Democrats Win Control of U.S. Congress in Midterm Elections

Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress following the November 3 midterm elections, marking a significant shift in legislative power. According to The New York Times projections, Democrats will hold 55 Senate seats to Republicans' 45, and will win at least 254 House seats against the GOP's 172—well above the 218-seat majority threshold needed in the lower chamber. Only 35 of 100 Senate seats and all 435 House seats were contested.

President Donald Trump responded to the results with measured acknowledgment, telling Fox News he was "a little surprised" at the Republican losses and congratulated Democrats on what could be described as a landslide victory. However, Trump also stated he would "veto everything" if Democrats attempt to advance legislation he opposes, while simultaneously expressing openness to working with Democrats on specific issues such as immigration. Trump indicated he does not plan to make cabinet changes following the defeat.

The Democratic victory creates a divided government for the remainder of Trump's presidency. Democrats will now chair congressional committees, control the federal appropriations process, and—through Senate control—determine confirmation of Trump's nominees to key national security and diplomatic positions. Historically, losing both chambers in midterm elections is rare and typically occurs only when presidential approval ratings are significantly underwater. The last president to lose both chambers in midterms was George W. Bush in 2006.

According to Council on Foreign Relations experts, the midterm results reflect voter concerns about the Iran war, tariffs, inflation, and the cost of living. While Trump retains significant executive authority over foreign policy and can use veto power to block legislation, Democrats' control means they can delay or block Trump-backed bills, demand congressional investigations, and reject executive nominees. Experts note that without a veto-proof supermajority, Democrats face constraints in reversing Trump's tariff policies or fundamentally altering his approach to ongoing conflicts and international relationships.

Governatorial races held concurrently with the midterms also saw Democratic gains. Xavier Becerra, a veteran Democratic legislator, will become California's next governor—the first Latin American politician to hold the office in over 150 years. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial race, making her the third woman to hold the position, defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.