Democrats win control of the House and the Senate

Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to AP race calls; CBS News also projected both chambers for Democrats. As of 1:30 a.m. Eastern Wednesday, Democrats had flipped seven Senate seats and 16 House seats, per AP, and Republicans had picked up no Democratic seats. The size of the House majority is unclear: CBS News said about 75 House races were still undecided at 4:19 a.m. Eastern. Democrats will hold the majority in the new Congress that begins in January.

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Why it matters

Control of both chambers moves to Democrats in the new Congress that begins in January, creating divided government with a Republican president. Bills now need Democratic support to pass, and the president has said he will use his veto power. The final size of the House majority depends on races still being counted.

How each side sees it

Democrats sayHakeem Jeffries, in line to become speaker, said "America is back" and that House Democrats "need to deliver dramatic change"; Chuck Schumer said Democrats won the Senate "against all odds."

Republicans saySpeaker Mike Johnson said Republicans "will not be deterred by the outcome of one election"; Sen. John Thune said Senate Republicans "will not stand idly by" as Democrats try to undo their agenda.

President Trump saysHe told CBS News "congratulations to the Democrats," told Fox News he will accept the results, and said he will use his veto power.

Sources

Checked against 4 established news sources:

Also in this edition

Published Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.

Democrats win control of the House and the Senate

Why it matters

How each side sees it

Sources

Also in this edition

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