Everything you need to know from the US midterm elections

November 4, 2026

Democrats achieved a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, winning control of both the Senate and House of Representatives during Donald Trump's presidency. The party made historic gains in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Texas where James Talarico won a Senate seat and Gina Hinojosa became the first Latina governor, and Kansas where Adam Hamilton secured the state's first Democratic Senate seat in nearly a century. Abdul El-Sayed made history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate after winning a contentious Michigan race marked by Islamophobic attacks from Trump.

Who is affected

Democrats (gained control of Congress)
Republicans (lost control of both chambers)
President Donald Trump (faces opposition-controlled Congress for remainder of presidency)
James Talarico (won Texas US Senate seat)
Gina Hinojosa (elected Texas governor, first Latina in that role)
Adam Hamilton (won Kansas Senate seat)
Hakeem Jeffries (positioned to become House Speaker and first black person in that role)
Abdul El-Sayed (became first Muslim US Senator)
Mike Rogers (Republican defeated in Michigan)
Susan Collins (Republican senator from Maine who lost)
Haley Stevens (Democratic primary rival who switched endorsement)
Mike Johnson (Republican losing position as House Speaker)

What action is being taken

Democrats are taking control of the US Senate and House of Representatives
Hakeem Jeffries is preparing to take over as Speaker of the House
Trump is speaking to US media outlets and acknowledging the Democratic victories
El-Sayed's supporters are celebrating his claimed victory in Michigan

Why it matters

This election represents a significant shift in political power, giving Democrats control of Congress during a Republican presidency, which will enable them to advance their legislative agenda while providing oversight and checks on Trump's executive authority. The historic nature of several victories—including the first Latina governor of Texas, first Democratic Kansas senator in nearly a century, first Muslim US Senator, and potentially first black House Speaker—marks important milestones in American political representation. The Democratic victories in deep-red Trump country suggest a potential realignment of voter sentiment and demonstrate that traditionally safe Republican states may be competitive, which could have implications for future elections and party strategy.

What's next

Trump stated he would accept the results and is looking forward to working with the opposition party, though he retains veto power over legislation Democrats advance through Congress. Hakeem Jeffries' colleagues will need to formally choose whether to keep him as leader of their party's House delegation, which would make him the next Speaker.

Read full article from source: BBC