Democrats Gain House Control as Hochul Wins New York Race

Democrats are projected to regain control of the US House of Representatives following the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, while several prominent Democratic candidates secured projected victories in key races across the northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, according to ABC News.

In New York, incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul is projected to defeat Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. ABC News called the gubernatorial race for Hochul, while the Associated Press had also projected her reelection at approximately 9:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The election results also brought victories for incumbent Democrats in other major statewide contests. ABC News projected that Cory Booker would retain his US Senate seat in New Jersey, while Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont was projected to win a third term.

In Queens, preliminary election results showed strong performances by Democratic incumbents across congressional and state legislative races. According to QNS, all incumbents seeking reelection were leading their contests as of 10 p.m. Tuesday. The figures remained unofficial pending certification by the city's Board of Elections.

Hochul expressed confidence during a campaign stop near a polling location at Flushing's P.S. 22Q, where she met residents alongside State Sen. John Liu and Council Member Sandra Ung.

"feeling good" Hochul said when discussing her prospects in Queens.

The governor also predicted stronger-than-expected support in Nassau County, where her Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, was seeking to build support.

"better than expected" Hochul said about her expected performance in Nassau County.

Blakeman offered a more optimistic assessment of his own chances earlier Tuesday, predicting a narrow victory over the incumbent governor.

"52-48" Blakeman told reporters when describing his expected election result.

During Hochul's appearance in Flushing, one voter interrupted the governor's interaction with residents, openly declaring support for Blakeman and directing an insult at Hochul. The governor received a considerably warmer reception during a separate visit to Queen of Angels Parish Center in Sunnyside, an area described by QNS as a stronghold for the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

"piece of sh*t." the unidentified voter said while criticizing Hochul.

Other statewide Democratic candidates also performed strongly. QNS reported that State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli secured nearly 71 percent of the vote, while Attorney General Letitia James received 67.9 percent in their respective contests as of 10 p.m.

Among congressional races in Queens, Democratic incumbent Gregory Meeks won the 5th Congressional District with 80 percent of the vote, with 86 percent of scanners reporting. Grace Meng was projected to retain the 6th District with 68.3 percent, while Claire Valdez secured the open 7th District seat with 83 percent of the vote.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also won reelection in the 14th Congressional District with 78.2 percent. Meanwhile, Tom Suozzi held a 57.9 percent lead in the 3rd District, with 21 percent of precincts reporting, according to QNS.

New York's broader electoral landscape included all 26 US House seats, 63 State Senate seats, and 150 State Assembly seats. NYS Focus reported that 15.5 percent of active voters had cast ballots early in person through November 1, before Election Day.