By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrats gained full control of five state governments in the 2026 midterm elections, winning trifectas — the governor's office and both legislative chambers — in Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to The Associated Press.
Wisconsin and Pennsylvania Flip
In Wisconsin, Democrats regained full control for the first time in 16 years, flipping both legislative chambers while holding the governor's office, aided by new legislative maps adopted after the state Supreme Court struck down Republican-drawn lines in 2024. In Pennsylvania, Democrats flipped more than the three seats needed to retake the state Senate and expanded their Assembly majority, giving re-elected Gov. Josh Shapiro a trifecta for the first time since 1993.
Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada Also Secure Trifectas
Democrats recaptured a trifecta in Michigan, flipping the state House and padding their Senate majority, while Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the governor's race to succeed term-limited Gretchen Whitmer. In Minnesota, Democrats built sizable majorities in both chambers, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar will become governor, succeeding Tim Walz. In Nevada, Democrats held legislative chambers and flipped the governorship with Attorney General Aaron Ford's win over Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.
Gains in Republican Strongholds
Democrats also made inroads in traditionally Republican states. In Texas, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott, becoming the first Democratic governor since 1995, though Republicans kept the state Senate. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governorship, flipping it blue for the first time in 24 years, while Democrats gained in the state House. Democratic gubernatorial victories in Iowa and Ohio broke GOP trifectas, and Democrats flipped the North Carolina state House for the first time in 16 years.
Arizona Trifecta Still Possible
Democrats could still gain a trifecta in Arizona, where they have not held full control in 60 years. Party leaders said they were on track to win both legislative chambers, while Gov. Katie Hobbs won re-election, though the Associated Press has not yet projected control of the legislature.
