Democratic Party gains US House majority in 2026 midterm elections

Democrats have won the US House of Representatives, regaining control of the chamber after Republicans held it since 2022. The result ends the Republicans’ control of the presidency and both chambers of Congress, and gives Democrats a route to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s administration.

Democrats needed to gain five seats, with all 435 House seats contested. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become speaker, replacing Republican Mike Johnson; if selected, Jeffries would be the first Black person in the role and third in line to the presidency. The new Congress is due to be sworn in on 3 January 2027, while Democrats’ Sarah Trone Garriott, Elaine Luria and Janelle Stelson won key races against Republican incumbents.