Democrats have secured control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives following significant victories in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
The results mark an end to the Republicans’ control of both chambers of Congress, with Democrats making considerable gains in several traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico secured a historic Senate victory, while Adam Hamilton became the first Democrat in nearly a century to win a Senate seat in Kansas.
The election results reflected growing voter concerns over the rising cost of living, inflation, tariffs, the ongoing conflict involving Iran and allegations of government corruption.
According to exit polls, approximately half of the voters viewed the elections as an opportunity to express opposition to President Trump’s leadership, while around 70 per cent supported stronger congressional oversight of the presidency.
The Democratic victories are expected to significantly influence the country’s political landscape over the next two years. With control of Congress, Democrats will have greater authority to scrutinise the administration, conduct investigations and challenge proposed legislation.
President Trump acknowledged the election results but rejected suggestions that the outcome represented a personal defeat, attributing the Republican losses partly to the performance of individual candidates.
The midterm elections, held on November 3, saw all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats contested, alongside several gubernatorial and state level elections.
