Democrats regain US House majority in midterm elections

The Democratic Party has regained the United States House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, with the result called late Tuesday night local time. The victory ends Republican control of the chamber, which began after the 2022 midterms during Democrat Joe Biden’s presidency.

Democrats needed to pick up five seats to win the majority. The outgoing 119th House consists of 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats and one independent, with two seats vacant. Voters were choosing representatives for all 435 House seats. Members serve two-year terms, while senators are elected for six years.

The result makes Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic leader in the House, the likely next speaker. If selected, he would become the first Black person to hold the chamber’s highest office, succeeding Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson, who has been speaker since 2023. The position would also place Jeffries in the presidential line of succession behind the president and vice president.

Democrats had been widely expected to take back the House amid a backlash against President Donald Trump’s second administration. His approval ratings reached record lows in the weeks before the election. Republicans have controlled the presidency and both chambers of Congress for the past two years. The incoming 120th Congress is scheduled to take office on January 3, 2027.

Several victories over Republican incumbents helped Democrats secure their majority. Sarah Trone Garriott defeated Zach Nunn in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. In Virginia, Elaine Luria prevailed in a close contest against Jen Kiggans. Janelle Stelson also defeated Scott Perry, a seven-term Republican, in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District.

Democratic incumbents Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ro Khanna of California comfortably retained their seats. Responding to the broader results, former President Barack Obama said voters had shown they wanted leaders who could unite people and address their problems. In a post on X, he praised candidates who competed in places historically difficult for Democrats and encouraged supporters to continue organising through Trump’s remaining two years.

Senator Bernie Sanders said Democratic control of both congressional chambers would enable the party to hold Trump accountable. He called on Democrats to confront income and wealth inequality and press for action on behalf of working families.

Trump also offered an unusually positive assessment of his opponents’ campaign. Speaking to Fox News, the president said Democrats had performed well and fought hard.