Democrats score major midterm victories, putting Trump’s presidency under pressure

Democrats made significant gains in the 2026 US midterm elections, defeating several Republican candidates and moving closer to taking control of Congress in a major setback for President Trump.

According to projections reported by Reuters and the Associated Press, Democrats secured key Senate victories in South Carolina and North Carolina, while also making substantial gains in House races.

In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Trump-backed Republican Darline Graham in a stunning upset, flipping a seat in a traditionally Republican state. Democrat Roy Cooper also won North Carolina’s Senate race, strengthening his party’s position in the battle for control of the upper chamber.

Democrats also held Senate seats in Georgia and New Hampshire, while their candidate Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, according to media projections.

The results reflected growing voter dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, particularly over rising living costs, fuel prices and the economic impact of tariffs and the war with Iran.

Democrats were projected to take control of the House of Representatives, which would allow them to block parts of Trump’s legislative agenda and launch investigations into his administration.

The Senate outcome, however, remained uncertain, with several closely contested races still awaiting final projections.

Meanwhile, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms was projected to win Georgia’s gubernatorial race, making history as the first Black woman elected governor of the state.

The elections are widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s first two years back in the White House. A Democratic takeover of either chamber would significantly complicate his legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.