What Happens Next After Democrats Win Control of Congress in the 2026 Midterms?
Washington woke up to a very different map on November 4. Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate, CBS News projects, as voters repudiated President Trump and GOP control. So what actually changes, and what doesn’t?
How Democrats Won Congress
Democrats flipped Senate seats in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, North Carolina and Maine, and have secured at least 54 seats. In the House, CBS estimates they’ll hold between 251 and 268 seats. Early exit polls put Trump’s approval at 38%, on pace for the lowest of any president in a midterm. Alaska and Mississippi were still toss-ups at the last update.
What Happens Next in Congress
Don’t expect overnight change. The party takes over in January 2027, while Trump stays in office with his veto power. In the Senate, Democrats will be able to block Trump’s nominees.
Investigations Come First
Rep. Robert Garcia, the incoming House Oversight chair, says his panel will focus on the Trump family’s business dealings, corporate corruption, immigration enforcement and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. He also pointed to lawsuits and contempt charges as ways to force cooperation. Senate leader Chuck Schumer promised to take the president to court whenever he defies the law.
Health Care and Prices
House Democrats say their opening bills will reverse Medicaid cuts, restore ACA tax credits, stop tariffs and end the Iran war.
The Veto Problem
Trump says he’ll work with Democrats, but he’s also promised to use his veto power freely. Overriding a veto takes two-thirds of both chambers, which Democrats don’t have. Expect standoffs, not a flood of new laws.
Republicans Scramble
Speaker Mike Johnson won’t run for minority leader, and Steve Scalise is seeking the job. Vice President JD Vance blamed the Iran war for the defeat. Former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel said the party lost part of its own base, largely over the economy. Trump said he was a little surprised but would accept the results.
Why It Matters to You
Voters were angry about costs. Roughly three-quarters in exit polls were dissatisfied with the country’s direction, so gas prices, health premiums and tariffs will dominate the next two years.
A divided government rarely delivers big bipartisan deals. It does deliver hearings, deadlocks and plenty of headlines. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become Speaker, and the real test is whether either side can deliver something people feel at the pump or the pharmacy counter.
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