In the U.S. midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters elected all 435 members of the House of Representatives and filled 35 seats in the 100-member Senate. Elections for governors and local officials were also held in several states.

According to preliminary results available as of November 5, Democrats had secured 54 Senate seats, compared with 44 for Republicans. In the House of Representatives, Democrats had won 228 seats and Republicans 139, while vote counting and certification remained ongoing in several congressional districts.

The Democratic Party flipped at least seven Republican-held Senate seats. Victories in states including Texas, Kansas, Iowa, South Carolina and Ohio helped shift control of both chambers of Congress.

Donald Trump Responds to Election Results

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the Republican Party's electoral losses on November 4. Trump pointed out that his name had not appeared on the ballot and argued that the outcome would have been different had he been running for president.

Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran and rising gasoline prices had contributed to Republican losses. However, he continued to defend his administration's military operations against Iran.

The president also indicated that he could work with Democrats on certain issues while maintaining his authority to veto legislation that conflicted with his administration's policies.

Cost of Living and the Iran War Dominated the Election Campaign

The Democratic Party focused its campaign on rising living costs, energy prices, access to healthcare and criticism of federal government policies.

The ongoing U.S. war with Iran and its impact on oil prices were also among the issues influencing voters. Post-election surveys indicated that concerns about affordability and public confidence in government played a role in voting decisions.

Vice President JD Vance also addressed the Republican Party's losses, pointing to the impact of the Iran war on the election results.

Democratic Victories in Several Traditionally Republican States

Democratic candidate James Talarico won the Senate election in Texas, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 1988.

In Kansas, Adam Hamilton became the first Democrat elected to represent the state in the Senate in nearly 90 years.

Democratic candidates also won Republican-held Senate seats in Ohio, Iowa and South Carolina.

In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed was elected to the Senate, becoming the first Muslim politician to serve in the United States Senate.

What Does a "Lame Duck" President Mean?

In American politics, the term "lame duck" generally refers to an elected official approaching the end of their term, particularly one whose successor has already been chosen. It is also sometimes used more broadly to describe a president whose political influence has weakened.

With Republicans losing control of both chambers of Congress, President Donald Trump will need Democratic cooperation to pass major legislation during the remainder of his second term.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the president retains executive authority and the power to veto legislation passed by Congress. However, Democratic majorities will have substantial influence over federal spending, taxation and legislative priorities.

Democratic control of congressional committees could also lead to expanded investigations and oversight of federal government activities.

Hakeem Jeffries Emerges as Candidate for House Speaker

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined his party's priorities following the election results. Jeffries said Democrats would focus on reducing living costs and strengthening accountability within the federal government.

The new Congress is scheduled to convene on January 3, 2027, when members of the House of Representatives will elect a speaker.

With Democrats securing a majority, Jeffries is positioned to seek the speakership. If elected, he would become the first Black Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

How Will the Election Results Affect Trump's Remaining Term?

President Donald Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election and began his second term on January 20, 2025, is scheduled to remain in office until January 20, 2029.

Democratic control of both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections will change the legislative balance of power during the final two years of Trump's presidency.

Although Democrats now hold congressional majorities, the president retains his constitutional veto power. Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Federal spending, healthcare policy, immigration, the war with Iran and congressional oversight of the executive branch are expected to remain major areas of disagreement between the White House and Congress.