Democrats gain ground in 2026 midterms, win House and near Senate majority

Democrats gained ground in the 2026 US midterm elections, securing control of the House and likely achieving a Senate majority, according to early results. The party won 19 Senate races and 21 key House contests, with Republicans winning ten Senate races and none of the decisive House races. As of 6:30 AM Swiss time, Democrats needed 16 more seats for a House majority, while Republicans needed 97. In Alaska, a crucial Senate race remained undecided with the Democratic candidate leading at 54 percent with only 22 percent of votes counted. Michigan also remained open, with Democrats ahead at 76 percent counted. Expert Julien Labarre expressed surprise at the Democratic success, noting gains in traditionally Republican states like Texas, South Carolina, and Ohio. The night featured historic firsts, including Keisha Lance Bottoms becoming the first Black female governor in Georgia, Byron Donalds as Florida's first Black governor, and Chris Pappas as the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.