General U.S. NewsNov 4, 2026·2 min read·🔥 High relevance

Democrats win Congress: How they did it, and what it means

Al Jazeera – News

1d ago

Democrats win Congress: How they did it, and what it means

Summary

The Democratic Party has pulled off a stunning upset in the United States midterm elections, flipping multiple bellwether seats to win comfortable control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The party has won 53 seats, and leads in three others in the 100-seat Senate. With the win in the House, announced by AP hours after their win in the Senate was declared, the Democrats now have control of both chambers of Congress. The House and the Senate help pass laws and approve government spending. For instance, the Senate is uniquely empowered to approve Trump’s nominations to top government posts. With a majority in the Senate, Democrats can block the president from appointing allies as ambassadors, cabinet members and federal judges, including on the Supreme Court. Separately, if a president or top government official is successfully impeached in the House, the Senate is then tasked with overseeing a trial that could result in the defendant’s removal from office. Commanding a Senate majority will also give Democrats greater power over legislation. Senator Richard Blumenthal is currently the ranking Democrat on the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The Democratic majority will not take control of the Senate until January 3.

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With control of Congress, Democrats can challenge Trump’s agenda through subpoenas, confirmation votes.

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