Democrats expand congressional gains in 2026 midterms

Democrats gain control of Congress

Democrats expanded their congressional majorities in the 2026 midterm elections, winning at least 54 Senate seats and flipping dozens of House districts. The party recorded Senate upsets in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, while the contests in Alaska and Mississippi remained unresolved.

CBS News estimated that Democrats were on track to hold about 256 House seats. The party avoided major losses tied to redistricting while gaining districts elsewhere.

The final size of each majority depends on the remaining unresolved races. Those outcomes will determine the exact number of seats each party holds when the next Congress begins.

Power shifts with Trump in the White House

Democratic leaders are beginning to lay out how they intend to use control of the House and Senate during President Trump’s final two years in office. The specific agenda and timetable were not detailed.

Republicans are preparing to serve in the minority after losing control of Congress. The new balance will require the White House to work with Democratic-led chambers on legislation that must pass Congress.

The shift also changes which party will lead the House and Senate and direct the chambers’ work. Alaska and Mississippi remain central to the final Senate count, while unfinished House races will set the precise margin in that chamber.