Democrats Take Control of US Congress in Major Midterm Election Upset
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.
The victories give Democrats control of the House of Representatives and Senate, allowing them to block Trump’s legislative agenda, investigate his administration and influence key government appointments during the final two years of his presidency.
The election results reflected voter concerns over the rising cost of living, tariffs and Trump’s war against Iran, which has pushed fuel prices higher and intensified economic uncertainty.
Trump said he was willing to accept the election results and work with Democrats. However, he later posted an image of a red baseball cap bearing the word “VETO” on social media, signaling his intention to challenge Democratic legislative efforts.
Democrats Make Historic Gains in Senate
Democrats secured six Republican-held Senate seats, including victories in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. The gains overturned the previous Republican majority of 53-47.
In Kansas, Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 1932.
In Iowa, Democrats also ended a long Republican-held streak, winning a Senate seat for the first time since 2008.
Texas delivered one of the election’s most significant political surprises. Democrat James Talarico defeated a Trump-backed Senate candidate, while Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, ending decades of Republican control of the state’s top office.
Democrats also retained key Senate seats, including Jon Ossoff’s seat in Georgia, and secured an open seat in New Hampshire.
Democrats Capture the House
Democrats also regained control of the House of Representatives by winning Republican-held districts across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arizona and North Carolina.
Several victories came in areas that Trump had comfortably won in the 2024 presidential election.
In Indiana, Democrat J.D. Ford defeated Republican Congresswoman Victoria Spartz in a district Trump had carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.
Democrats also made significant gains in state-level elections. In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history.
Meanwhile, Florida delivered victories for Republicans, with Trump-backed Byron Donalds winning the governorship and Ashley Moody retaining a Senate seat.
Trump Faces New Political Challenges
With control of both chambers, Democrats will have greater authority to scrutinize the Trump administration, investigate allegations involving government conduct, examine the Iran war and review immigration enforcement policies.
They will also be able to block legislation and use their Senate majority to influence judicial appointments and senior government nominations.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described the results as a major setback for Trump’s MAGA movement. He could become the first Black speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes in January, subject to a vote by House members.
Robert Garcia, a Democrat expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, also signaled plans for increased congressional scrutiny of the administration.
Economic concerns played a central role in the election. Voters cited rising housing costs, grocery prices, utility bills and property taxes among their major concerns.
The results mark a significant shift in Washington’s political balance and set the stage for a new period of congressional confrontation and oversight during the remaining years of Trump’s presidency.
