By — Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-usher-in-a-new-era-with-their-resounding-sweep-of-the-house-and-the-senate Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats usher in a new era with their resounding sweep of the House and the Senate Politics Nov 4, 2026 12:57 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are riding their sweep of Congress into a new era, eager to meet voter demands for change with plans to tackle high costs of living and confront President Donald Trump's final years in the White House. In a nationwide romp, Democrats ousted Republicans from coast to coast, with many surprising places in between, as voters rejected the president's party for the promise of something different for the country. Their majorities will be padded by wide margins in both the House and the Senate. READ MORE: How Trump and Republicans lost the 2026 midterm elections, according to AP Voter Poll The results set up a divided government, with Congress poised to reassert itself as a coequal branch ready to challenge Trump and reverse course after…
Democrats usher in a new era with their resounding sweep of the House and the Senate
In short
Democratic leaders are preparing a 100-day agenda designed to lower everyday costs for groceries, gas, and consumer goods while restoring funding to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Incoming lawmakers also plan to leverage their new authority for aggressive executive oversight, with committee leaders already warning officials of impending subpoenas and potential impeachments. In response to the shifting landscape, President Donald Trump noted potential areas of collaboration but warned he is prepared to use his veto pen to create governing gridlock.
Key points
- Divided government will define the remainder of President Donald Trump's term as Democrat…: Divided government will define the remainder of President Donald Trump's term as Democrats take control of both congressional chambers.
- Vice President JD Vance pointed to the ongoing war in Iran as the primary driver behind t…: Vice President JD Vance pointed to the ongoing war in Iran as the primary driver behind the Republican party's midterm losses.
- Incoming committee leaders like Representative Robert Garcia and Senator Ron Wyden are ac…: Incoming committee leaders like Representative Robert Garcia and Senator Ron Wyden are actively preparing subpoenas and extensive administration investigations.