Democrats Win House and Senate in 2026 Midterms

Democrats made sweeping gains in the 2026 midterm elections, taking control of both the House and Senate and making inroads in traditionally Republican areas, although several high-profile Republican House members were still trailing in races too close to call. The results were a setback for President Donald Trump, whose campaign involvement made the election a test of his leadership; Democrats are positioned to investigate his administration and block nominees, while Trump has threatened to veto legislation he opposes. Voters cited concerns including high costs, tariffs and the Iran war, while Trump rejected the idea that the losses were a personal rebuke. State and local results were mixed: Tennessee Republicans won the newly drawn 9th Congressional District and the governor’s race, while Austin voters approved parks and library bonds and sent several City Council contests to runoffs. The outcome followed a mid-decade redistricting battle in which both parties changed maps to improve their electoral prospects, with court rulings blocking or altering some plans.