Democrats won control of Congress in the midterm elections held November 3, 2026, and the sharpest explanation of the Republican losses came from inside the party. Vice President JD Vance wrote in a lengthy online post, The reason we lost is the war,
blaming the war in Iran for Republican losses, according to Associated Press reporting.
Democrats won control of Congress in the midterm elections, and Vice president JD Vance blamed the war in Iran for Republican midterm losses.
Trump Says the Iran War Had to Be Fought
President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone, suggesting he could work with the Democrats. He later conceded that the Iran war had affected the midterm elections, indicating that voters were angry about soaring gas prices that have been a
Trump said he was not considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who he said was doing a great job.
He struck a conciliatory tone toward Democrats but threatened to use his veto against their agenda. I don't want to be just sitting there for two years vetoing everything,
he told Politico.
Democrats Plan a 100-Day Agenda and Subpoenas
House Democrats plan a 100-day agenda that starts with lowering the cost of fuel, groceries and other goods, along with bills to reverse cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. They also intend a strong oversight program to, as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York put it, hold the crooks accountable.
Impeachment of the president or cabinet members is an option.
🚨🇺🇸🇮🇷 Did the Iran war just cost Republicans Congress? Early exit polls put Democrats up 10 on the generic ballot and show half of voters calling war-driven gas prices crucial to their vote Brian Krassenstein, a Democratic commentator, says the populist energy Trump owned in… pic.twitter.com/h8mMBGKPVK
House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek re-election as House Republican leader, according to two people familiar with his plans who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Johnson Steps Back as Republicans Take Stock
Two people familiar with his decision say House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana will not run again for House Republican leader, which sets the stage for a potentially brutal fight over leadership after the party’s trouncing by the Democrats.
Vance, often eyed as Trump’s likely successor, seemed in a lengthy online post to distance himself from a result seen as a referendum on the president. If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so,
he wrote. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest.
Democrats Take Senate Seats in South Carolina, Texas and Kansas
Democrats picked up long-shot Senate seats in South Carolina, Texas and Kansas. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer conceded the political reality that voters may have been readier to turn away from Trump’s party than to embrace the Democrats.
According to The AP Voter Poll, roughly 7 in 10 voters nationwide say Congress is not doing enough to provide checks and balances on the presidency.
El-Sayed Wins a Senate Seat in Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan was elected to the Senate as a Democrat, retaining the seat for his party.
Shutdown Looms Before the January 3 Speaker Vote
The government could also be heading toward a federal shutdown next month if Congress does not pass a funding bill to keep operations running. Both parties will hold internal leadership elections in the coming weeks.
The House will choose its speaker as one of the first votes when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027. Jeffries would be the first black speaker if his colleagues elect him.