2026 midterm elections live updates: Latest news, results, and analysis
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) released a statement shortly after midnight on Wednesday to outline the path forward for the Republican caucus following Tuesday’s blue wave for Democrats.
TL;DR
- Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.
- Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, express concern over the Democratic gains and vow to work with President Trump to counter perceived "Democrat extremism."
- Former President Barack Obama celebrated the Democratic victories, attributing them to strong candidates and a "clear message" from the American people for unity and solutions.
- Key races saw Democrats like Josh Turek (Iowa Senate), Abdul el Sayed (Michigan Senate), Lindsay James (Iowa House), Christina Bohannan (Iowa House), Sarah Trone Garriott (Iowa House), Troy Jackson (Maine Senate), Bob Harvie (Pennsylvania House), James Talarico (Texas Senate), Gina Hinojosa (Texas Governor), Zack Mullock (New Jersey House), and Penny Flanagan (Minnesota Senate) achieve victory.
- Republicans, such as Mike Rogers (Michigan Senate), Joe Mitchell (Iowa House), Chris Mitchell (Iowa House), Mike Collins (Georgia Senate), Michael Whatley (Georgia Senate), Ken Paxton (Texas Senate), Michelle Tafoya (Minnesota Senate), and Jeff Van Drew (New Jersey House), faced losses.
- President Donald Trump expressed confidence in his Cabinet despite the election results and claimed to be already engaging with members of the opposing party, asserting his veto power.
- Analysis suggests the Democratic wins were unexpected given the electoral map, especially in Senate races where Democrats flipped several red-state seats.