Democrats Seize Control of Congress in Historic 2026 Midterms

The Democratic Party captured both chambers of the U.S. Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections, ending unified Republican control of Washington. Projections indicate Democrats secured at least 242 House seats and 54 Senate seats, granting them subpoena power and oversight of federal spending. While the majority allows for increased scrutiny of the Trump administration, President Donald Trump retains veto power over major legislation and executive authority over tariffs and immigration fees.

The elections produced several historic firsts. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa became the first Latina governor in state history, while Nathan Johnson won the attorney general race for the first time for a Democrat since 1994. Other landmark victories included Keisha Lance Bottoms becoming the first Black woman governor in Georgia, Deb Haaland becoming the first Native American woman governor in New Mexico, and Abdul El-Sayed becoming the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate representing Michigan.

In Arizona, Democrats swept statewide races, with Governor Katie Hobbs winning re-election and the party flipping the state legislature for the first time in nearly 60 years. Republican candidates attributed these losses to economic dissatisfaction and gas prices. Despite spending $5.45 billion on advertising—supported by significant funding from Elon Musk—the Republican Party suffered a widespread defeat. President Donald Trump blamed the losses on lackluster candidates, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China described the results as a domestic affair.