THE BARE STORY
Democrats were projected to take control of both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, ending Republican control during President Donald Trump’s first two years in office. By Wednesday morning, Democrats were projected to hold 54 Senate seats after flipping at least seven seats, while House results also put the party in the majority. The Alaska Senate race remained uncalled.
Projected Democratic Senate victories included races in Georgia, Ohio, Maine and Texas. Democrat Gina Hinojosa was also projected to defeat Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas. Democrats gained ground in gubernatorial contests nationally, though races in Kansas and Alaska had not been called.
Voter surveys cited widespread concerns about the economy and cost of living. Majorities of respondents in several polls said tariffs had harmed the economy and that U.S. military action in Iran was the wrong decision. Vice President JD Vance attributed Republican losses to the war in Iran, the cost of living and U.S. relations with Israel. Trump said he was surprised by the outcome and cited candidate performance and high gas prices connected to the conflict.
Trump said he was open to working with Democrats on some issues, including a possible immigration agreement, while pledging to use his veto authority against legislation he opposed. The incoming Democratic majorities will not take office until January and lack the votes needed to override a presidential veto or, in the Senate, to bypass a filibuster without Republican support.
Financial markets rose after the results, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 1,000 points in early Wednesday trading. In the House Republican leadership contest, Rep. Steve Scalise began a bid for minority leader against Rep. Jim Jordan, while Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not seek the position.
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