Democrats are set to take control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress following sweeping victories in the November 3 midterm elections, delivering a major setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
The party’s gains extended beyond Congress, with Democratic candidates winning gubernatorial races in several traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa — all of which Trump carried by significant margins in the 2024 presidential election.
The results also open the way for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to become the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives.
Democrats secured more than the 218 seats needed for a House majority and gained at least seven Senate seats, taking control of the upper chamber as well. Counting was still underway in some races as results continued to be reported. <Cite refs={[“turn987832news12″,”turn987832search0”]}/>
Democratic candidates also held several governorships in closely contested states, including Maine and Wisconsin, while making significant gains in states that have traditionally favored Republicans.
Historic gubernatorial victories
Several of the victories marked important milestones in U.S. political history:
- Texas: Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, becoming the first Latina governor of Texas. Her victory also returns the governor’s office to Democratic control for the first time since 1990. <Cite refs={[“turn987832news13″,”turn987832search2”]}/>
- Georgia: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican candidate Rick Jackson, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history. She will also be the first Democrat to lead Georgia in more than two decades. <Cite refs={[“turn987832search10″,”turn987832search2”]}/>
- Ohio: Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, becoming the first woman elected governor of Ohio and the first Democrat to win the office since 2006. The race attracted national attention, particularly following a controversial campaign advertisement involving Acton’s family. <Cite refs={[“turn987832search1″,”turn987832search2”]}/>
- Iowa: Democrat Rob Sand defeated Republican candidate Zach Lahn, ending a lengthy period of Republican control of the governor’s office. His victory adds another traditionally Republican state to the list of Democratic gains. <Cite refs={[“turn987832search2″,”turn987832search6”]}/>
The results represent a broad shift in the political landscape, with Democrats making gains in congressional and gubernatorial contests across states that supported Trump in 2024.
The new congressional majority will give Democrats greater influence over legislation, government oversight and congressional investigations during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
