Democrats Claim Congress Control in Midterms
Pod Save America hosts celebrated projected Democratic midterm wins on Jimmy Kimmel Live after news outlets called both chambers of Congress.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you think the country is headed in the right direction after the midterms?
News outlets, including Fox News, projected that Democrats would win control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to mark the result.
Why it matters
The projection signals a shift in congressional control that could affect legislation during the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency. Trump told Fox News he would use his veto power against Democratic bills he opposed.
Projections from news outlets, including Fox News, indicate Democrats will control both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterms. Final vote tallies and certified margins were not included in the source material.
The players
Pod Save America
A political podcast co-hosted by former Obama administration staffers that offers commentary on American politics and elections.
Donald Trump
The current President of the United States, who said he would veto Democratic legislation he opposed.
The details
Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night to discuss the results. Vietor said tonight is the beginning of the end of the Trump era in America, while Pfeiffer recalled the 2010 election night as one of the worst nights of their lives.
Timeline
- 2010 midterm elections: Democrats suffered major losses, which Obama called a shellacking.
- November 3, 2026: Midterm election night, with Democrats projected to win both chambers of Congress.
- November 4, 2026: Pod Save America hosts appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Historical Parallel
The four Pod Save America hosts all served in Barack Obama's administration during the 2010 midterms, when Democrats suffered major losses. The 2026 projections for Democratic control of Congress reverse that experience for the same group of former staffers.
If Democrats control both chambers, Trump has said he will veto legislation he opposes, which could slow bills from reaching his desk. Readers should watch for vetoes and any subsequent negotiations on major policy items.
The takeaway
The midterm result shows how quickly congressional control can change after a single election cycle. Voters following federal policy should track veto decisions and bipartisan negotiations in the months ahead.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Elections section of our United States politics coverage.
Live Poll
Do you think the country is headed in the right direction after the midterms?
