Democrats Reclaim Control of Both Congressional Chambers in Historic Midterm Shift
Voters have flipped key seats in Texas, Kansas, and Michigan, giving Democrats their largest House majority since 1990 and ending Republican dominance in the Senate.
By Nadia Singh ·
Democrats have seized control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate following Tuesday's midterm elections.
The party has claimed 228 House seats so far and is leading in 34 others, according to Associated Press tallies. This trajectory puts them on track for more than 260 seats, a level of strength the party has not held since winning 267 seats in 1990. In the Senate, Democrats have secured 54 seats and lead in one more, surpassing the 51-seat threshold required for a majority. Their last time holding such a clear upper chamber majority was in 2008. Republicans, who held 220 House seats and 53 Senate seats after the 2024 cycle, are projected to fall short of 180 House seats and will likely hold no more than 45 in the Senate.
The shift was driven by flips in competitive states including Texas, Kansas, Michigan, South Carolina, and Iowa. Voters also selected governors in 36 states, leaving Democrats with 28 governorships compared to 20 for Republicans. The Democratic victory in the House represents a swing of at least 25 seats from the Republicans, exceeding the 21-seat gain the party achieved in 2008. This marks the first time in two decades that a Republican president has lost control of both legislative chambers, a last occurrence dating to George W. Bush in 2006.
Several firsts defined the night's outcomes. Abdul El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate after defeating Mike Rogers in Michigan. In Illinois, Juliana Stratton's win ensures three Black women will serve in the Senate simultaneously. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor, defeating Rick Jackson in Georgia. Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman to hold a state governorship after winning in New Mexico. Adam Hamilton broke a 94-year streak by becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Kansas since 1932. James Talarico became the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994, defeating Ken Paxton.
President Donald Trump, who urged voters to treat him as being on the ballot, faced a wave against his endorsed candidates. Darline Graham lost in South Carolina, Michael Whatley lost in North Carolina, and Mike Rogers lost in Michigan. Trump told Fox News that Democrats fought hard and that there was a mood in the air, adding that he should not feel guilty. Pre-election polls, which had been unreliable in recent years, correctly predicted the Democratic sweep this time.
Counting continued through Tuesday night, with some results potentially pending until Wednesday or later. The election included special contests in Florida and Ohio to replace seats vacated by Marco Rubio and JD Vance. Gary Colbert, a voter in Detroit, cited fuel prices and the cost of living as reasons for his vote, while his wife Shirley Colbert said changes were needed to address current conditions.
