US midterm elections 2026: Top 10 winners and losers as Democrats defeat Trump

Democrats seized control of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, defeating Republicans in longstanding strongholds and winning historic Senate and governor races. The results dealt President Donald Trump a political setback, while victories involving Muslim, Black, gay and Indian-American candidates brought new faces into national politics after the November 3 midterm vote.

US midterm election winners: Democrats secure historic victories

The Democratic Party emerged as the principal winner, taking the Senate and House of Representatives. It won Senate seats previously held by Republicans in Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. Its House gains included more than two dozen Republican-held districts. Democrats will assume control when the new Congress begins in January.

Abdul El-Sayed defeated Trump-backed Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan's open Senate seat. The former public health official will become the first Muslim US senator. New Hampshire elected Democrat Chris Pappas, the first openly gay man to win a Senate seat. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton became the state's first Democratic senator-elect since 1932. Texas elected Democrat James Talarico, who defeated Republican Ken Paxton, ending the Democrats' losing streak in the state's Senate elections dating to 1988.

Indian-American candidates also secured victories. Pia Dandiya won a House seat in Florida, while Suhas Subramanyam was re-elected from Virginia. Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller retained office. Their wins came alongside the defeat of Indian-origin Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio.

Iran welcomes Democratic victory; India weighs trade implications

Iran welcomed the Democratic victory, with senior officials saying American voters had rejected Trump's war against Tehran. The conflict and rising fuel costs featured prominently in the campaign. 

For India, the result presents a mixed picture rather than a clear electoral gain. Indian officials cited by Bloomberg said Democratic control of Congress could ease some trade pressure but create new uncertainty. Expert have also warned that Trump could press New Delhi for a quick trade agreement despite his domestic losses.

US midterm election losers: Trump, Musk and Ramaswamy suffer setbacks

Trump was the most prominent Republican figure affected by the result. He had campaigned for party candidates and urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot. Democrats will now be able to scrutinise his administration, block nominees and challenge legislation, although Trump retains his presidential veto.

Elon Musk, a major Republican donor, backed candidates with hundreds of millions of dollars. His preferred party lost control of Congress and Republican Governor Greg Abbott was defeated in Texas by Democrat Gina Hinojosa, the state's first Latina governor. Democratic lawmakers could increase scrutiny of Musk's companies and their government contracts.

Ramaswamy lost the Ohio governor's race to Democrat Amy Acton, who became the first woman elected to lead the state and ended two decades of Republican control of the office. Vice President JD Vance, who supported Ramaswamy and campaigned in his home state, also saw the Republican nominee lose.  

Pro-Israel groups also suffered setbacks in some contests. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee-linked United Democracy Project spent against El-Sayed, but he won Michigan's Senate race. 

First Black woman governor elected; Hakeem Jeffries in line for Speaker

Elsewhere, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated billionaire Republican Rick Jackson to become the first Black woman elected governor in US history. Jackson had committed more than USD 200 million of his money to the Georgia campaign. With Democrats taking the House, party leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to seek the speakership and could become the first Black person to hold the post when the House votes in January.

Also Read: America turns blue as Democrats make sweeping gains in US midterm elections; Trump vows to work with opposition