By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrats secured historic victories in the 2026 midterm elections Tuesday, capturing projected majorities in both the House and Senate on a unified message of making life more affordable for Americans. The affordability issue united voters across political and demographic lines, with more than 80% of midterm voters expressing worry about the price of necessities such as gas, groceries and healthcare, according to the NBC News Exit Poll.
Affordability Message Drives Victories
In a reversal from 2024, voters said they trusted Democrats on the economy more than Republicans. Democratic candidates from Kansas to South Carolina to Maine consistently focused on inflation, while Republicans attempted to shift attention to socialism and crime. House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, expected to become the first non-white Speaker of the House in January, said Wednesday the caucus is "laser-focused on addressing the affordability crisis that has been crushing everyday Americans."
Legislative Hurdles and Trump's Veto
When Democrats take control of Congress in January, they could pursue legislation to limit President Trump's tariff authorities, reinstate healthcare funding cuts, or investigate banks linked to Jeffrey Epstein. However, Trump retains veto power, and Democrats lack the two-thirds majorities needed to override a veto. Trump said he would be willing to work with Democrats, echoing a similar offer after the 2018 midterms that produced no major legislation.
New Lawmakers Push Ambitious Agenda
Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan said he has a mandate to "get money out of politics, put money in pockets, and pass Medicare for All." Sen.-elect James Talarico of Texas, who defeated Republican Ken Paxton by over 12 points, proposed eliminating tax cuts for the wealthiest households, offering free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, and expanding down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Talarico also signaled openness to working with Trump on suspending federal gas taxes and easing housing regulations.
Economic Inequality Resonates
The NBC News Exit Poll found 69% of midterm voters believe the U.S. economic system favors the wealthy, while only 31% consider it generally fair. Other Democratic proposals include ending the war in Iran to lower gas prices, suspending the federal gas tax, and limiting new data center construction to curb electricity costs.
Trump's Record as Cautionary Tale
Both parties won on promises to lower costs, but Trump's 2024 pledges of cheaper groceries, sub-$2 gas, and a manufacturing boom did not materialize. Prices kept rising, wages lagged inflation, and factory jobs declined. Economists attribute much of the GOP's economic challenges to Trump's tariffs, which raised consumer prices, and the Iran war, which drove up fuel costs and mortgage rates. Trump has dismissed affordability concerns as a "hoax" and touted oil company profits from high gas prices.
