Democrats secure key Senate wins in New Hampshire and North Carolina during U.S. midterms

UPDATE - follow-up to U.S. Midterm Elections 2026 LIVE: Trump says midterm results will be 'better than you think': Democratic candidates scored crucial victories in Senate races as millions of Americans cast ballots in the midterm elections to decide control of Congress.

Election Results

Democrat Chris Pappas won the open U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire by defeating Republican John Sununu, holding the seat previously held by the retiring Jeanne Shaheen. Meanwhile, former Governor Roy Cooper flipped a Republican-held Senate seat in North Carolina by defeating a candidate backed by President Donald Trump. These contests formed part of a massive national ballot that included all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, and 36 state governorships for an electorate of about 210 million registered voters.

Context

Midterm elections traditionally serve as a referendum on the sitting president's agenda, and the outcome of these races will determine whether Democrats can secure a majority in at least one chamber of Congress to limit President Trump's legislative power. Voting took place across staggered time zones following months of intense campaigning and legal battles over mail-in ballots and voter roll administration.