By Salma El-Sakka
Democrats have won back full control of the US Congress following the midterm elections held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats were contested, with Democrats meeting high expectations across the country.
Senate gains in former Republican strongholds
The party secured a Senate majority after a series of victories in states that had long been Republican strongholds, including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Ohio, Maine and Iowa. The sweep was described as a "Blue Tsunami" by observers.
House majority regained
Democrats also reclaimed the House of Representatives, which they last controlled in 2023. They flipped numerous seats in states such as Kentucky, New Jersey, Indiana and North Carolina.
Trump blames Republican candidates
Former President Donald Trump responded to the losses by blaming the candidates themselves. He posted an image of a MAGA-style red hat bearing the word "VETO" and told Fox News that lackluster Republican candidates were responsible for defeats even in GOP strongholds like Texas and South Carolina.
Historic wins in Texas and Michigan
In a major upset, Democrat James Talarico won the Texas Senate race by defeating Trump-backed Attorney General Ken Paxton, ending a 38-year Democratic losing streak in the state. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the open US Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate.
