US midterms 2026: Five key takeaways as Democrats sweep Congress
American voters have handed Democrats control of both houses of Congress in the midterms, decisively rejecting Republicans in historically red states and shifting the balance of power in Washington, DC.Here are five key takeaways.Democratic victories exceed pollsThe polls in the run up to election day pointed to a likely Democrat majority in the Senate and almost certain control of the House, but the party ended up outperforming even those positive indicators, flipping multiple Republican strongholds.Leading 54-44 in the Senate, flipping seven seats from the Republicans with two still to be called, was beyond the dreams of most Democrats. In the House, the party already has a majority, with over 60 seats still to be called, and Hakeem Jeffries is set to become the country’s first Black sp…
