The results could also have far-reaching consequences for India-US relations, particularly in trade, immigration, energy security and defence cooperation.

The Democratic Party has inflicted a major political setback on US President Donald Trump, winning control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The results mark a significant reversal for the Republican Party two years into Trump's second presidential term and could reshape the political landscape in Washington, with important implications for India's economic and strategic interests.

According to the latest results, Democrats have secured 53 of the 100 Senate seats, crossing the majority threshold, while also winning more than 220 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives, comfortably surpassing the 218 required to take control. Seven Senate seats and around two dozen House constituencies have shifted from Republican to Democratic hands.

Democratic gains across Republican strongholds

The Democratic gains have been particularly significant in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, where the party has secured Senate victories. It has also flipped seats in North Carolina and Ohio. Democratic candidates have additionally won governorships in Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Texas, further weakening the Republican hold across several states.

The outcome is widely being viewed as a referendum on Trump's presidency. Rising living costs, higher fuel prices, controversial immigration enforcement measures, sweeping tariffs and concerns over the administration's use of executive powers are among the factors that contributed to the Republican setback.