Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, taking majorities from Republicans in a setback for President Donald Trump. The Associated Press confirmed that Democrats had secured the House and at least 54 of the Senate’s 100 seats, while some races remained uncalled.
The shift will take effect when the new Congress begins on January 3, 2027. Until then, the outgoing Congress remains in place. The final size of the Democratic majorities was not yet settled, with dozens of House contests still awaiting results and two Senate races unresolved in an AP tally published November 4.
Democrats made gains in states that have long favored Republicans. Texas elected James Talarico to the Senate, the state’s first Democratic senator since 1988, and chose Gina Hinojosa as governor. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall, giving Democrats their first win in the state’s Senate contest in nearly a century. AP reported Talarico’s victory.
Democrats pledge affordability push and oversight
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the party would focus on affordability and accountability. Democrats have promised a 100-day agenda addressing the cost of fuel, groceries and health care, alongside investigations and oversight of the Trump administration.
Jeffries said Democrats were not currently focused on impeaching Trump or members of his Cabinet. The party’s Senate majority will not reach the two-thirds threshold needed to convict in an impeachment trial or override a presidential veto without support from Republicans.
Trump said he was willing to work with Democrats but also threatened to veto legislation. Vice President JD Vance blamed the Iran war for the Republican losses, while Trump said the conflict had pushed gasoline prices up in the short term. Those were the officials’ explanations for the result, not established findings about why voters shifted. AP reported their comments.