Updated November 4, 2026. Results below reflect reported race calls, not certified final totals.
Democrats are projected to take control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate after the November 3 midterm elections, setting up a major shift in Washington during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The Associated Press reports that Democratic gains extended into Republican strongholds, with at least seven Senate seats changing hands. The outcome gives the opposition greater power to challenge the administration through legislation, nomination votes and congressional investigations.
Where the House and Senate results stand
A November 4 Ballotpedia update put Democrats at 231 House seats against 141 for Republicans, with 63 seats unresolved. Its Senate tally stood at 54–44, with two races remaining.
| Chamber | Democratic side | Republicans | Unresolved |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | 231 | 141 | 63 |
| Senate | 54* | 44 | 2 |
*The Senate Democratic-side total includes two independents who caucus with Democrats. These are a reporting snapshot; live tallies can differ as organizations update their calls.
The Senate races that changed the map
According to Ballotpedia, Democrats flipped Republican-held Senate seats in Iowa, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
Among the biggest results were James Talarico’s victory over Ken Paxton in Texas and Adam Hamilton’s defeat of incumbent Roger Marshall in Kansas. Sherrod Brown defeated Jon Husted in Ohio, while Troy Jackson defeated Susan Collins in Maine.
Roy Cooper won in North Carolina, Annie Andrews prevailed in South Carolina, and Josh Turek won Iowa’s open seat. Together, these victories moved Senate control beyond the narrow battleground map many voters associate with national elections.
Why voters turned against Republicans
Reuters’ election analysis identified frustration over living costs as a central force behind the result. Exit polling found that nearly nine in ten voters considered the cost of living a crucial or major factor in their decision.
Reuters also reported dissatisfaction over the direction of the country and concern about corruption. Strong Democratic turnout and support from independent voters helped the party win beyond its usual competitive states.
What happens to Trump’s presidency now?
Trump remains president. The election changes the balance of power in Congress when the incoming lawmakers take office in January.
A Democratic House can set its committee agenda and pursue oversight of the administration. In the Senate, Democratic control creates a significant obstacle for nominees who cannot attract opposition support.
That does not give Democrats unrestricted power. Trump retains his presidential veto, limiting what an opposition-controlled Congress can turn into law. Reuters reported that he said he would accept the results and work with Democrats.
What remains undecided?
The outstanding contests will determine the final size of the majorities. News organizations’ race calls are separate from official certification: they identify a winner based on the available vote count and analysis before the formal process is complete.
For now, the central outcome is clear in the reporting: Democrats have won enough seats to control both chambers, while the final congressional lineup is still taking shape.
