who won the house: Democrats take control of the House in 2026 midterms

Democrats Take Control of the House

NBC News projects that Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, flipping a net of three seats to wrest the majority from Republicans. The victory gives Democrats the power to investigate the Trump administration, hold hearings, and pass legislation with a simple majority.

Historic Speaker‑Elect

Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic leader, is expected to be sworn in as the first Black speaker of the House on January 3. Jeffries said the party will “follow the facts, apply the law, and be guided by the Constitution.”

Oversight and Investigations

With control of all House committees, Democrats will gain subpoena power and the ability to conduct oversight investigations into President Trump, his family, and his business ventures. Representative Robert Garcia of California, poised to chair the powerful House Oversight Committee, has promised to focus on “Trump family corruption,” including the president’s cryptocurrency ventures, which have earned him more than $1 billion according to financial disclosures.

The panel also plans to examine “abuses” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, corporate corruption, and the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Legislative Priorities

Jeffries has outlined four main legislative goals for the new majority:

• Reverse Trump’s cuts to Medicaid.
• Extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
• Restore congressional authority over tariffs.
• Stop Trump’s war with Iran.

Impeachment Debate

Some Democrats have called for a third impeachment of President Trump, though the party is divided on whether that is the right political path. Jeffries told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that Democrats “haven’t ruled anything in and we haven’t ruled anything out.”

Impact on the Trump Administration

The loss of the House marks the first time in Donald Trump’s second term that he will not have full control of Congress. It threatens to consume significant time and resources for the president and his allies, forcing public hearings and potential legal showdowns over subpoenas.

Senate Race Still Undecided

NBC News has not yet projected who will win the Senate. Democrats would need to flip four Republican‑held seats and defend all of their own to gain control of the chamber.

Other Notable Races

The 2026 midterms also produced several historic firsts. Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Georgia governor’s race, becoming the nation’s first Black woman governor. Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s Senate seat, making him the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate. On the Republican side, Byron Donalds won Florida’s governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Black governor.

Voter Sentiment and Spending

Analysts attribute the Democratic gains to widespread voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies, including his immigration crackdown, the eight‑month Iran war, and tariffs that have raised prices for gas, groceries, and other goods. The election also saw record early voting and unprecedented spending; Elon Musk contributed $474 million to Republican candidates and their allies, the largest single‑donor outlay in a single cycle.

What Happens Next

Democrats will take formal control of the House on January 3, when Jeffries is expected to be elected speaker. The new majority will immediately begin organizing committees and setting its legislative agenda. The outcome of the Senate race will determine whether Democrats can also gain control of that chamber.

Sources: NBC News, Ballotpedia, Northeastern Global News, The New York Times