Democrats Win US Senate, Ending Republican Control in Major Midterm Election Upset

Democrats have won control of the US Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, overturning the Republican majority in a major political setback for President Donald Trump and his administration.

According to projections by Decision Desk HQ and major US media organizations, Democrats secured victories in several traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa and North Carolina. The party needed a net gain of four seats to regain control of the Senate from Republicans, who entered the elections with a 53-47 majority. Democrats flipped at least six Republican-held seats, while counting continued in several closely contested races.

The results reflect growing voter dissatisfaction with rising living costs, the war involving Iran and concerns over the Trump administration's policies and governance during his second presidential term.

The Democratic victory will allow the party to take control of the Senate in January 2027, paving the way for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to become majority leader. The shift will give Democrats greater influence over legislation, federal judicial appointments and the confirmation of senior administration officials, while strengthening congressional oversight of the Trump administration.

Among the major victories, Texas state Representative James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, marking a significant Democratic breakthrough in a traditionally Republican state.

In South Carolina, pediatrician Annie Andrews defeated Republican Senator Darline Graham, who had been appointed earlier this year following the death of her brother, longtime Senator Lindsey Graham.

In Kansas, Democratic candidate and pastor Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall, securing a major victory for Democrats in the traditionally Republican state.

Former senator Sherrod Brown also reclaimed his seat in Ohio by defeating Republican Senator Jon Husted. In Iowa, Democratic state Representative Josh Turek defeated Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, while former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper won an open Senate seat against former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley.

Democrats also defended several competitive seats, including Senator Jon Ossoff's re-election in Georgia against Republican Representative Mike Collins. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas won the race to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Meanwhile, several Senate contests, including those in Michigan, Maine and Alaska, remained undecided as vote counting continued.

The Democratic gains extended beyond the Senate, with early results and projections also indicating significant advances in the House of Representatives. The developments raised the possibility of Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress for the first time since 2022, potentially limiting Trump's ability to implement his legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.

Republican strategists described the election outcome as a major political defeat, with some characterising the losses in traditionally Republican states as a generational setback.

The White House sought to distance President Trump from the results, pointing out that he was not on the ballot. However, Trump had actively campaigned for several Republican candidates who subsequently lost their races.

The election outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for US domestic and foreign policy, particularly over government spending, judicial appointments, legislative negotiations and congressional investigations into the administration.

Final Senate seat totals will be determined once the remaining contests are called and the results formally certified.