Democrats Win Control of House and Senate in 2026 Midterm Elections

Democrats have captured majorities in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives in the November 2026 midterm elections. The results included victories in several Republican strongholds, which observers suggest reflects voter frustration regarding the economy and the ongoing war involving the United States and Iran.

Congressional Leadership and Shifts

Following the election results, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., does not plan to remain as the top Republican leader in the new Congress, according to a source familiar with his plans. Johnson, who served two terms as speaker, noted that "it looks like history will be kept tonight" regarding the historical trend of the president's party losing seats during midterm cycles.

Republicans are scheduled to hold leadership elections on Nov. 10. The presumptive next House Speaker is Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who would be the first Black lawmaker elected to the position. Unlike Johnson's narrow majority, Jeffries is expected to have a comfortable margin to achieve his priorities.

Gubernatorial Results

Democrats flipped five governorships during the election, bringing their total to 28 governors compared to the GOP's 20. The flipped seats include:

• Nevada: Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford defeated Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo with 51.7 percent of the vote.
• Texas: Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa will replace Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on January 19.
• Georgia: Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms won the race with 54.3 percent of the vote, inheriting the seat from outgoing Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
• Ohio: Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton won with 52.3 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
• Iowa: Democratic Gov.-elect Rob Sand defeated Republican Zach Lahn with 55.5 percent of the vote.

International Reactions

In Iran, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated on X that "Americans said NO TO WAR" regarding the conflict involving the U.S. and Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaqa Khamenei issued a statement warning that U.S. hostility would persist regardless of the party in power.

President Trump acknowledged in interviews that the U.S.-Israeli war played a role in the Republican defeats, stating, "I think a part of it was Iran, but at the same time people understood the importance of what I’ve done with Iran."

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Sources

• nypost.com: A blaring GOP wake-up call, Democrats’ coming civil war and other commentary
• npr.org: Mike Johnson will step aside as top House Republican : NPR
• dailycaller.com: Democrats Flip Five Governorships In Election Night Bloodbath… So Far | The Daily Caller
• huffpost.com: Iranian Officials Gloat Over Trump’s Midterm Rout, But Also Fear His Next Move | HuffPost Latest News

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.