Democrats secure control of US Congress in midterm elections
On November 3, 2026, the United States held midterm elections that resulted in a decisive victory for the Democratic Party, effectively securing control over both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The elections served as a significant political test for President Donald Trump, with his legislative agenda for the remainder of his term now facing major constraints due to the shift in congressional power. Forecast models, including the New York Times' "Needle" and CNN's Decision Desk, indicated that Democrats surpassed the 218-seat threshold needed for a House majority and successfully flipped several key states in the Senate race.
Key outcomes include Democratic victories in traditionally competitive or Republican-leaning states, such as Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire, where Greek-American Chris Pappas won his race. While early reports confirmed Democratic leads in numerous states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Illinois, Republicans maintained wins in Florida and West Virginia. As of the early morning hours of November 4, the vote count remains ongoing in several areas, but the statistical indicators project an overwhelming Democratic majority. This shift represents a major defeat for the Republican administration, fundamentally altering the balance of power in Washington for the next two years.