Democrats win control of Congress and 28 governorships in historic midterm

Democrats will hold at least 28 governorships and control both chambers of the U.S. Congress starting in 2027. This total count of executive and legislative positions represents the largest single electoral gain for the party in more than a century. The victories include wins in states that have historically voted for Republican candidates.

The party first gained control of the House of Representatives by a wide margin. They then secured the Senate with a substantial majority. This dual victory marks the first time in decades that Democrats have held both legislative bodies simultaneously.

Several states that were previously solidly Republican flipped to the Democrats in the Senate. Texas, Kansas, and Iowa each elected a Democratic senator for the first time in many years. In the House, Democratic candidates won a convincing majority despite facing district maps drawn to favor Republicans.

Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia became the first Black woman elected to that position in U.S. history. Democrats also won gubernatorial races in Ohio and Texas. These executive victories allow the party to implement policy changes at the state level while they work in the federal government.

Eric Holder, chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said that Republican redistricting efforts failed. He noted that candidates lost in districts specifically drawn for their success. Holder described the impact of those maps in an interview, stating, "The redistricting efforts that [Republicans] had didn't just fail, they were dismantled."

Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said voters gave the party a mandate to address affordability and health care. He explained that the results reflect a desire to change systems that benefit wealthy Americans. Martin added, "Our candidates across the board ran for something, not against something."

Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. He stated that his opponent, Mike Rogers, focused on his name and faith rather than on issues like Medicare for All. El-Sayed also agreed with President Trump's plan to end roughly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel. He acknowledged a lack of support from some Jewish and Black voters and said, "There's always more work to do."

Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight Action, said the party has built toward this outcome since 2010. She expressed pride in the Democratic sweep of Georgia offices, including the governor's mansion, the attorney general's office, and the secretary of state's office. Abrams said the results provide a chance to restore rights lost in the South over the last two decades.

Margie Omero, a pollster and Democratic strategist, said the results show voter distrust of Washington leaders. She noted that contested races broke toward Democrats despite high Republican spending. Omero summarized the sentiment, saying, "Voters really wanted to send a real clear message, and they couldn't have been any clearer than what we heard last night."

Democrats will officially take control of Congress when the new session begins in 2027. The party will also begin governing in at least 28 states. Leaders indicated they plan to focus immediately on legislative priorities related to the cost of living and healthcare access.