Washington, November 4 (News Desk): US Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party after voters delivered a series of victories to the opposition across traditionally Republican strongholds.
The Democrats flipped several Republican-held seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives, securing control of Congress for the first time since the Republicans took over both chambers. The results are expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Washington during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
According to results reported by the Associated Press and other media outlets, Democrats had secured 54 seats in the 100-member Senate, compared with 44 for Republicans, with some races still being counted. In the House, Democrats had won 228 seats against 139 for Republicans, with several contests yet to be called.
The party’s gains included victories in Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maine, marking a significant shift in states where Republicans had maintained considerable electoral strength.
Democrats make gains in Republican strongholds
The Senate results included several notable defeats for Republican candidates.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton, giving Democrats a Senate seat in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold. Democrat Troy Jackson also defeated five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall, marking the first time in nearly a century that the state elected a Democrat to the US Senate.
Democrats also secured victories in Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina, adding to their Senate majority. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. The results in Mississippi and Alaska remained closely contested as counting continued, with the final Senate numbers subject to change.
Historic firsts mark the 2026 midterm elections
The elections also produced several historic milestones, with candidates breaking long-standing political barriers across the country. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected as the first Black woman governor in US history after winning in Georgia.
In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa secured victory to become the state’s first Latina governor, defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan made him the first Muslim to enter the US Senate.
The results also saw Republican Byron Donalds win the Florida gubernatorial race, making him the first Black Republican elected governor of a US state. In California, Democrat Xavier Becerra won the gubernatorial race, becoming the state’s first Latino governor.
These victories formed part of a wider set of breakthroughs across state and federal contests.
Trump faces political challenge after Republican losses
The results are being widely viewed as a setback for Trump’s second-term agenda, with the economy, cost of living, tariffs and the US military campaign against Iran emerging as key issues during the election campaign.
Democrats had focused their campaign on affordability and criticism of the administration’s policies, while Republicans sought to mobilise voters around cultural and immigration-related issues.
Exit polls conducted by SSRS for a consortium of US media organisations indicated that around half of voters viewed the election as an opportunity to express opposition to Trump. About 70 per cent said they wanted Congress to exercise stronger checks and balances on the president.
Trump acknowledged the outcome in an interview with Fox News, congratulating Democrats, while also indicating that he would work with the opposition on certain issues. He maintained his position on the Iran war and warned that he could veto legislation he considered unacceptable.
What the Democratic victory means for Washington
The change in control of Congress is expected to have major implications for the remaining two years of Trump’s presidency.
Once the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will be able to lead committees, initiate investigations into the administration and exercise greater oversight over federal policies.
Control of the Senate will also give Democrats the ability to block presidential nominees, including judicial appointments, while the party’s majority in the House will allow it to shape legislative priorities and influence federal spending decisions.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black Speaker of the House, subject to a formal vote by the incoming chamber.
The outcome marks a significant change in the balance of power in Washington. With Democrats set to control both chambers, Trump’s administration will face a more assertive congressional opposition as the country moves towards the 2028 presidential election.
