Democrats are projected to take control of the U.S. Senate after winning a series of closely watched races in the November 3, 2026, elections. The shift gives the party the upper chamber’s majority, though the final seat count has not been established.
The Associated Press also reported that Democrats had won the Senate, with victories in Iowa, Kansas, Texas, South Carolina, Ohio and North Carolina. The results included wins by James Talarico in Texas, Annie Andrews in South Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Roy Cooper in North Carolina.
Democrats also held Georgia, where Jon Ossoff won re-election, and Chris Pappas won in New Hampshire, according to AP. The race projections were reported on November 4.
Majority size remains unsettled
Before the election, Republicans held 53 Senate seats. Democrats had 47 members in their caucus, including two independents who align with them. Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to take control.
The projections establish a change in party control, but not the final composition of the chamber. The new majority will have influence over which measures receive floor votes and will play a central role in considering presidential nominations, subject to Senate rules.
The change will take effect when the newly elected Congress convenes. The election projections do not settle the separate contest for control of the House of Representatives.
Reid Bentley