Democrats Win Both Chambers of Congress
Democratic candidates also led strongly among Latino voters, and Xavier Becerra became California's first elected Latino governor.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you think the country is heading in the right direction?
Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress in the November 2026 election after winning major Senate and House races. In California, Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton to become the state's first elected Latino governor.
Why it matters
The results shift control of congressional power in Washington and signal Latino voter engagement in the midterms. A Pew Research Center survey conducted before Election Day found Democratic congressional candidates led by 27 points among Latino registered voters.
A Pew Research Center survey found 53% of Latino registered voters were extremely motivated to vote, compared with 41% before the 2022 midterms. The survey was conducted before Election Day, so it does not confirm final turnout or vote totals.
The players
Xavier Becerra
Becerra is a Democrat who served as California's attorney general and later as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.
Steve Hilton
Hilton is a Republican media personality and former Fox News host who ran for California governor in 2026.
Luz Gallegos
Gallegos is a Latino community leader who commented on how Latino voters are researching candidates and ballot measures.
The details
Democrats won major Senate and House races, giving them control of both chambers of Congress. In the California governor race, Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton, and Latino community leaders said voters were bringing priorities such as affordability, healthcare and government corruption to the polls.
Timeline
2022 midterms: baseline year for comparing Latino voter motivation levels.
November 4, 2026: election results reported, with Democrats gaining both chambers of Congress.
Political Context
The Pew Research Center survey shows Latino voter motivation rising from 41% before the 2022 midterms to 53% in 2026, a shift that helps explain Democratic strength among this group. Democratic candidates led by 27 points among Latino registered voters in that pre-election survey.
Control of both congressional chambers determines which bills reach a vote and which nominations advance in the coming session. Voters who want to track how these changes affect policy can follow House and Senate committee schedules as they are set.
The takeaway
Latino voter engagement rose sharply between the 2022 and 2026 midterms, and it may continue to shape close races as parties focus on affordability and healthcare. Readers can watch turnout data as official results are finalized.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections for context on how midterm control shifts across the country.
Live Poll
Do you think the country is heading in the right direction?
