Democrats Flip Control of Congress as Stocks Rise, Gaining New Leverage Over White House

Democrats capture both chambers

In Texas, Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, ending more than 30 years of Republican control, while Democratic state Rep. James Talarico won the U.S. Senate race. Adam Hamilton became Kansas’ first Democratic senator elected in nearly a century. A record number of Democratic Socialists of America-endorsed candidates also won House seats.

Voters cite economic pressures

NPR senior political correspondent Domenico Montanaro said the results exceeded signs that had favored Democrats before election night. He pointed to frustration over the economy and the war, which dragged on and raised gas prices, as factors that hurt Republicans.

Latino voters shifted sharply toward Democrats, backing them by 27 points in this election after Trump lost the group by 5 points in 2024. The economy and deportation tactics were cited as major reasons. A voter poll found that 59% of respondents disapproved of ICE.

Congress gains oversight power

With Democrats controlling the House, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black lawmaker elected Speaker. Jeffries said House Democrats needed to deliver “dramatic change,” according to his remarks after the victory.

A difficult path ahead

The results do not show that the country has embraced the Democratic Party, which remains unpopular, Montanaro said. Divisions within its coalition are likely to surface during the 2028 presidential primaries, and the party will need to consider how it uses its new leadership role.

Trump initially criticized Democrats as results showed them ahead, then congratulated them and said he would respect the election outcome. NPR’s Franco Ordoñez said Trump’s central role in the campaign made it harder for vulnerable Republicans to separate themselves from him, and predicted a confrontational relationship as Democrats prepare investigations.