By Salma El-Sakka
Democrats have secured control of the US Senate, House of Representatives and a majority of governorships in the 2026 midterm elections, according to live results from all 50 states. With most races called, the party flipped key battleground seats to build comfortable majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Senate results
Democrats hold 54 seats, a net gain of seven, while Republicans have 44 seats, a loss of seven. The count includes two independents who caucus with Democrats. Thirty-three of 35 races have been called, with Republicans previously holding the Senate majority.
House results
In the 435-member House, Democrats have won 228 seats, a gain of 25, surpassing the 218 needed for a majority. Republicans hold 139 seats, a loss of 25, with 367 of 435 races called. Democrats were favored in enough districts to win the chamber without capturing any of the 18 toss-up seats identified by the Cook Political Report.
Governor races
Gubernatorial elections took place in 36 states and three territories. Democrats now hold 28 governorships, a net gain of five, while Republicans hold 20, a loss of five. Three incumbent governors retired. Thirty-four of 36 races have been called.
Key battlegrounds and special elections
Control of Congress hinged on a handful of competitive Senate and House races. The Cook Political Report had classified six Senate contests as toss-ups, with Democrats needing to win at least three. Special Senate elections were held in Florida and Ohio after Senators Marco Rubio and JD Vance resigned to join the executive branch following the 2024 presidential election.
How the elections work
The US Congress consists of the House of Representatives, with 435 voting seats elected every two years, and the Senate, with 100 members serving six-year terms with one-third up for election each cycle. Governors are elected by direct vote in their states for four-year terms, except in Vermont and New Hampshire where terms are two years. Results are reported by the Associated Press, which calls winners when it determines the trailing candidate has no path to victory.
