By Sohaib Shams
Democrats are projected to win control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, driven by widespread voter dissatisfaction with the economy and President Donald Trump, according to ABC News projections and voter polls updated early Wednesday.
Senate majority flips
ABC News projects Democrats will gain at least six Senate seats, securing a 52-42 majority. Victories include flipping Republican strongholds in Kansas and South Carolina, as well as wins in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. Republicans currently hold 53 seats; Democrats needed four net gains to take control, with Vice President JD Vance holding the tie-breaking vote.
Key Senate races
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas in over 30 years. In South Carolina, pediatrician Annie Andrews unseated appointed incumbent Darline Graham, becoming the first woman elected to the Senate from the state. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper flipped the open seat held by retiring Republican Thom Tillis, defeating Trump-endorsed Michael Whatley. In Georgia, incumbent Jon Ossoff won reelection against Representative Mike Collins. In Kansas, megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton unseated incumbent Roger Marshall.
House control shifts
Democrats flipped at least a dozen House seats, including in traditionally red states, to gain a majority in the 435-seat chamber. Republicans held a slim 220-215 edge before the election; Democrats needed a net gain of three seats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, poised to become the first Black speaker, pledged to pursue Supreme Court reform. Democrats also aim to elect at least 100 women to the House, a record.
Trump factor and voter sentiment
Two weeks before the election, Trump's approval rating stood at 37%, with 62% disapproval — both record highs for his presidency. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found two-thirds of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, and 65% disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, matching President Joe Biden's worst rating in 2023. Trump urged voters to "pretend I'm on the ballot" but later posted he was "not on the ballot." He told The New York Times he would accept the results and work with Democrats, though he also posted a "VETO" hat on social media.
