Washington, DC, United States — Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives and Senate in the 2026 US midterm elections, according to calls reported by Reuters and The Associated Press. The result ends Republican control of Congress and sets up divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The majority calls establish who is expected to control the chambers; they are not certified final tallies. Counting continues in individual races, so the eventual size of each majority remains a separate question.
Republican strongholds change hands
AP reported Democratic Senate victories for James Talarico in Texas, Annie Andrews in South Carolina and Adam Hamilton in Kansas. Democrats also won Republican-held seats in Maine and Ohio, while Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s open Senate race. The gains stretched well beyond the usual battlegrounds.
Decision Desk HQ also projected Democratic Senate control in this election-night post:
Decision Desk HQ projects that the Democrats win the Senate.
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 4, 2026
The pressures behind the vote
High living costs and the Iran war featured prominently in voters’ concerns, Reuters reported. Trump accepted the outcome in a Fox News interview, congratulating Democrats while signalling that he would use his veto against legislation he opposed.
Those reactions point to the next contest: how much common ground the White House and an opposition Congress can find once the new members take office.
What changes—and when?
The election does not immediately transfer congressional power. Under the 20th Amendment, the new terms of senators and representatives begin at noon on January 3, 2027. Republicans retain their current congressional roles until the transition.
Majority control gives Democrats greater influence over legislation, committee leadership and scrutiny of the administration. The House’s account of its oversight powers explains how investigations support Congress’s legislative work.
Winning both chambers does not give either party unrestricted power. Trump remains president, and bills still go to him for approval or veto. Overriding a veto requires two-thirds support in each chamber—a higher threshold than a simple majority.
Yesterday, we looked at the other election-night scoreboard: the prediction markets putting real money on the results. Today, the focus shifts from expectations to the practical consequences of a new balance of power.
ABC News’ November 4 report covers the congressional results, major races and the president’s response.
