Democrats Take Control of the US Senate After 2026 Midterms
Democrats won enough seats in the 2026 midterm elections to gain control of the Senate starting in January. With at least 54 seats secured, the party flipped key states across the nation. While counting continues in close races like Mississippi, Democratic senators are already preparing their legislative strategy and debating their next leadership steps.
Democrats secured control of the United States Senate following the 2026 midterm elections. The party flipped critical seats in Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. They also won contests in Maine, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina. In addition, Democrats kept their existing seats in Georgia, New Hampshire, and Michigan. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers. Because of these victories, Democrats will hold at least 54 seats when Congress meets in January.
However, two Senate races remain unresolved. Elections in Alaska and Mississippi are still toss-ups. In Mississippi, Democratic challenger Scott Colom took a lead of about 2,500 votes over Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith. Election officials still need to process 3,600 mail ballots and additional provisional ballots. Counties will certify their final counts by November 13. State rules do not permit recounts, so the winner with the most votes will win the seat.
Both political parties sent legal teams to Mississippi to observe the ballot counting process. Scott Colom expressed confidence about his chances, while Cindy Hyde-Smith predicted she will win after officials count all rural votes.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are discussing their plans for the future. Chuck Schumer pledged to launch investigations and legal actions against President Trump if necessary. At the same time, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen urged his colleagues not to rush the choice of their new Senate majority leader. He announced that he will not run for the leadership position himself.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
When will the new session of Congress meet with Democratic control?
Past Simple for Completed Historical Events
We use the past simple tense to describe completed actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
“Democrats secured control of the United States Senate following the 2026 midterm elections.”
What to know · A2
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: Discussing recent election news with an acquaintance.
- 01“Democrats secured control of the Senate.”
- 02“Two races remain unresolved.”
- 03“State rules do not permit recounts.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
Expresses complete success in a political contest.
The party secured control of the United States Senate this week.
Uses 'toss-up' to describe an undecided outcome.
Elections in Alaska and Mississippi are still toss-ups today.
Explains legal limitations using present simple negative.
State rules do not permit recounts in this jurisdiction.
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
How do election results affect daily life in your country?
Personal - 2
Why are close election races exciting for media outlets?
Evaluate - 3
Do you prefer following political events live or reading summaries later?
Compare - 4
What should political leaders focus on after winning an election?
Opinion - 5
How will new leaders change government policies in the future?
Predict - 6
Is it important for political parties to debate before choosing a leader?
Evaluate - 7
Have you ever voted in a local or national election?
Personal - 8
How is voting in your country different from voting in the United States?
Compare
News sourced from: CBS News →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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