By Salma El-Sakka
NBC News projects that Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, securing approximately 255 seats — well beyond the 218 needed for a majority. The victory gives Democrats control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in President Donald Trump’s second term, enabling them to launch investigations and advance legislation to counter his agenda.
Democrats Secure Large Majority
The projected seat count could represent the party’s largest House majority in nearly two decades. Democrats needed a net gain of just three seats but flipped GOP-held districts across the country, from the East Coast to Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, many in areas Trump carried in 2024. The results are widely seen as a referendum on Trump’s policies, including his immigration crackdown, the eight-month Iran war, and tariffs that raised prices on gas and groceries.
Key Race Results
In Pennsylvania, Democrat Bob Brooks defeated Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the 7th District; Paige Cognetti ousted Rep. Rob Bresnahan in the 8th; and Janelle Stelson unseated Rep. Scott Perry, former chairman of the far-right Freedom Caucus, in the 10th. In Virginia, former Rep. Elaine Luria reclaimed her seat by beating Rep. Jen Kiggans, while Shannon Taylor upset longtime Rep. Rob Wittman. Other notable Democratic wins include Rebecca Bennett over Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey, Manny Rutinel over Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado, and farmer Jamie Ager over state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom in a North Carolina district Trump won by more than 9 points in 2024.
Oversight and Investigations
When the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York is expected to become the first Black speaker of the House. Democrats will control House committees, gaining subpoena power to investigate Trump’s administration, family, and business ventures. Rep. Robert Garcia, poised to chair the Oversight Committee, said his panel will focus on “Trump family corruption,” including cryptocurrency ventures that have earned Trump over $1 billion, as well as alleged abuses by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, corporate corruption, and the Jeffrey Epstein files. Some Democrats have not ruled out a third impeachment of Trump, though Jeffries said the party will “follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution.”
Legislative Priorities
Beyond investigations, House Democrats plan to pass legislation with a simple majority. Jeffries outlined four priorities: reversing Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, extending Affordable Care Act credits, restoring congressional authority over tariffs, and stopping the war with Iran.
Redistricting Battles
The election unfolded amid intense redistricting fights. Republicans redrew maps in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Missouri to gain seats, but Democrats countered in California with Proposition 50, approving a Democratic-drawn map that helped flip GOP-held seats. The Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s new map, preserving Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City seat. Jeffries vowed to continue pushing for legislation to ban mid-decade gerrymandering.
GOP Leadership Uncertainty
The loss is a blow to Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally who has led House Republicans for three years. It remains unclear whether Johnson will seek the minority leader post or step aside, which would trigger a competitive GOP race to replace him.
