The 2026 US midterm elections have delivered a major political shake-up, with Democrats winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. While the results are a significant setback for Donald Trump and the Republicans, the elections have also brought several historic firsts, with candidates from underrepresented communities winning some of the country’s most closely watched races.
But what exactly are midterm elections? Unlike presidential elections, which take place every four years, midterms happen halfway through a president’s term. Voters elect members of the House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate, as well as governors and other state officials. The House has 435 voting members, while the Senate has 100. These elections matter because the party controlling Congress has considerable influence over legislation, government spending and the president’s ability to move forward with his agenda.
This year, Democrats not only managed to take both chambers but also made gains in states that have traditionally leaned Republican. Here are some of the victories that stood out.
Abdul El-Sayed Makes History in Michigan
One of the biggest wins came from Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in the race for the US Senate. At 41, El-Sayed has become the first Muslim ever elected to the US Senate, marking a significant moment for Muslim representation in American politics.
A doctor and former public health official, El-Sayed ran on an openly progressive platform, making healthcare access, economic inequality and getting money out of politics central to his campaign. His proposals included Medicare for All and measures aimed at reducing medical debt. His victory was particularly notable given the criticism he faced during the campaign, including attacks over his Muslim identity and political views. Despite the challenges, he managed to connect with voters beyond the state’s major urban centres.
Democrats Break Through in Texas
Texas was another major talking point. For years, the state has been considered a Republican stronghold, making the Democratic victories in both the Senate and governor’s races especially significant. James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton to win a Senate seat, while Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott in the gubernatorial race.
The results mark a major shift in a state where Democrats have struggled to win statewide elections for decades. Hinojosa also made history as Texas’ first Latina governor. The victories are particularly striking given how firmly Republicans have held the state, and suggest that Democrats were able to reach voters who might not previously have considered supporting them.
Josh Turek Takes Iowa’s Senate Seat
In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson, bringing another unexpected win for his party. Turek is a former Paralympic wheelchair basketball player who won two gold medals at the Paralympic Games. He also has spina bifida, and his journey from international sport to the US Senate makes his election particularly noteworthy.
His campaign focused on issues including healthcare and protecting access to Medicaid. His victory is also historic: Turek is the first former Paralympian elected to the US Senate. The result adds to the Democrats’ gains in states where Republicans have had a strong hold on political power.
Deb Haaland Becomes the First Native American Woman Governor
New Mexico has elected Deb Haaland as its next governor, making her the first Native American woman to hold the position in US history. A member of the Laguna Pueblo community, Haaland has already made history in American politics. In 2018, she was among the first two Native American women elected to the US House of Representatives.
She later served as President Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary, becoming the first Native American to lead the department. Her election as governor is another milestone for Indigenous representation, particularly in a country where Native American communities have historically been underrepresented in elected office.
David Crowley Makes History in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has also elected its first Black governor, with Democrat David Crowley winning the race. Crowley previously served as Milwaukee County executive and has built his political career around issues affecting working-class communities.
His victory is another significant moment in an election that has seen more candidates from historically underrepresented communities break into some of the country’s highest political offices. It also adds to the Democrats’ growing list of gubernatorial victories across the country.
Adam Hamawy Becomes New Jersey’s First Muslim Congressman
In New Jersey, Adam Hamawy has made history as the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress. A surgeon and former US Army combat physician, Hamawy’s background in medicine and military service has been a major part of his public profile.
He also volunteered at a hospital in Gaza in 2024 and has spoken critically about unconditional US military support for Israel. His election is another important moment for Muslim representation in American politics, particularly at a time when foreign policy and the situation in Gaza remain deeply divisive issues in the US.
Keisha Lance Bottoms Makes US History in Georgia
Georgia has elected Keisha Lance Bottoms as its next governor, making her the first Black woman to be elected governor in US history. Bottoms previously served as the mayor of Atlanta and defeated Republican Rick Jackson in a race that also ended the Republicans’ 24-year hold on the state’s governor’s office.
Her victory is one of the most significant historic firsts of this election cycle. It also reflects the wider gains Democrats made across gubernatorial races, including in states where Republicans had maintained control for years.
The Mamdani Effect and a Changing Political Landscape
These results also bring to mind Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City last year. His campaign, built around affordability, housing, public transport and childcare, drew considerable attention and brought a new generation of progressive politics into the spotlight. As the city’s first Muslim mayor, his win was also a major moment for representation.
While Mamdani’s mayoral race and the 2026 midterms are different elections, both have put candidates and issues that were once pushed to the margins firmly into the national conversation. From Muslim and Native American representation to the election of the first Black woman governor, this election has shown that voters are willing to back candidates who challenge the political establishment.
What Does This Mean for Donald Trump?
For Donald Trump, the results are a serious political setback. With Democrats now controlling both the House and the Senate, his administration will face a much stronger opposition in Congress. Democrats will have greater power to investigate the administration, demand documents and testimony, and scrutinise issues ranging from immigration enforcement to Trump’s business dealings and the conduct of his government.
The election results also reflect growing frustration among voters over the cost of living, inflation and the administration’s handling of the Iran war. Trump has acknowledged that the war and rising fuel prices may have contributed to the Republican losses, although he has also defended his decisions. While he has indicated that he could work with Democrats on certain issues, a Democratic-controlled Congress is likely to make the rest of his term considerably more difficult.
Ultimately, the 2026 midterms were about more than which party won control of Congress. They brought historic political firsts, exposed the vulnerabilities of Republican strongholds and gave Democrats a renewed opportunity to challenge the president’s agenda. For Trump, the message from voters is difficult to ignore.
Sources: Reuters, Dawn, APNews, CBS, Anatoly Ajansi