Democrats Seize Control of Congress in Midterm Upset, Dealing Blow to Trump


This story, titled "US Midterm Elections 2026" First published on Al Jazeera English and was retrieved from its original source on November 4, 2026.
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In a significant political shift, the Democratic Party has gained control of the United States Congress, securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This outcome represents a substantial setback for US President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
Democratic Senate candidates achieved remarkable success, breaking long-standing electoral records in traditional Republican strongholds. Key seats were flipped in states like Kansas, Texas, and South Carolina, signaling a broader trend.
The Republican Party has experienced a historic and unexpectedly severe defeat, losing control of both chambers of Congress to the Democrats. Current results show Democrats winning 228 seats in the House of Representatives, compared to the Republicans' 139. Democrats are also leading in 34 undecided seats, potentially bringing their total to over 260, their largest majority since 1990.
In the Senate, Democrats have secured a majority of 54 seats, with Republicans holding 44. This marks the Democrats' clearest Senate majority since 2008.
Despite President Trump's call for voters to consider him on the ballot, many Republican candidates he endorsed in crucial battleground states were defeated by Democrats. Examples include Annie Andrews defeating Trump-backed Darline Graham in South Carolina, Roy Cooper beating Michael Whatley in North Carolina, Talarico winning against Ken Paxton in Texas, and Abdul El-Sayed defeating Mike Rogers in Michigan.
While it is common for the incumbent party to lose some seats during midterm elections, the scale of the Republican losses this year is unprecedented. Political scientists describe the results as a "seismic loss" for the party. The defeat of numerous Trump-backed candidates, including in traditionally Republican areas like Texas, highlights the extent of the party's struggles.
The shift in power is expected to alter the relationship between Congress and the White House, potentially leading to significant investigations and impeachment proceedings. It is also anticipated to embolden Democrats in Congress, increasing their appetite for opposition to President Trump.
Experts suggest that these midterm elections could be viewed as a referendum on the party in power, with a
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