Democrats Secure Control of Both US House and Senate in 2026 Midterms

The 2026 United States midterm elections have produced a decisive shift in congressional power. Projected tallies indicate that Democrats have secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, handing the party control of Congress for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term.

According to the BBC, Democrats captured 228 seats in the House, a gain of 25, while Republicans fell to 139 seats, losing 25. In the Senate, Democrats added seven seats to reach 54, with Republicans dropping to 44, also a loss of seven. The results were based on counts of 367 of the 435 House seats and 33 of the 35 Senate seats contested.

Background

Midterm elections in the United States involve all 435 seats in the House and a third of the Senate’s 100 seats. In 2026, 35 Senate seats were up for election, while the entire House was contested. Prior to this cycle, Republicans held majorities in both chambers, a situation that had persisted since the 2022 elections. The Democratic gains represent an expansion of earlier successes, with the party flipping several Republican-held Senate seats, including historic victories in Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, as reported by Punch. Notably, James Talarico defeated incumbent Ken Paxton in Texas, marking the first Democratic Senate win in the state since 1988, and Annie Andrews won in South Carolina, becoming the first woman elected to the Senate from that state.

Why it matters

Control of Congress enables Democrats to influence legislation, oversight, and appointments during the final two years of Trump’s presidency. The shift could affect policy areas ranging from health care to climate action, as the new majority can advance its agenda and challenge the administration’s initiatives. The outcomes also have implications for state-level politics; for example, Democrat Sam Forstag’s projected win in Montana’s 1st District contributed to the party’s broader House strategy, according to The Hill. The victories are seen as a setback for the Republican Party, prompting internal assessments of strategy and leadership as they respond to the loss of both chambers.

What happens next

The projected majorities will be formalised once all votes are counted and the results certified by the respective state authorities. Democrats are expected to organise leadership elections for the House and Senate, determining committee chairs and the legislative agenda for the upcoming Congress. Republican leaders have indicated a period of reflection and planning, with media reports noting the party’s search for answers following the historic night. The new Congress is set to convene in early January 2027, where the balance of power will shape the final phase of the Trump administration’s policy agenda.