The Democratic Party has secured control of the United States House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, according to projections by NBC News. With 226 seats secured, Democrats have surpassed the 218 seats required to control the 435-member chamber. This historic takeover of both chambers of Congress comes after Democrats also secured control of the US Senate. The outcome marks a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington.
According to NBC News, Democrats have flipped 28 Republican-held seats, recording a net gain of 28 seats. Republicans have so far secured 136 seats. Although counting is still ongoing in several congressional districts, NBC News projects that Democrats are poised to win at least 255 seats in the House. The projection is based on an analysis of past and current vote counts, including exit polls.
Democrats recorded victories across several key battleground districts, outperforming their 2024 presidential election margins. They made inroads into traditionally Republican strongholds and gained ground in congressional districts that voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. These districts included areas Trump won by 10 percentage points or more.
The outcome marks a major reversal of political fortunes for Republicans, who previously controlled both chambers of Congress. With Democrats now controlling the House and Senate, Trump's administration is expected to face stronger opposition to its legislative agenda and increased congressional scrutiny of his policies.
The Democratic victories represent a significant setback for Trump, whose immigration policies, economic decisions, and handling of national issues featured prominently in the midterm election campaign. Democratic leaders are expected to use their newly secured congressional majority to challenge the president's policies and advance their legislative priorities.
The Democratic Party's takeover of Congress is also expected to lead to increased oversight of Trump's administration. With their newfound majority, Democrats are likely to launch investigations into various aspects of Trump's presidency and hold hearings on key issues.
The new Congress is scheduled to assume office on January 3, 2027. The midterm elections have significant implications for the remainder of Trump's presidency and the 2024 presidential election. Key issues, such as healthcare, the economy, and immigration, are likely to dominate the legislative agenda in the coming years.
Key points
- Democrats have secured 226 seats in the House of Representatives.
- Democrats have flipped 28 Republican-held seats.
- The new Congress is scheduled to assume office on January 3, 2027.
