumbents lost re-election. No Democratic incumbents lost, according to early tallies.

Voters cited concerns over the Iran war, affordability and immigration enforcement. Vice President JD Vance attributed the losses to the Iran conflict. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces bipartisan impeachment pressure. Harmeet Dhillon resigned as head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, the first senior departure after the results.

Democratic leaders said the outcome gives them a mandate to investigate administration actions and pursue changes on health care and other issues. Republicans described the results as a bloodbath and began internal reviews. Control of both chambers returns to Democrats for the first time since 2023 and sets up divided government for the final two years of Trump's presidency. Certification of remaining races will continue for days.