Democrats have secured control of the US Senate following the 2026 midterm elections, winning at least six seats previously held by Republicans while also making gains in the House of Representatives, according to election projections.
The results represent a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington and could affect President Donald Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda during the remaining two years of his term.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat to win statewide office in the traditionally Republican state since 1994.
In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Senator Darline Graham, marking the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1998.
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Thom Tillis, defeating Republican candidate Michael Whatley.
In Kansas, Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall, while Iowa Democratic lawmaker Josh Turek won the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst, defeating Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
Ohio also saw a change in representation, with former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown defeating Republican incumbent Jon Husted to regain the seat he lost in 2024.
According to projections attributed to the Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ, the six Republican-held seats gained by Democrats were sufficient to give the party control of the Senate.
Democrats also gained at least seven Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives, with victories reported in North Carolina, New Jersey, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The final composition of the House remains dependent on the outcome of outstanding contests.
Before the elections, Republicans held a 53–47 majority in the Senate and a narrow majority in the House. Voters were choosing representatives for all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats, alongside governors in 36 states.
Economic conditions featured prominently throughout the campaign, particularly concerns about the cost of living, energy prices and the economic consequences of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Foreign policy was another significant issue, with debate over American support for Israel, assistance to Ukraine and the allocation of federal resources to overseas commitments.
The election results could have substantial implications for the remainder of Trump’s presidency. Democratic control of the Senate would give the party greater influence over legislation, presidential appointments and congressional oversight, while the outcome of House contests will determine the extent of Republican or Democratic control over the legislative process.
The elections also highlighted continuing debate over the dominance of the two major political parties and the prospects for independent candidates seeking to attract voters dissatisfied with both Republicans and Democrats.
With vote counting continuing in several contests, attention is now turning to the final congressional balance and its implications for federal policy over the next two years.
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