US President Donald Trump has suffered a major political setback after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. The results mark a significant rejection of the Republican administration and reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
In the Senate, Democrats secured at least seven Republican-held seats, winning in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. The latest reported tally put Democrats and their two independent allies at 53 seats, against 41 Republicans. Six of the 35 Senate races remained uncalled in the reported results. The Senate has 100 seats, with 51 required for a majority.
The House of Representatives also shifted to Democratic control. Democrats flipped more than 24 Republican-held districts, including several constituencies that supported Trump by double-digit margins in 2024. The 435-member House requires 218 seats for a majority. At the latest reported count, Democrats had secured 214 seats against 126 Republicans, with 95 races yet to be called. Subsequent projections confirmed Democratic control.
The Republican setback extended beyond Congress. Thirty-six states held gubernatorial elections, with Democrats flipping several Republican-held governorships, including Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Texas.
Voter dissatisfaction played a significant role in the outcome. According to exit polling, around 75% of voters expressed anger or dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. Meanwhile, 70% wanted Congress to exercise stronger checks and balances on the President.
Trump, who had urged voters to treat the midterms as a personal referendum, congratulated Democrats on their campaigning but rejected the suggestion that the results reflected his leadership.
The Democratic victory will significantly limit Trump’s legislative influence during his final two years in office. With control of both chambers, Democrats can block legislation, scrutinise administration policies and challenge presidential appointments.
The results mark a dramatic shift in Washington and set the stage for an increasingly contested political battle ahead of 2028.
