WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has suffered a major political setback after the Democratic Party secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. The results of Tuesday’s polls mark a significant shift in American politics and are expected to complicate Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
Democrats scored major victories across several traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas, Iowa, North Carolina and Ohio. Their performance has ended the Republican Party’s control of Congress and given the opposition greater power to challenge the Trump administration.
One of the biggest surprises came from Texas, a longtime Republican stronghold. Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the Senate race, marking the first Democratic victory in a Texas Senate election since 1988.
Texas also witnessed a historic gubernatorial upset. Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, ending decades of Republican dominance in the governor’s office. Hinojosa is set to become the state’s first Latina governor.
In Kansas, Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Senator Roger Marshall. Democrats also made significant gains in Iowa. In North Carolina, former governor Roy Cooper secured a Senate victory, while Sherrod Brown won in Ohio. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff retained his seat, further strengthening the party’s position.
What went wrong for Trump?
Rising living costs, inflation, economic concerns, tariff policies and public dissatisfaction over the US war against Iran are believed to have influenced voter sentiment. These issues provided Democrats with an opportunity to challenge the Republican administration.
Challenges ahead for Trump
With Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress, Trump could face difficulties getting legislation, budgets and key policy proposals approved. The opposition will also have greater authority to investigate the administration and scrutinise its decisions.
Trump has indicated that he is prepared to accept the election results and work with Democrats. However, his subsequent social media post featuring a red baseball cap bearing the word ‘VETO’ suggested that he could resist Democratic legislative initiatives.
Although Trump retains presidential veto powers, the election outcome signals a potentially contentious final two years of his presidency.
