Democrats make historic gains in US midterms

Democrats have made significant gains in the 2026 US midterm elections, securing control of the House of Representatives and winning several closely contested Senate seats previously held by Republicans.

The results have put President Donald Trump’s Republican Party under pressure, with Democratic candidates recording victories in states that have traditionally supported Republicans. The elections are widely being viewed as a public assessment of Trump’s second-term leadership, particularly amid concerns over the war in Iran and rising fuel prices.

Several US media outlets have projected a Democratic majority in the House, while the party has also moved closer to taking control of the Senate after flipping key Republican seats.

Democrats capture Republican Senate strongholds

Democratic candidates have secured major victories in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina, turning several Republican-held Senate seats in their party’s favour.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Trump-backed Republican Ken Paxton, marking the first time since 1988 that the state has elected a Democrat to the US Senate. Talarico, a 37-year-old state legislator and former schoolteacher, focused his campaign on the cost of living, healthcare and the influence of wealthy political donors.

In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated Trump-backed Republican Roger Marshall, becoming the first Democrat elected to the state’s Senate seat in 94 years. Hamilton campaigned on affordability, agricultural concerns and bipartisan cooperation.

South Carolina also witnessed a significant political shift as Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, securing the party’s first Senate victory in the state since 1998.

Meanwhile, former senator Sherrod Brown won Ohio’s special Senate election against Republican incumbent Jon Husted. Brown’s victory marked his return to the Senate after losing his re-election campaign in 2024.

In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper also defeated Republican Michael Whatley, adding another Republican-held seat to the Democratic column.

Democrats now have the four Republican Senate seats they needed to flip to put control of the chamber within reach. However, the final outcome depends on the remaining contests and the results in other closely contested states.

Democrats score major victories in governor races

Democratic candidates have also made significant advances in gubernatorial elections, including victories in states where Republicans have maintained strong political influence.

In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa was projected to defeat Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Her victory would end 32 years of Republican control of the governor’s office and make her the state’s first Democratic governor since Ann Richards left office in 1995.

Ohio also delivered a Democratic victory, with physician and former state health department director Amy Acton defeating Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Acton’s campaign attracted national attention following a controversial advertisement released by Ramaswamy’s campaign involving her family and personal history.

Democratic gains have extended beyond individual races, with voting trends showing Republicans losing ground across a large number of counties compared with Trump’s performance in the 2024 presidential election.

The elections have also involved contests for state legislatures, governors’ offices and ballot measures, making them an important political test across the country.

Trump has said he will accept the election results and expressed willingness to work with Democrats, despite his party’s losses.

In an interview with The New York Times, the president said he was prepared to accept the outcome and cooperate with Democratic lawmakers on future matters.

He also suggested that Republican candidates might have performed better if he had personally been on the ballot. Trump expressed surprise over some of the defeats, including the loss of Republican candidate Darline Graham in South Carolina.

The president’s approval rating has remained near its lowest levels, with voter frustration over the Iran war and increasing fuel prices emerging as important issues during the campaign.

The results could significantly change the political balance in Washington. Democratic control of the House would give the party greater influence over legislation, government spending and congressional oversight of the Trump administration.

If Democrats also secure a Senate majority, Republicans would lose control of both chambers of Congress, creating additional challenges for the president’s legislative agenda.

The 2026 midterm elections include all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 gubernatorial contests, alongside thousands of state-level legislative races and ballot measures.