2026 Midterms: Democrats Seize Senate Control, Reshaping U.S. Politics

Balance of Power Shifts: Democrats Take Senate Control

We will update this report throughout the night as more data becomes available. Deutsche Welle relies on AP announcements for final results. In the 2026 midterms, Americans voted for all 435 House members and 35 Senate members. Before voting day, Republicans held a slim majority in both chambers. These midterms occur every four years and will shape U. S. politics for years. While the Constitution grants the presidency significant executive power, most federal political decisions require Congressional approval before implementation.

Live Results: Democrats Secure Senate Majority

For continuous updates, visit our live blog on U. S. midterms. In the Senate, Democrats captured six seats previously held by Republicans. They won races in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, and Iowa. These victories pushed them past the critical 51-seat threshold needed to control the chamber. In the House, all 435 seats were up for election. A majority requires 218 seats. Currently, Democrats hold 204 seats, while Republicans have 123.

How Americans Voted: Demographics and Attitudes

Voter demographic and attitude data comes from a representative survey by SSRS, conducted for AP and other news organizations. It includes interviews with voters who voted early or by mail, plus exit polls of voters physically present on election day. Where Republican and Democrat percentages do not sum to 100%, the difference is attributed to voters who chose candidates from other parties.

Republicans Lead Among White Males, Democrats Among Young Voters

Republicans continue to form the majority among white male voters. 55% of interviewed white males voted Republican. At the other end of the spectrum are Black women, of whom 92% supported Democratic candidates. Notably, the majority of both Latino men and women voted for Democrats in this election. Two years ago, the Latino community was a major component of the vote that brought Trump his second term.

Latinos Move Away from Republicans

Data shows Republicans lost support in all demographic groups compared to the November 2022 midterms. Even among white males, the Republican share dropped from 60% to 55%. Among white females, the Republican share fell from 56% to 47%, and among Latinos, the percentage of Republican voters also decreased. Democrats dominate among young voters, urban residents, and college graduates. By age, Democrats are strongest among young voters. Three-quarters of those aged 18 to 24 voted Democrat. Additionally, Republicans lead with 51% among voters aged 65 and older. The urban-rural divide that has marked U. S. politics for years persists. Among urban voters, 71% supported Democrats, while in suburban areas, this figure is 58%. Conversely, nearly 60% of voters in rural areas and small towns voted Republican. Democrats make up 62% of college-educated voters. Among those without a degree, the split is less pronounced: 47% voted Democrat and 51% Republican.

The Economy Is the Issue

One of the most important factors in these midterms is the economy. Fuel prices have risen significantly since the start of the war with Iran, and everyday goods have become increasingly expensive across the country. Nearly half of all Americans say their household financial situation is worse than two years ago. However, this sentiment is not uniform. Among those who say their family is better off than two years ago, 75% voted Republican and 24% Democrat. Among those who say they are worse off, only 24% voted Republican and 74% Democrat. President Trump has claimed the country is on an upward trajectory.

Immigration, Economy, State of Democracy: What Is the Most Important Issue?

Regarding which issue affecting the country is most crucial, voters are divided along party lines. Among those who declared immigration is the most important issue, 89% voted Republican and only 10% Democrat. Anti-immigrant rhetoric was central to Trump's speeches. He promised to intensify deportations at the start of his second term. Many states saw a sharp increase in federal immigration agency activity. ICE agents have arrested immigrants on the streets, including those with pending asylum cases. Trump and his supporters say these actions are necessary to make the U. S. safer. Among those who say the state of democracy is the most pressing issue in the U. S., 78% voted Democrat. Democrats in Congress and their supporters have expressed concern over how Trump ignores direct judicial orders, such as those to halt deportations, or resolutions