Schumer and Jeffries to lead Democratic Congress after 2026 midterm wins

Democrats Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are set to lead the US Congress after the party won majorities in both the Senate and House in the 2026 midterm elections. Jeffries, 56, is the sole candidate for Speaker of the House and would become the first Black speaker in US history. Schumer, 75, is expected to become Senate majority leader for a second time, having previously held the role from 2021 to 2025. The Democratic majority will likely complicate President Donald Trump's legislative agenda, though he has indicated he may use veto power. Jeffries has represented Brooklyn since 2013 and became the first Black person to lead a major party in Congress in 2023. Schumer has served in the Senate since 1999 and led Senate Democrats for nearly a decade.