Democrats have won the US Senate and are on track for a substantial House majority in midterm elections described as a rebuke to Trump, with votes still being counted on the West Coast.
The outcome, described by Euronews as a 'blue wave', gives Democrats unified control of Congress for the first time since the 2018 midterms. The party's Senate victory was confirmed overnight, while the House majority is expected to grow as remaining ballots are tallied.
The midterms were the first nationwide electoral test of Trump's agenda since his return to the White House in January 2025. The result signals voter discontent with his administration's policies and is likely to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Elections expert Boyd Wagner, former Euronews head of polling, gave the latest from Philadelphia after a night following the US midterm results. Penny Naas, Senior Vice President and Brussels Office Director of the German Marshall Fund, discussed whether this was the end of Trumpism and what it means for 2028.
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Share of white men and white women voting Republican, 2022 and 2026 midterms
% of voters in each group
Shares based on a representative survey of almost 80,000 verified voters; the remainder in each group includes third-party voters. Source: AP/SSRS voter survey, as reported by DW
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Analysis
Why This Matters
Democrats now control both chambers, enabling them to block Trump's legislative agenda, launch investigations, and shape spending and judicial confirmations.
The result resets the U.S. political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race and tests the durability of Trump's coalition.
Overseas, the Democratic victory may shift U.S. foreign policy posture on issues such as Ukraine aid and NATO commitments.
Background
The midterm elections were held on 3 November 2026, two years after Trump's return to the presidency. Democrats needed to flip Republican-held seats in both chambers to gain majorities. The results represent a strong voter backlash against the incumbent party, a pattern typical in U.S. midterm elections but magnified here by Trump's polarising leadership.
Key Perspectives
Boyd Wagner, elections expert: Described the outcome as a "blue wave" as votes continue to be counted on the West Coast.
Penny Naas, German Marshall Fund: Asked whether this election marks the end of Trumpism and what it means for 2028, signalling a period of reflection for the Republican Party.
What to Watch
Final House seat count as West Coast results are certified.
Whether Democratic leaders will pursue impeachment or major investigations of the Trump administration.
Impact on the 2028 presidential field, including potential Republican primary challenges to Trump's influence.
12 claims in this story checked against 3 sources: 6 supported.
Show each claim
SupportedDemocrats won the Senate.DW English: “With that, they have crossed the majority-line of 51 seats required to gain control of the chamber.”
SupportedDemocrats were heading for a substantial House majority while West Coast votes were still being counted.Euronews: “A blue wave has swept the US in the midterm elections, with Democrats winning the Senate and heading for a big House majority as votes are still being counted on the West Coast.”
SupportedThe election result was a rebuke to Trump.Euronews: “Europe Today: Democrats win Senate in rebuke of Trump as Poland’s constitutional crisis drags on”
SupportedEuronews described the outcome as a “blue wave”.Euronews: “A blue wave has swept the US in the midterm elections”
Not in the sourcesDemocrats gained unified control of Congress for the first time since the 2018 midterms.DW English: “That means they have flipped both chambers of Congress.”
Not in the sourcesThe Senate victory was confirmed overnight.DW English: “This article was updated throughout the night.”
Partly supportedThe House majority is expected to grow as remaining ballots are tallied.Euronews: “Democrats winning the Senate and heading for a big House majority as votes are still being counted on the West Coast.”
Partly supportedThese midterms were the first nationwide electoral test of Trump’s agenda since his return to the White House in January 2025.DW English: “Trump is not on the ballot, but the midterms are considered a referendum on how he and his Republicans governed the country for the past two years.”
Partly supportedThe result signals voter discontent with Trump’s administration policies.US Top News and Analysis: “The elections were widely viewed as a referendum on Trump's second term, with concerns over the cost of living, inflation and the war in Iran weighing on voter sentiment.”
Not in the sourcesThe result is likely to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race.Euronews: “Penny Naas, Senior Vice President and Brussels Office Director of the German Marshall Fund, discusses whether this is the end of Trumpism, and what it means for 2028.”
SupportedBoyd Wagner is an elections expert and former Euronews head of polling, and gave the latest from Philadelphia after a night following the results.Euronews: “Boyd Wagner, elections expert and former Euronews head of polling, gives the latest from Philadelphia after a night following the US midterm results.”
SupportedPenny Naas is Senior Vice President and Brussels Office Director of the German Marshall Fund, and discussed whether this was the end of Trumpism and what it means for 2028.Euronews: “Penny Naas, Senior Vice President and Brussels Office Director of the German Marshall Fund, discusses whether this is the end of Trumpism, and what it means for 2028.”
