Democrats have regained control of the US Senate after defeating several Republican candidates in traditionally conservative states during the 2026 midterm elections. The results mark a major setback for President Donald Trump and his party.
The victories also mark a significant shift in Washington, with Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress. The results could reshape the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
Texas and Ohio help shift Senate control
Democratic victories in Texas and Ohio played an important role in the party’s Senate comeback. According to AP News, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, marking the state’s first Democratic Senate victory since 1988. Trump had backed Paxton, who previously defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
Ohio also shifted to the Democrats as former Senator Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted, who had been appointed to fill JD Vance’s vacant Senate seat after he became vice president. Brown previously represented Ohio from 2007 to 2025.
Democrats secured major wins elsewhere. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall, becoming the state’s first Democratic senator since 1932. Meanwhile, Annie Andrews defeated Republican Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina, marking the first Democratic Senate victory there since 1998. Democrat Troy Jackson also defeated Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
The new Democratic majority will need to select a Senate majority leader to replace Republican John Thune. Chuck Schumer, who previously held the position from 2021 to 2025, could return to the role, although his appointment has not been confirmed.
The results also reflect voter dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. AP News reported that concerns over rising living costs, the war in Iran and government corruption influenced the election.
Despite campaigning for Republican candidates and endorsing several of them, Trump could not prevent the party’s losses.
Democratic leaders have indicated that they will use their congressional majority to increase scrutiny of the Trump administration through investigations. Meanwhile, Trump has vowed to veto legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Some Senate races, including those in Alaska and Mississippi, remained uncalled at the time of reporting. However, Democrats have already secured enough seats to regain the majority, giving them greater influence over legislation, presidential nominations and congressional oversight during Trump’s remaining term.
