Affordability and accountability top priorities as Democrats take House and Senate—what comes next?

A sweeping Democratic victory

By Wednesday morning, Democratic gains in the 2026 midterms had surpassed the expected “blue wave.” The outcome was described as a “blue tsunami,” exceeding even the hopes of some political commentators. Democrats are projected to hold at least 237 House seats to Republicans’ 139, and 54 Senate seats to Republicans’ 44. The final totals may take until later Wednesday or Thursday, as some contests remain too close to call or take longer to count.

Republican strongholds shift

Democratic candidates won seven closely contested Senate seats, including in states long considered reliably Republican. Texas elected James Talarico as its first Democratic senator since 1988 and chose Gina Hinojosa as governor, the state’s first Democrat in that role in more than 30 years.

Kansas elected Adam Hamilton to the Senate, the first Democrat from the state in more than 90 years. Democrats also recorded unexpected victories in Iowa, South Carolina and Ohio.

A referendum on Trump

The midterms were seen as a test of President Donald Trump, whose approval rating stood at about 38% before election day. He campaigned heavily in the final weeks, often delivering lengthy speeches to smaller crowds.

Democrats gained ground across nearly every voter group compared with the 2024 presidential election. New York Times analysis found that they led Republicans by 13 points in the House popular vote, the widest margin since 1976.