Midterm Counting Continues: Democrats Secure Congress, but Key Senate and House Races Remain Uncalled

Key points

• Democrats have won control of the House and Senate, but 35 House races and two Senate races remain uncalled.
• In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom leads Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith by 1,145 votes, with provisional ballots still being counted.
• In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola leads incumbent Dan Sullivan by 637 votes, though the race may proceed to ranked-choice tabulation.
• Republican Lauren Boebert is trailing Democrat Eileen Laubacher in Colorado’s 4th District, with 7% of votes remaining.
• California’s Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, is currently losing by a wide margin, with 61% of votes counted.

Background

The 2026 midterms follow a period of significant Republican redistricting efforts, which ultimately failed to prevent Democratic gains. California’s Proposition 40, a proposed wealth tax, faced intense opposition from tech billionaires and Governor Gavin Newsom, with over $600 million spent on the campaign. The race in Colorado’s 4th District was previously considered a safe Republican seat but saw a significant Democratic surge, attributed to lower Republican turnout and friction between Boebert and President Trump.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and AP News agree that the scale of Democratic victory is clear, but emphasize the uncertainty in specific races. BBC highlights the historical significance of a potential Democratic win in Mississippi, while AP notes the procedural complexities of Alaska’s ranked-choice voting. CBS News focuses on the internal Republican reaction, with figures like Ted Cruz and JD Vance blaming the Iran war and economic issues for the losses. Trump has publicly disputed the Alaska results, claiming votes for other candidates should be awarded to Sullivan, a claim CBS notes was rejected by a federal judge.

Why it matters

The outcome of these close races will determine the exact margin of the Democratic majority in Congress, influencing the party’s ability to pass legislation. A loss for Boebert and other Republicans in red states would represent a significant rejection of the Trump administration’s policies. The failure of California’s billionaire tax could signal a broader resistance to wealth taxes, while the Republican losses in traditionally red districts indicate a shift in voter priorities regarding the economy and foreign policy.

What to watch

Mississippi has until November 10 to count provisional ballots, which could decide the Senate race. Alaska’s Senate and governor races may proceed to ranked-choice tabulation if no candidate secures 50% of the vote. Democrats are expected to launch investigations into the Trump administration, including the presidential library’s finances. Republicans are already vying for leadership roles in the minority, with figures like Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan announcing their bids.