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Archive photo · 28 August 2020Democrats Win Control of US House and Senate as NBC Projects January Takeover
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Democrats secure majority in both chambers, with control effective in January. Democrats plan investigations into Trump administration and business ventures.
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11 outlets in this story. Read their headlines below.
Outlets did split on Democrats Regain Control of Both Houses as Kisha Lance Bottoms Wins Georgia Governorship →
Midterms Shift Power
Democrats won control of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, with NBC News projecting that Democrats will take control of the House and the Senate in January. NBC News estimated Democrats will win at least 259 House seats, while ABC News projected Democrats would flip at least six Senate seats and at least a dozen House seats.
Vice President JD Vance blamed the rout on Americans’ frustration over the U.S. war with Iran, which he said has driven up oil prices at a time when costs are already high. President Donald Trump said he was “absolutely willing to accept” the midterm results and told The New York Times he would “work with the Democrats,” even as he posted a hat with the word “VETO.”
Oversight, Not Easy Laws
Hakeem Jeffries declared, “Today begins the great American comeback,” as Democrats prepared to use their new majorities to check President Trump’s power. Chris Coons told the BBC that Democrats should not consider the election a “mandate,” warning the party was still “deeply unpopular,” and he urged Democrats to “prove we can get stuff done.”
Robert Garcia said “LAWYER UP,” as NPR described Democrats’ plans to use full investigatory powers, including the ability to subpoena records and compel testimony. CBS News said Democrats will capture enough House seats to effectively halt legislative agenda and tee up a wave of investigations, while also noting the question of whether Democrats will try to impeach Trump for a third time.
Targets and Consequences
Democrats’ oversight plans centered on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, with NPR quoting Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland saying, "Donald Trump says he knew Jeffrey Epstein 'just like everybody in Palm Beach knew him.' Not exactly."
“Donald Trump says he knew Jeffrey Epstein 'just like everybody in Palm Beach knew him.' Not exactly.”
NPR also reported that Democrats plan to continue investigations into what they describe as efforts by administration officials to advance the financial interests of the president, his family, themselves and close allies, including Truth Social and cryptocurrency projects.
Time Magazine said Democrats are preparing a legislative offensive aimed at reversing cuts to Medicaid, the expiration of federal health insurance subsidies, Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and the war in Iran.
The Guardian framed the stakes as Democrats using oversight investigations to provide accountability in the executive branch and strengthen the institution of Congress itself, while warning that obstacles to turning bills into law would remain nearly insuperable.