Key Developments

The makeup of Congress shifted dramatically in the 2026 midterm elections, as Democrats decisively won control of the Senate and picked up dozens of House seats in what is shaping up to be one of the largest midterm routs in recent decades. Despite these sweeping changes, the exact final margins of Congress are not yet clear because winners have not been projected in two Senate races and more than two dozen House races.

Uncalled contests include Republican-held districts with razor-thin margins, a few Democratic seats that could flip to Republicans, and several races in California and Western states still actively counting ballots. In the Senate, Democrats are set to enter next year with at least 54 seats compared to Republicans' 44, but two critical battles remain uncalled: the Alaska Senate race between Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, which faces delays due to ranked-choice voting and outstanding ballots, and an unexpectedly close matchup in Mississippi between GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Scott Colom.

Key Takeaways

  • Democrats have secured at least 54 Senate seats for the upcoming congressional term, while Republicans currently hold 44.
  • Two Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi remain uncalled due to outstanding mail-in ballots, affidavit reviews, and ranked-choice voting procedures.
  • More than two dozen House races across the country, particularly in Western states and tight districts, are still awaiting final projections.

Why It Matters

The outcome of these remaining uncalled House and Senate races is crucial for determining the exact legislative power balance in Washington. While Democrats have already locked in control of the Senate and made massive gains in the House, the final margin will dictate the ease with which future legislation and political agendas can be advanced. Prolonged counting processes in states like Alaska highlight the impact of specific local voting systems, such as ranked-choice voting, on national political outcomes.