Leading U.S. news outlets forecast Democratic victories in both the House and Senate during the 2026 midterm elections, shifting control of Congress from Republicans and reshaping the final two years of President Donald Trump’s tenure.
Late Tuesday, CBS News predicted Democrats would secure a Senate majority following wins in several Republican-held seats, along with a House majority. Other networks, including CNN, NBC, and Fox News, monitored Democratic gains as results emerged nationwide.
Senate Victories Secure Democratic Control
According to CBS News, Democratic wins or projected wins in Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa fueled their Senate majority. Democrats also retained seats in Georgia and New Hampshire. Republicans held 53 Senate seats before the election, compared to 47 for Democrats, requiring a net gain of four for Democrats to take control.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico was forecast to defeat Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat left open by Sen. John Cornyn. This race drew significant attention, as Democrats had not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. Both candidates were certified for the general election on the Texas ballot.
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CBS projected that in North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper, the former governor, defeated Republican Michael Whatley for the Senate seat. Cooper’s win flips a seat vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis, who did not seek reelection. This race was a top priority for Democrats in the Senate elections.
Democrats also gained ground in states where Republicans were expected to prevail. CBS highlighted South Carolina, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa as Republican-held Senate seats projected to shift to Democrats. Each state will follow its own timeline for canvassing and certification.
House Majority Secured by Democrats
The House projection gave Democrats the 218 seats required for a majority. Pre-election, Republicans held 218 seats, including an independent who caucused with them, while Democrats held 214, with two seats vacant, according to CBS News.
These results do not grant Democrats a veto-proof Congress. Legislation passed by both chambers remains subject to the president’s veto power, requiring two-thirds majorities in both houses to override. President Trump told CBS News he congratulated Democrats and pledged to work with them.
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The projected Democratic House majority followed wins across the country, including in redrawn districts. CBS reported Democratic victories in several Florida seats that redistricting had made more favorable to Republicans, while other key districts remained under review as votes were counted.
Election Projections vs. Official Certification
Network projections are based on vote returns, remaining ballots and statistical analysis. They are separate from official certification. State and local officials will process absentee, provisional and cure ballots before certifying results under state law.
Post-Election Certification Process Begins
The election shifts the political timeline, with the new Congress convening in January 2027. Until then, the current Congress remains in office, and state officials will certify the November 3 results. Newly elected members will not take office until the new Congress begins.
Some races remained unresolved when national projections were made, including Alaska’s Senate contest, which may require ranked-choice tabulation after ballot reviews. Alaska’s Division of Elections noted that ranked-choice results will be unavailable until 15 days after election day, once all eligible ballots are counted.