Democrats win Congress as Kansas and Texas flip Senate seats

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress on Nov. 3, 2026, flipping at least seven Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts, the Associated Press reported. The Senate wins included Kansas and Texas, where Democrats had not won Senate seats since 1932 and 1988.

The majorities give Democrats control of the congressional agenda when the new Congress convenes in January 2027. They can block Republican bills, launch investigations and force floor votes, though the Senate's 60-vote threshold still limits what they can pass.

Why it matters

Democratic control of Congress changes which laws can pass, which investigations proceed, and how much of Trump's agenda can move.

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Key Indicators

At least 7

Senate seats flipped by Democrats

AP reported at least seven flips in red and battleground states.

More than 24

House districts flipped by Democrats

AP reported more than two dozen flips.

1932

Last Democratic Kansas Senate win before 2026

Adam Hamilton is the first Democrat to win a Kansas Senate seat since 1932.

1988

Last Democratic Texas Senate win before 2026

James Talarico is the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since 1988.

$500M+

Spending in Texas Senate race

The contest became the most expensive US Senate race in history, BBC reported.

$158M

Musk donation to pro-Paxton super PAC

Elon Musk gave $158 million to a super PAC supporting Ken Paxton, BBC reported.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Adam Hamilton

United Methodist pastor; Kansas senator-elect

Won Kansas Senate seat

James Talarico

Texas state legislator; senator-elect

Won Texas Senate seat

Gina Hinojosa

Texas governor-elect

Won Texas governor's race

Ken Paxton

Texas attorney general; Republican Senate candidate

Lost Texas Senate race to James Talarico

Roger Marshall

Republican U.S. senator from Kansas

Lost reelection bid to Adam Hamilton

Greg Abbott

Republican governor of Texas

Lost reelection bid to Gina Hinojosa

Organizations Involved

Democratic Party (DIKO)

Political party (centrist)

Won House and Senate majorities

The party won control of both chambers in the 2026 midterms.

Republican Party

Political party

Lost House and Senate majorities

The party lost control of both chambers in the 2026 midterms.

United States Senate

Legislative chamber

Set for Democratic majority in 2027

The Senate will have a Democratic majority when the new Congress convenes.

United States House of Representatives

Legislative chamber

Set for Democratic majority in 2027

The House will have a Democratic majority when the new Congress convenes.

Timeline

6 events Latest: Yesterday

Tap a bar to jump to that date

November 2026
Democrats win both chambers
Latest Election

Democrats win control of the House and Senate, AP reports.
Yesterday
Kansas Senate flips after 94 years
Election

Adam Hamilton becomes first Democrat to win a Kansas Senate seat since 1932.
Yesterday
Texas Senate flips after 38 years
Election

James Talarico becomes first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since 1988.
Yesterday
Texas elects first Latina governor
Election

Gina Hinojosa defeats Greg Abbott, first Democratic governor since 1990.
Yesterday
Democrats flip at least seven Senate seats
Election

Wins include Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina, AP reports.
Yesterday
Texas Senate race sets spending record
Campaign

More than $500 million spent; Musk gives $158 million to pro-Paxton super PAC.
Yesterday

Scenarios

Democratic bills pass Congress but stall at Trump's desk

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: AP reported Democrats are entering a period of congressional resistance to Trump.

Democrats can pass bills through the House and, if they hold together, the Senate. Trump's veto power means many will stop there unless Congress can override.

House committees open investigations into Trump administration

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: AP reported Democrats plan congressional resistance to Trump.

A Democratic House majority controls committee subpoenas and hearings. Oversight probes can proceed without Senate approval.

Democratic Senate blocks Trump judicial nominees

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: AP reported Democrats won Senate control.

Senate Democrats can use committee votes and floor votes to stop nominees. The new majority gives them leverage over the federal judiciary.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

November 1994

Republican Revolution (1994)

Republicans won the House and Senate for the first time since 1952, led by Newt Gingrich's Contract with America. The wave gave the GOP control of both chambers and a platform to confront President Bill Clinton.

Then

Clinton shifted right, declaring in 1996 that "the era of big government is over."

Now

Republicans held Congress until 2006, while Clinton won reelection in 1996.

Why this matters now

Shows a midterm wave can hand the opposition Congress without ending the president's tenure.

November 2010