Democrats Projected to Win House Majority in 2026 Midterms

Democrats are projected to easily capture a majority of seats in the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, in an outcome seen as a backlash to President Donald Trump. Control of the Senate remains too close to call heading into Tuesday evening. MS NOW called the Democratic flip of the House just before 10 p.m. ET. CNN, NBC News, and CBS News followed with the same projection shortly after, though the Associated Press had not called the race yet. CNN political commentator Van Jones called the expected blue wave a repudiation of Trumpism.

Causes And Support

The surge for Democrats follows a drop in President Trump's approval ratings over the year. Ratings fell amid higher gas and grocery prices and an unpopular war with Iran. Poll analysis shows 37 percent of voters approved of Trump as of Nov. 3, which is near his lowest level ever of 36 percent from two weeks prior. Trump previously campaigned for Republican candidates at rallies across the country.

Senate And State Races

Thirty-five Senate races are in contention. Democrats held leads in several closely watched races on Tuesday night, including James Talarico versus Ken Paxton in Texas, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, and Troy Jackson against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine. Roy Cooper decisively beat Michael Whatley in North Carolina, and Annie Andrews won in South Carolina over Darline Graham. If the Senate results in a 50-50 split, Republicans keep an edge because Vice President JD Vance holds a tie-breaking vote. In other races, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Georgia gubernatorial race to become the first Black woman governor in the United States.

Context

Midterm elections happen midway through a United States president's four-year term and often serve as a referendum on the current administration's performance. House and Senate control determines which party passes laws and confirms presidential appointments.