Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, giving them new powers to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s administration and set the agenda on Capitol Hill. The Associated Press called the Senate for Democrats on Tuesday night and the House of Representatives early on Wednesday. The new Congress takes office on 3 January 2027.
What changes in January?
Democrats will be able to decide which bills come up for debate and which issues congressional committees investigate. Senior party figures are already preparing inquiries into the Trump administration. Committees can hold hearings and issue subpoenas for documents or testimony. The Senate majority can also decline to confirm Trump’s nominees for federal judgeships.
Passing new laws will be harder. Trump remains president and can veto bills passed by Congress. Overriding a veto requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber, so the Democratic majorities alone cannot guarantee that their proposals become law.
Where Democrats agree
The election brought progressive Democrats such as Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan and Troy Jackson of Maine into the Senate, alongside more moderate winners in states including Kansas and North Carolina. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has pointed to two healthcare priorities where he sees common ground: reversing Medicaid cuts and extending tax credits that help people pay for health insurance.
What it means
The quickest change is likely to be more public scrutiny of the White House, because committees can open inquiries without the president’s approval. For households waiting for relief on healthcare costs, the test will be whether Democrats can turn those priorities into legislation that survives a presidential veto or secures Trump’s signature.
Sources: Associated Press election calls · AP on Democratic priorities · AP on congressional investigations · US Constitution
