US midterms: Democrats retake House, gain Senate seats

In the 2026 United States midterms, Democrats reclaimed control of the House of Representatives while making significant gains in Senate races, according to initial projections. The BBC reported that Democrats secured a majority in the House, which consists of all 435 seats, though vote counting was ongoing in several states. The party also gained ground in the Senate, winning seats previously held by Republicans in Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Ohio, while retaining seats in Georgia and New Hampshire.

Notable victories included Democrat James Talarico defeating Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, making him the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in the state since 1988, and Democrat Annie Andrews defeating Republican Darline Graham in South Carolina, marking the first time a woman and a Democrat have won a Senate seat in the state in over 20 years.

In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper edged out Republican Michael Whatley, and in Ohio, Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted. These wins put Republican control of the Senate under pressure, though the final outcome remained uncertain. The midterm elections, held on November 3, 2026, decided the composition of Congress, which includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats were up for grabs. The results are crucial for President Donald Trump as a Democratic-controlled House could intensify congressional scrutiny of his administration, potentially leading to investigations into his policies and decisions. Trump has stated he will accept the midterm results and work with Democrats, despite initially expressing dissatisfaction with early reports.