Democrats have won control of the US Senate, according to the Associated Press, and CNN and Decision Desk HQ project that they will also take the House of Representatives. With votes still being counted early on Wednesday, the size of each majority remains open. The projections put President Donald Trump on course to spend his final two years in office negotiating with an opposition party that voters have empowered to scrutinise his administration. apnews.com
Texas breaks a 38-year Republican streak
In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton to become the first Democrat to win a US Senate race in the state in 38 years. In South Carolina, Annie Andrews won a seat her party had not captured this century. Democrats also gained Senate seats in Kansas, Iowa, Ohio and North Carolina, while Jon Ossoff held Georgia, denying Republicans one of their best opportunities to offset those losses. apnews.com
Trump had urged Americans to vote as though his own name were on the ballot. Many appear to have taken him at his word. The AP Voter Poll found that most voters blamed his administration for high costs and wanted Congress to exercise greater oversight. In Pennsylvania alone, three Republican members of the House lost their seats. apnews.com
What changes for Trump in January
The Senate result gives Democrats an immediate say over whom Trump can appoint once the new Congress takes office in January. Federal judges and senior administration officials require Senate confirmation. If a Supreme Court vacancy arises, Trump will need a nominee who can win support in a chamber controlled by Democrats. apnews.com
A Democratic House would also change who writes spending bills and who chairs the committees that can summon administration officials to testify. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has put living costs and oversight at the centre of his plans. Trump retains the presidential veto, giving him the power to block much of that programme. The first test for both sides will be whether they can agree on the spending needed to keep the federal government running. apnews.com
NewsHub Finance | US Politics | 4 November 2026
Democrats have won control of the US Senate, according to the Associated Press, and CNN and Decision Desk HQ project that they will also take the House of Representatives. With votes still being counted early on Wednesday, the size of each majority remains open. The projections put President Donald Trump on course to spend his final two years in office negotiating with an opposition party that voters have empowered to scrutinise his administration. apnews.com
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