Democrats Win Control of Congress in Midterms

Democrats regained control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, winning 22 state trifectas along the way.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Elections

Democrats Win Control of Congress in Midterms

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Democrats won back control of Congress in the midterm elections held Tuesday, according to the extraction. The party also secured 22 state trifectas as voters chose new governors and senators across the country.

Why it matters

The result shifts the balance of power in Washington and in state capitals ahead of the next legislative session. Several historic firsts were recorded, including the election of the first openly gay man to the U.S. Senate and two governors who broke longstanding barriers.

Democrats won 22 state trifectas in the midterms, while Elon Musk spent nearly $500 million across the cycle, including $200 million in an unsuccessful effort to defeat James Talarico in Texas. The extraction does not report final seat margins in Congress.

The players

Elon Musk

The Tesla and SpaceX chief executive spent nearly $500 million during the midterm cycle, including $200 million in an unsuccessful effort to defeat James Talarico in Texas.

Chris Pappas

A New Hampshire Democrat who was elected to the U.S. Senate as its first openly gay member.

Deb Haaland

A former U.S. Interior Secretary who was elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman elected governor of a U.S. state.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

A Democrat who was elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor of a U.S. state.

Susan Collins

The longtime Republican senator from Maine who lost her Senate race in this cycle.

The details

Democrats won back control of Congress on Tuesday, and Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate. Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, the first Native American woman to hold that office, and Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected governor of Georgia, the first Black woman to do so; in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary, while Susan Collins lost her Senate race.

Tuesday: 2026 midterm election day, when Democrats won control of Congress and several governorships.
Sunday: John Oliver discussed the midterm results on Last Week Tonight.

Political Context

The 2026 midterms follow the pattern set in 2018, when Democrats also regained control of the U.S. House in a midterm election. Musk's record spending, which the extraction places near $500 million, marks a notable new level of private money in a single election cycle.

The new congressional majority will determine which bills reach the floor in the next session, which affects federal policy on issues voters care about. Residents of states with new governors should watch for early executive actions that take effect in their state government.

The takeaway

Midterm outcomes can rapidly reshape what Congress is able to pass, so readers should follow the first votes of the new session closely. Pay attention to how newly elected officials use their first months in office.