Democrats Set to Control Both Congressional Chambers

Sen. Alex Padilla says California will have a lot to say in the new Congress after Democrats' midterm wins.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Democrats Set to Control Both Congressional Chambers

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Democrats won the 2026 midterm elections, including surprising wins in Mississippi, South Carolina, Iowa and Kansas, and are preparing to take control of both chambers of Congress. California Sen. Alex Padilla said the state will have a lot to say in the new Congress.

Why it matters

Control of both chambers would give Democrats the ability to set the congressional agenda in the coming session. Padilla, a California Democrat, is expected to play a central role in that agenda for the state.

The source reports Democratic wins in four states but gives no vote tallies or seat totals for either chamber. Final seat counts and the date the new Congress convenes were not provided.

The players

Alex Padilla

Alex Padilla is a California Democrat serving as a U.S. senator and a leading voice for the state in Washington.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States and a Republican whose administration's actions are expected to face scrutiny from a Democratic Congress.

Chuck Schumer

Chuck Schumer is a New York Democrat who is expected to remain Senate Majority Leader in the new Congress.

The details

Padilla was interviewed between Senate votes in Washington, D.C., by host Nikki Laurenzo on Inside California Politics. He pointed to the rising cost of health care after the Affordable Care Act tax credit subsidies were cut in the 'Big Beautiful Bill.'

Nov. 3, 2026: Midterm election day.
Nov. 15, 2026: Padilla interview published on Inside California Politics.
2027: Democratic Congress expected to restore Affordable Care Act tax credit subsidies.

Political Context

The incoming Democratic majority is expected to reverse the Affordable Care Act tax credit subsidy cuts enacted in the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Republican supporters of those cuts are likely to contest any effort to restore them.

If Democrats restore the Affordable Care Act tax credit subsidies as expected, Californians buying health coverage could see lower premiums than under the current cuts. The change would depend on legislation passing a Democratic Congress and being signed into law.

The takeaway

Watch how quickly a new Democratic Congress moves on health care subsidies, since that vote will show how much the midterm shift changes federal policy for Californians.