By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-take-control-of-the-senate-after-winning-key-midterm-races Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats take control of the Senate after winning key midterm races Politics Updated on Nov 3, 2026 11:46 PM EST — Published on Nov 3, 2026 11:40 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have retaken control of the U.S. Senate, delivering a decisive rebuke of Republican control of governance in Washington and ushering in a new era of congressional resistance to President Donald Trump. The midterm elections that came to a close Tuesday channeled voters' deep frustration with high prices, the war in Iran and concerns about government corruption. The House remains too early to call, but Democrats have already flipped seven seats as they try to win the majority in that chamber as well. Democratic control of the Senate will profoundly reshape Trump's final two years in office and likely hamstring his ability to…
Democrats take control of the Senate after winning key midterm races
In short
The shift in congressional power complicates President Donald Trump's broader agenda and disrupts his ability to secure confirmations for conservative Supreme Court nominees. In response, Trump has indicated he will leverage his veto authority to halt new legislation, ushering in an anticipated period of Washington gridlock. Democratic candidates captured crucial Senate seats in traditionally conservative states, with triumphs including James Talarico defeating Ken Paxton in Texas and Adam Hamilton unseating Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas. Meanwhile, control of the House of Representatives remains undecided, though Democrats need just three more net flips after taking seven seats amid vot…
Key points
- A new Senate majority allows Democrats to obstruct President Donald Trump's executive app…: A new Senate majority allows Democrats to obstruct President Donald Trump's executive appointments and judicial confirmations.
- President Donald Trump plans to rely heavily on presidential vetoes to counter incoming D…: President Donald Trump plans to rely heavily on presidential vetoes to counter incoming Democratic legislative proposals.
- Democrats are positioned within three seats of capturing the House majority after flippin…: Democrats are positioned within three seats of capturing the House majority after flipping seven seats nationwide.