Democrats Sweep US Midterms to Take Control of Congress

UPDATE - follow-up to U.S. midterm elections 2026 LIVE: Kansas sends Democrat to Senate for first time since 1932; Trump claims Republicans would have won in 'landslide' if he was contesting: Democrats won full control of the U.S. Congress in a sweeping midterm rout on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, dealing a crushing defeat to President Donald Trump and his party. Voters showed deep anger over rising living costs, tariffs, and an unpopular war against Iran that sent fuel prices soaring. Despite his history of questioning election results, President Trump told The New York Times he is willing to accept the outcome and work with Democrats. However, he claimed on Truth Social that his party would have won in a landslide if he had been on the ballot.

Key Races and Upsets

Democrats captured the U.S. House of Representatives and secured crucial seats in conservative states. In Iowa, Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott defeated Republican incumbent Zach Nunn in the 3rd Congressional District, while Democrat Josh Turek won the state's Senate race against Ashley Hinson. In Texas, state Representative Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott, ending a three-decade Republican hold on the office and making history as the first Hispanic leader of the state. Democrat James Talarico also flipped a U.S. Senate seat in Texas. Meanwhile, Adam Hamilton won the Senate race in Kansas by ousting Republican Roger Marshall, becoming the state's first Democrat elected to the Senate in 94 years.

Context

Midterm elections in the United States take place midway through a president's four-year term and often serve as a referendum on the current administration's performance. The shifting control of the House and Senate will significantly alter the legislative balance of power for the remainder of President Trump's term.