Washington (The COW News Digital) US President Donald Trump’s Republican Party has suffered a major setback in the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats securing the required majorities in both chambers of Congress, according to preliminary results.
The election results indicate a significant shift in the balance of power in Washington, as Democratic candidates gained ground in the House of Representatives and the Senate, defeating Republican contenders in several key races.
According to the reported preliminary figures, Democrats are leading with 231 seats in the House of Representatives, while Republicans have secured 139 seats. The 435-member House requires a party to win at least 218 seats to establish a majority.
With Democrats crossing the required threshold, the party is positioned to take control of the lower chamber of Congress.
Preliminary Senate results also indicate a Democratic majority.
Democrats reportedly gained 20 seats, bringing their total to 54, while Republicans secured 13 seats, taking their overall number to 44.
The US Senate has 100 seats, and a simple majority requires at least 51 votes. According to the reported figures, Democrats have crossed that threshold.
The outcome could have major implications for the Trump administration’s legislative agenda, as control of both chambers of Congress influences the passage of legislation, government spending and oversight of the executive branch.
The election results are still being reported, and the figures remain preliminary.
Reacting to the initial results, President Donald Trump said he would accept the outcome of the midterm elections and work with Democrats.
Trump indicated that the two parties could potentially reach agreements on certain issues despite their political differences.
His remarks come as Republicans face the prospect of losing control of Congress, potentially making it more difficult for the administration to advance its legislative priorities.
A Democratic-controlled Congress could also increase scrutiny of the president’s policies and decisions.
In an unusual development during the midterm elections, three American astronauts reportedly cast their ballots from space.
Anil, Luke and Jessica transmitted their electronic votes from a NASA space station to the Houston space centre.
The astronauts highlighted that the right to vote could be exercised even while serving in space, demonstrating the use of electronic voting arrangements for eligible American citizens beyond Earth.
Polling stations opened at different times across the United States. Vermont began voting at 5am local time, while New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Virginia opened their polling stations at 6am.
Muslim candidates also participated in several closely watched congressional races.
Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib contested the election again in Michigan, facing four candidates.
In California, Aisha Wahab faced Melissa Hernandez, a candidate from her own political party.
Republican James Hooper and candidates from three other parties also reportedly contested against Tlaib.
The participation of Muslim candidates has attracted attention amid their growing presence in American politics.
The 2026 midterm elections could reshape the political landscape in the United States, with Democrats’ reported victories in both chambers presenting a major challenge for President Trump during the remainder of his term.
