Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the United States Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a major political setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.
CNN’s Decision Desk projected on Wednesday that Democrats had won majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending Republican control of Congress and giving the opposition party significant leverage over Trump’s administration during the final two years of his presidency.
The outcome represents a major turnaround for Democrats, who recorded significant victories in several states that Trump comfortably won during the 2024 presidential election.
In the Senate, Democrats flipped six seats previously held by Republicans, according to Reuters, including historic victories in Texas, South Carolina and Kansas.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton to become the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from the state since 1988.
South Carolina also recorded a historic political shift as Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, becoming the first woman elected to represent the state in the Senate and the first Democrat to win a Senate seat there in more than two decades.
Democrats also recorded victories in Ohio, Iowa and North Carolina, further strengthening their position in the upper chamber.
The party equally secured control of the House of Representatives, where all 435 seats were contested in the election.
With the victory, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to emerge as the next Speaker of the House, a development that would make him the first Black man to occupy the influential position.
The Democratic takeover of Congress is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape in Washington, giving the party control of congressional committees and expanded powers to scrutinise the Trump administration.
The new House majority will have the authority to launch investigations and issue subpoenas, while Democratic control of the Senate could enable the party to block or delay Trump’s judicial nominations.
The US midterm elections are held halfway through a president’s four-year tenure and determine the composition of Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This year’s contest featured all 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate.
The results represent a significant blow to Trump, whose Republican Party previously controlled both chambers of Congress.
Analysts have linked the Democratic gains to growing voter dissatisfaction over inflation, Trump’s tariff policies, the war with Iran and concerns surrounding his conduct in office.
Reacting to the election outcome, Trump reportedly expressed willingness to accept the results and work with the Democrats.
Speaking to The New York Times, the president said: “I am absolutely willing to accept those results.”
The Democratic victory is expected to usher in a new phase of political confrontation in Washington, with the party now better positioned to challenge the president’s legislative agenda and intensify congressional oversight of his administration.
