Democrats have won control of the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the Senate, giving the party both chambers of Congress and creating divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The House result, reported by Vesti Baku and called by The Associated Press, is a new development after Democrats had already been projected to capture the Senate. The newly elected Congress will take office in January 2027.
Congressional Oversight Set to Intensify
Control of the House will allow Democrats to set the chamber’s agenda, lead committees, seek documents and launch investigations into the administration. Their Senate majority will give them control over that chamber’s committees and agenda and enable them to block presidential nominees for Cabinet posts, ambassadorships and federal judgeships.
Trump will retain the presidency, executive authority and the power to veto legislation. Overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers, meaning Democratic control alone will not guarantee enactment of the party’s proposals.
Democrats Make Gains Beyond Traditional Battlegrounds
Democrats won races in several states long considered Republican territory. The party captured a U.S. Senate seat and the governorship in Texas, while Kansas elected its first Democratic senator in nearly a century, according to the election results.
AP voter polling identified living costs, the war with Iran, dissatisfaction with the country’s direction and a desire for stronger congressional checks on presidential power as major concerns among voters.