Democrats win Senate, House of Representatives in US midterm elections
What's the story
The Democratic Party has won both the Senate and the House of Representatives in US midterm elections, taking control of Congress for the rest of Donald Trump's presidency. The Democrats's victory is largely attributed to Republican candidates losing in states that had been won by Trump just two years ago. This change is expected to give Democrats more power over administration and judicial nominations and allow them to set the Senate's agenda.
House
Democrats win the House of Representatives
The Democrats' victory in the House of Representatives was largely expected, since they only needed to net three seats to accomplish it.
However, Democrats' potential to flip the Senate caps an extraordinary election.
To accomplish this, they needed to win many seats that Trump had won by a large margin in 2024.
The Democrats flipped seven Republican-held seats, including Maine, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.
Seat flips
Democrats flip key Senate seats
Former Governor Roy Cooper defeated former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in North Carolina.
In Texas, state Representative James Talarico beat state Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In Iowa, Josh Turek flipped the Republican-held seat, becoming the first Democrat since Barack Obama to win a federal race in the state.
Twitter Post
Former President Obama reacts to wave of Democratic wins
Tonight, the American people sent a clear message — they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 4, 2026
These results were only possible because outstanding candidates stepped forward in…
Kansas
Democrat wins Kansas, first since 1932
In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Roger Marshall to become the first member of his party to win a Kansas Senate seat in almost a century, according to Associated Press news agency projections.
A Democrat has not won a seat there since 1932.
The $110 million race was the most expensive in the state's history.
Election factors
Voter dissatisfaction over Trump's handling of economy
Voter dissatisfaction over rising prices and Trump's handling of the economy played a big role in the Democrats's victory.
A Fox News poll showed Trump's job approval rating had plummeted to 36%.
According to an election day poll, almost two-thirds (65%) of voters surveyed say Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions in the US.
The ongoing military conflict with Iran also contributed to voter discontent, further boosting Democratic candidates' chances.
Trump
Democrats did a good job: Trump
In a rare praise for the blue party, Trump said he thinks the Democrats did a good job.
"They fought hard," the president told Fox News, adding that there was a "mood in the air" and "I shouldn't feel guilty."
"We'll work with the Democrats, and we'll, you know, look forward to working with them. We'll probably work something out," Trump also told the New York Times.