Democrats Win Control of Both Chambers of Congress in 2026 Midterms

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, held Tuesday, November 3, the Associated Press reported. The House and Senate results mean a new balance of power is coming to Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's time in office, NPR reported.

Democrats won a House majority first, and NBC News reported that they clinched the Senate later on election night. CNBC's Election Desk projected that Democrats would hold at least 51 seats, the number needed to win control of the Senate. Reuters reported that Democrats captured at least seven Republican-held Senate seats.

The Associated Press described the results as a decisive rebuke of Republican governance in Washington. The AP also reported that President Trump acknowledged the Iran war had an impact on the midterm elections. Trump said he is not considering replacing the defense secretary after the midterms, the AP reported.

Democrats vowed on Wednesday to use their victory to rein in Trump, Reuters reported. Reuters also reported that the Senate results affect Trump's push to reshape the courts. Senate nominations are one of the tools a president uses to fill federal judgeships, and the Senate must approve them.

Party leaders are also preparing for new roles. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, announced in a letter to colleagues dated November 4 that he is running for Speaker of the House in the 120th Congress. The Speaker is the chamber's presiding officer, chosen by House members. Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science Committee, said she will seek to become its chair.

In the Senate, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, is likely to keep his post, Reuters reported. The AP also reported that Democrats gained control of several state legislatures in the midterms.