Democrats on Wednesday took control of the US Senate after a string of victories in the 2026 midterm elections, wresting the chamber from Republicans and dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump.
The party made significant gains in traditionally Republican territory, flipping seats in Texas, South Carolina and North Carolina, while also holding on to key seats in Georgia and New Hampshire. Follow Live Updates Here
The results mark a dramatic shift in the balance of power in Washington, giving Democrats control of the 100-member chamber for the first time since the 2020 election cycle. Republicans, who entered the midterms with a 53-47 majority, have now lost their grip on the Senate.
The Democratic victories came despite Trump’s efforts to rally support for Republican candidates across the country. The president had personally backed several contenders in closely fought races, making the Senate battle a crucial test of his political influence ahead of the final two years of his term.
Texas, South Carolina Deliver Major Upsets
Among the biggest developments was Democrat James Talarico’s victory over Republican Ken Paxton in Texas. The result marks a historic breakthrough for Democrats in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since 1988.
In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, in another closely watched contest. No Democrat had won a Senate election in the state since 1998.
Graham had been appointed to the Senate after her brother’s death in July and subsequently secured Trump’s endorsement. Andrews, a paediatrician with no previous experience in elected office, overturned expectations to win the seat.
Democrats also flipped a Republican-held seat in North Carolina, where former governor Roy Cooper defeated Trump’s choice, Michael Whatley. Cooper’s victory marked the first time since 2008 that a Democrat had won a Senate election in the state.
Democrats Hold On To Key Seats
The party also managed to defend seats that Republicans had hoped to capture.
In Georgia, incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff won re-election against Republican Congressman Mike Collins. The victory was significant because Trump had carried Georgia in the 2024 presidential election, making Ossoff one of the Democrats’ most closely watched incumbents.
In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas defeated former Republican senator John Sununu to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas will become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.
Democrats also retained seats in states, including Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with incumbent senators Mark Warner, Chris Coons, Cory Booker, Jack Reed and Ed Markey winning re-election.
A Midterm Rebuke To Trump
The Senate results represent a significant political setback for Trump, whose endorsement and campaigning failed to prevent Republicans from losing control of the chamber.
The economy and the cost of living emerged as key issues during the campaign, with Democrats focusing on rising household expenses and voters’ concerns about the direction of the country. The results also reflected a broader shift in the political mood, with Democrats making gains in states that had backed Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Taking control of the Senate will give Democrats greater influence over legislation, presidential appointments and congressional oversight of the administration. The party will also be able to shape committee leadership and investigations into the Trump administration.
The outcome could significantly complicate Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency, particularly if Democrats also secure control of the House of Representatives.
For Republicans, the loss of the Senate means the end of their unified control of Congress and a tougher political landscape as Trump approaches the next phase of his presidency.
