Democrats have won control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, while control of the House remained undecided on Wednesday, November 4. The Senate result gives the party a major congressional gain during President Donald Trump’s term; the House was still too close to call.
The Associated Press reported that Democrats had flipped six Senate seats. One key win came in North Carolina, where Democrat Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley. The seat was open after Republican Thom Tillis chose not to seek re-election, so Cooper’s victory changed its party affiliation but did not unseat an incumbent. AP reported Cooper’s win.
House control remains undecided
Democrats had flipped seven House districts, according to AP, but the party had not yet secured a majority. In North Carolina’s 11th District, Democrat Jamie Ager was projected to defeat Republican Jennifer Balkcom, turning a previously Republican seat blue. Republican incumbent Chuck Edwards had withdrawn from the race.
The results build on early gains reported on election night, including the North Carolina Senate seat and House contests in traditionally Republican districts. CBS projected Ager’s victory.
Democrats’ Senate win gives them control of the chamber, but the final House balance will determine whether they can also take control of the lower chamber. The election was held Tuesday, November 3; the results reported so far are projections rather than a complete resolution of every contest.
Reid Bentley 
Clayton Ward