Democrats Capture Both Chambers of US Congress in Midterms

A major shift in congressional power followed the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, as Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress by defeating Republican candidates across the country. The results weakened President Donald Trump's legislative position and ended his party's majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.

Preliminary estimates from the University of Florida's Election Lab showed that approximately 122.7 million ballots had been counted, representing 48.8 percent of the eligible population. That marked the second-highest turnout in a US midterm election in more than a century, behind only 2018.

As of 09:00 GMT on Thursday, November 5, Democrats had secured at least 240 House seats and 54 Senate seats, according to preliminary election results. Republicans had won 147 House seats and 44 Senate seats.

Counting remained underway in 48 House districts and two Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi. Democrats could ultimately exceed 260 House seats and reach 56 Senate seats.

Early voting had already attracted 54.5 million registered voters by 10am US East Coast time (15:00 GMT) on Sunday, November 1, according to the University of Florida's Election Lab. Approximately 30 million voted in person, while another 24 million submitted ballots by mail.

State-level participation varied considerably. Maine recorded the highest turnout at 65.78 percent, followed by Minnesota at 65.16 percent and Michigan at 63.65 percent. West Virginia had the lowest rate at 33.33 percent, followed by Oklahoma at 37.08 percent and Hawaii at 37.68 percent.

In the Senate, Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to reach the 51 required for a majority, accounting for Vice President JD Vance's ability to break a 50-50 tie in favor of Republicans. They exceeded that target by capturing seven Republican-held seats.

Democratic victories included James Talarico in Texas, Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Annie Andrews in South Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Josh Turek in Iowa and Adam Hamilton in Kansas. In Maine, Democrats also defeated incumbent Susan Collins.

The party retained its existing Senate seats, including in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed won election as a new Democratic senator.

In the 435-member House, Democrats needed 218 seats to secure control. They crossed that threshold after flipping at least 31 Republican-held districts, including several constituencies affected by newly drawn congressional maps.

Notable victories included Cait Conley's defeat of Mike Lawler in New York's 17th congressional district and Rebecca Bennett's victory over Thomas Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th district. Elaine Luria also defeated Jen Kiggans in Virginia's 2nd district, while Rebecca Cooke defeated Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin's 3rd.

In Michigan's 4th district, Democrat Sean McCann defeated eight-term incumbent Bill Huizenga.

The elections also produced several historic milestones. Texas elected its first Democratic senator since 1993 after James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton. Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, becoming the state's first Latina governor and its first Democratic governor since 1994.

Kansas elected its first Democratic senator since 1932, while South Carolina secured its first Democratic senator since 2005. Additional Democratic Senate victories came in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and Ohio.

Other historic outcomes included Abdul El-Sayed becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate and Chris Pappas becoming the first openly gay man elected to the chamber. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms, the great-great-granddaughter of a slave, became the first Black woman elected governor of a US state.

New Mexico elected Deb Haaland as its first Native American woman governor. Meanwhile, Hakeem Jeffries could become the first Black speaker of the House if members elect him in January.

Democratic control of the House will allow the party to lead congressional committees, block Republican legislation and investigate the Trump administration. However, Trump retains presidential veto powers, and overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

The incoming Congress is scheduled to begin its term on January 3, 2027. Republicans will retain control of both chambers until the new Congress takes office.