Democrats Make Major Gains In US Midterm Elections, Taking Control Of Senate And House

World 09:32 AM - 2026-11-04

US midterm elections 2026.

The Democratic Party has made significant gains against Republicans in both chambers of the US Congress following a fiercely contested midterm election, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican administration.

The United States held its midterm congressional elections on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in a contest widely viewed as a crucial test of Trump's leadership and his party's political standing. Voters went to the polls to elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 senators, and governors in 36 states.

In the Senate, Democrats secured a majority by flipping six Republican-held seats in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and Iowa. They crossed the 51-seat threshold required to control the chamber. The remaining races are still being counted.

In the House of Representatives, Democrats had secured 192 seats, compared with 113 for Republicans, while 130 races remained uncalled, according to preliminary figures reported by Deutsche Welle. With 218 seats required for a majority, the final outcome of the House contest was still being determined. 

Among the most notable victories was James Talarico's success in Texas, where he defeated Republican Ken Paxton. His victory marked a historic breakthrough for Democrats in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988.

In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, who had been appointed to the Senate following the death of her brother, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The result represented a major upset in a traditionally Republican stronghold.

Democrats also secured victories in Kansas, where Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall, and North Carolina, where former governor Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley.

In Ohio, former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted, while Josh Turek won Iowa's Senate race against Republican Ashley Hinson.

Meanwhile, Democrats retained their Senate seats in Georgia, where Jon Ossoff won re-election, and New Hampshire, where Chris Pappas defeated Republican John Sununu.

The party also made substantial gains in the House of Representatives, with major US media outlets projecting that Democrats had regained control of the chamber after defeating Republican candidates in several competitive districts.

Among the notable House victories were Jamie Ager in North Carolina and Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey, alongside further Democratic gains in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and other states.

The election results mark a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington, ending the Republicans' control of both chambers of Congress and presenting Trump with a more challenging political landscape for the remainder of his second term.


PUKMEDIA