Mayor Election 2026 Results: Democrats Take Control of Congress

Democrats flip both chambers

Democrats gained enough seats to control the Senate, winning several contests in states that had been Republican strongholds, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Texas and Iowa. They crossed the 51-seat threshold for a Senate majority.

In the House, Democrats passed the 218 seats needed for control. All 435 seats were contested, while 35 Senate seats were on the ballot. Before election night, Republicans held narrow majorities in both chambers.

Voting patterns across groups

A representative survey of nearly 80,000 verified voters was conducted by SSRS for the Associated Press and other news organizations. It combined interviews with early and mail voters with Election Day exit polls; percentages that do not total 100% include third-party voters.

Republicans received 55% of the votes cast by white men, while 92% of Black women voted Democratic. Most Latino men and women also supported Democrats. Compared with the 2022 midterms, the Republican share declined across demographic groups, including among white men, from 60% to 55%, and white women, from 56% to 47%.

Age, education and location

Three-quarters of voters aged 18 to 24 backed Democrats. Republicans led among voters 65 and older, with 51% support. Democrats won 71% of urban voters and 58% of suburban voters. Nearly 60% of rural and small-town voters chose Republicans. Among voters with college degrees, 62% supported Democrats; among those without degrees, 47% did, compared with 51% for Republicans.

Economy shaped voter choices

Rising gas prices since the start of the Iran war and higher costs for everyday goods were key economic concerns. Almost half of Americans said their family’s financial position had worsened over the previous two years.

Among respondents who said their family was better off, 75% voted Republican and 24% Democratic. Of those who said they were worse off, 74% voted Democratic and 24% Republican. President Trump has said the country is improving.