.png)
By Karim Hammam
Democrats have secured control of the U.S. Senate and are projected to win the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, according to CBS News, the BBC's partner. The Senate outcome exceeded Democratic expectations, with victories in several states that had long leaned Republican.
Senate Results
Democrats flipped seats in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio. Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932, while South Carolina last sent a Democrat to the Senate in 1998. Pre-election polls had rated South Carolina as leaning Republican. Two seats remain too close to call in Alaska and Maine, and Mississippi is now considered a toss-up by CBS News.
House Projections
CBS News projected a Democratic House majority shortly after 03:00 GMT on Wednesday. The party is making the gains needed for control and is targeting a larger victory. In Florida, Democrats held districts 14 and 25 despite Republican-led redistricting that shifted both areas from a majority of 2024 Kamala Harris voters to a majority of Donald Trump voters. Democrats also won Florida's 22nd district, which had been redrawn to favor Republicans.
Florida Hispanic Voters Shift
A large exit poll indicates Hispanic voters in Florida backed Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon over Republican Angie Moody by 55% to 44%. That marks a reversal from 2024, when an estimated 55% of Hispanic voters in the state supported Donald Trump.
Top Voter Concerns
The same poll found the economy was the leading issue nationwide, followed by the state of democracy. More than two-thirds of respondents said they believe Donald Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions.
