Google searches reveal the story of the 2026 US midterm 'blue wave'

Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 US midterms, flipping multiple Republican-held seats in a decisive victory. The party's strong performance has been dubbed a "Blue Wave" by observers and supporters. Democrats flipped seven Senate seats to secure at least 54 of 100, and flipped at least 30 House seats to reach 240. They also made gains in traditionally Republican states like Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina, while races in Alaska and Mississippi remained undecided. Google searches spiked for "Habibi meaning" after Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, used the Arabic term of endearment to address Vice President JD Vance in his victory speech. Other top queries included "Alaska Senate race" and "Blue wave 2026".