Democrats seize Congress in historic 2026 midterms, leaving Alaska and Mississippi races unresolved

Key points

• Democrats won 54 Senate seats and 228 House seats, flipping seats in Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, and other traditionally Republican states.
• President Trump told The New York Times he is 'absolutely willing to accept those results' but vowed to use his veto power against Democratic bills.
• The Alaska Senate race between Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan remains unresolved, with ranked-choice voting potentially delaying results until November 18.
• Mississippi’s Senate race between Scott Colom and Cindy Hyde-Smith is too close to call, with the state’s top elections official warning results may take days to certify.
• Democrats achieved historic diversity milestones, including the election of the first Muslim, first openly gay, and first Native American senators in their respective states.

Background

Prior to the election, polls showed Susan Collins leading Troy Jackson in Maine, but Jackson ultimately won. Democrats faced redistricting challenges in Virginia and Florida but still secured victories in several redrawn districts. The 2026 election followed a period of significant voter frustration with economic costs and foreign policy, particularly regarding the Iran conflict and tariffs.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY emphasized the breadth of the Democratic victory, highlighting the election of diverse candidates and the party’s momentum in down-ballot races. The New York Times focused on the scale of the 'blue wave,' noting the 13-point national vote margin and the defeat of long-standing Republican incumbents like Susan Collins and Ken Paxton. The Washington Post analyzed the political implications for the final two years of Trump’s presidency, highlighting internal Democratic tensions between progressives seeking investigations and moderates seeking policy compromises. All three outlets agreed on the core outcome of Democratic control but differed in emphasis: USA TODAY on diversity, The New York Times on electoral magnitude, and The Washington Post on legislative strategy.

Why it matters

The Democratic takeover of Congress fundamentally shifts the balance of power in Washington, enabling the party to investigate the Trump administration and potentially block his legislative agenda. However, the 54-50 Senate split means Democrats will need Republican support to pass most legislation due to filibuster rules. The unresolved races in Alaska and Mississippi could further shift the Senate majority, potentially giving Democrats an eighth flipped seat. The outcome also sets the stage for a contentious final two years of Trump’s presidency, with Democrats facing a choice between confrontation and compromise.

What to watch

Election officials in Alaska and Mississippi will continue counting mail and absentee ballots, with Alaska’s ranked-choice voting process potentially beginning on November 18. Democrats will take control of Congress in January, facing the task of passing spending bills and potentially launching investigations into the Trump administration. President Trump has indicated he will veto Democratic bills, setting up a potential veto override battle in Congress. The party will also need to navigate internal divisions between progressive and moderate wings as they develop a legislative agenda.