Washington: Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, making significant gains in traditionally Republican strongholds and delivering a major setback to President Donald Trump and his political agenda.
The scale of the party's victories went beyond pre-election expectations, with Democratic candidates winning key Senate contests in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio and Kansas. The results were driven by strong turnout among Democratic voters and support from independents, according to election analyses.
In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the state's first Democratic senator-elect in 38 years. In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, marking the party's first Senate victory in the state this century.
Democrat Sherrod Brown also won the Senate race in Ohio, while Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall in Kansas. The Kansas victory was particularly significant, as the state had not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
Democrats' gains were supported by their decision to field candidates across a wide range of races, including contests that had appeared difficult to win. Several Republican candidates, meanwhile, struggled to overcome voter dissatisfaction with the administration and concerns over rising prices.
Cost of living emerges as a major election issue
Economic concerns played a central role in the election outcome. Exit polls conducted by SSRS for a consortium of US media organisations found that nearly nine in ten voters considered the cost of living a crucial or major factor in their decision.
The surveys also indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the country's direction, with around three-quarters of voters saying they were angry or dissatisfied. Nearly two-thirds blamed Trump for high prices.
Trump had campaigned on a promise to bring down inflation, but voters remained concerned about the cost of everyday goods and services. His tariffs on foreign goods and the war with Iran also featured in the economic debate.
Government corruption was another concern raised by voters during the campaign.
Trump's preferred candidates suffer defeats
The results also dealt a setback to several candidates personally backed by Trump. His preferred candidates in Texas and South Carolina lost their Senate contests, while Republican candidates in other key races also failed to retain seats.
The defeats are likely to renew debate within the Republican Party over candidate selection and the impact of Trump's political endorsements.
Exit poll findings also pointed to a decline in Republican support among Black men, Latino voters and younger voters, groups that had contributed to Trump's 2024 election victory.
Economic concerns outweigh campaign attacks
Republican candidates had sought to portray Democrats as radical and warned that their victories could threaten the country's political and economic direction.
However, the campaign message did not appear to shift voters' attention away from household expenses. The cost of groceries, fuel and other essentials remained central to the election debate.
The results suggest that economic dissatisfaction proved a more immediate concern for many voters than the warnings directed at Democratic candidates.
Democrats make gains among Latino voters
The election also highlighted a shift in support among Latino voters, whose backing had helped Trump secure victory in 2024.
In Texas, Democrats won key statewide contests, including the Senate and governor's races. Gina Hinojosa is set to become the state's first Latina governor. In Florida, Democrat Pia Dandiya won the 22nd Congressional District despite its redrawn boundaries favouring Republicans.
In California, Xavier Becerra's victory in the gubernatorial race also marked a milestone for Latino representation.
According to exit polls cited by Reuters, Republican support among Hispanic voters fell to around one-third, compared with 46% in 2024.
A new challenge for both parties
Winning control of Congress gives Democrats greater influence over legislation and congressional oversight during the remaining two years of Trump's term. However, the party will face limits on what it can enact, as the President retains the power to veto legislation.
Democrats will also face pressure from voters to address economic concerns and demonstrate that their electoral gains can translate into policy action.
Trump has said he would accept the election results and was prepared to work with Democrats, even as the outcome reshapes the balance of power in Washington.
