Democrats Take Full Control of Congress After Midterm Elections

Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, ending Republican command of Congress. The Associated Press tallied the race calls that confirmed the shift. This marks the first time Democrats have held both chambers since 2023.

The party change stems from voter frustration with high living costs and perceived corruption. Democrats flipped seven Senate seats from Republicans. Those states are North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, and Maine. They also retained their seat in Georgia. In the House, Democratic candidates won at least three Florida districts that the state legislature had redrew. They also ousted four Republican incumbents in swing districts across Pennsylvania.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is expected to become the next Speaker of the House. He stated that voters have signaled they are done with extremism and corruption. "They want a Congress that's going to deliver for the American people, and that is exactly what House Democrats will do as soon as we get into office in January," Jeffries said.

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., is set to chair the House Oversight committee. He posted the phrase "LAWYER UP" on social media to describe the upcoming sessions. Democrats plan to investigate agency independence, specifically the Justice Department and Homeland Security. They also intend to look into the business interests of the president and his family.

President Trump retains his veto power, which limits immediate policy changes. He told the Pod Force One podcast that he would block Democratic legislation. "I'll become Mr. Veto," Trump said. "and then at some point we'll probably make deals." Democrats must work with Republicans to pass 12 annual appropriations bills to keep the government funded. The party shift also halts the steady confirmation of Trump-nominated judges in the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged the loss in a post to X. He said Senate Republicans created safer streets and new opportunities. "Senate Republicans will not stand idly by as the far-left, socialist wing of the Democrat Party attempts to unwind everything we've done," Thune wrote. Democrats view the win as a vindication for Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who faced pressure to challenge the administration earlier in the term.

The new Congress will be sworn in in January. Trump's approval ratings were below 40 percent in the weeks leading up to the election. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala., will return to Congress after his district was redrawn to favor Republicans. The shift in power will define the final two years of the current presidential term.