The House flip
MS NOW called the Democratic flip of the House just before 10 p.m. ET, followed by CNN, NBC News, and CBS News, though the AP had not called the race. I see the Democratic capture of a House majority in these 2026 midterm elections as a clear backlash against President Donald Trump. In the House, Democratic candidates were projected as easily capturing a majority of seats. Trump approval ratings hit 37% on November 3, near his lowest level of 36% from two weeks ago, because of voter dissatisfaction with gas prices, grocery costs, and the administration’s unpopular war with Iran. Americans wagered $1.9 billion on prediction markets for these U.S. races. Trump stumped for Republican candidates at rallies across the country in recent weeks. With the House in Democratic hands, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York’s 8th District would become Speaker. Van Jones called the win "the repudiation of Trumpism that people have been hoping for" on CNN, and Rachel Maddow said the win is "a seismic change in Washington."
Senate battles and governors
I find the Senate races too close to call, but Democratic candidates were ahead in several battleground contests according to AP results. In Texas, James Talarico is the projected winner over Ken Paxton. Roy Cooper beat Michael Whatley in North Carolina, and Annie Andrews beat Darline Graham in South Carolina. If the Senate results reach a 50-50 split, Vice President JD Vance holds the tie-breaking vote that would decide the outcome. Other Senate contests include Dr. Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, Sherrod Brown against Republican incumbent Jon Husted in Ohio, and Troy Jackson against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine. In Michigan, Ohio, and Maine, Democratic candidates were ahead, according to AP results.
In gubernatorial races, Keisha Lance Bottoms won in Georgia to become the first Black woman governor in the United States. Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate and Trump ally, in the Ohio governor’s race. Gina Hinojosa beat incumbent Texas Governor Greg Abbott. I find these results a clear win for Democrats, as the party leads in multiple races on Tuesday night after a strong showing.
