Democrats dominate in historic 2026 midterm elections

By: Katie Dusza, Managing Editor

The 2026 midterm elections were an immense success for Democrats and resulted in multiple historic victories. Democrats secured control of the House of Representatives as well as the Senate, flipping multiple Republican seats. 

The midterms, which took place on Tuesday, followed the overtly controversial nature of President Donald Trump’s second term. This week’s elections suggested a rebuke to Trump and his administration that has diluted the Republican party. 

According to projections of the Associated Press, Democrats are projected to have flipped Republican senate seats in Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas, which are all historically red states.

According to CNBC, Democrats are also projected to win at least 245 House seats, transcending the 218 seats needed to control the House. Democrats also flipped two governor offices in Ohio and Texas. 

This election resulted in a lot of historic wins in the Senate. Chris Pappas, a New Hampshire senator elect, is the first openly gay man to hold a seat in the U.S. Senate. Michigan senate elect Abdul El–Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. 

History was also made for multiple governor seats. In New Mexico, Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman to be elected governor. Additionally, Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected Governor of Georgia and became the first black woman governor in U.S. history. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa ousted incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, and became the state’s first Latina governor. Finally, Florida, Wisconsin and Nevada each elected their first black governors. 

Vice President JD Vance reacted to the election results by making a lengthy social media post Wednesday by blaming the Iran war for the blue wave. President Trump backed Vance’s statement saying it was “largely true.” Additionally, many Republican lawmakers are pinning blame on U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth for his handling of the Iran war as he faces threats of impeachment.