Democrats are poised to control both chambers of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. The Associated Press called the Senate for Democrats late Tuesday and the House early Wednesday, according to the account. Democrats won several competitive Senate contests and gained more than two dozen House seats, though some races remained undecided.
To take the Senate, Democrats needed a net gain of four seats on an electoral map seen as favoring Republicans. Victories in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa and Maine helped them reach that threshold. The outcome gives the incoming Congress the ability to check the administration’s priorities, although the extent of that influence will depend on final seat counts and negotiations between the branches.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York is expected to lead the Senate majority, replacing Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota. Some Democrats have criticized Schumer’s leadership, but the account identifies no announced challenge to his position. In the House, the final Democratic majority remains uncertain as votes continue to be counted.
House Democrats have said they plan to investigate Trump, his administration and his allies. They also intend to pursue proposals addressing the Iran War, tariffs and living costs. Advancing legislation would require agreement among Democrats with differing political priorities, as well as cooperation from the president for bills requiring his signature.
Polling had consistently suggested a Democratic advantage in House races, while the Senate had appeared more difficult for the party to win. Republicans argued that polls might miss support for Trump and shifted campaign resources toward defending vulnerable seats. The incoming Democratic caucuses are expected to include lawmakers spanning moderates and democratic socialists. Their decisions on leadership, investigations and legislation will shape how the new Congress approaches its relationship with the White House going forward.