Democrats Seize US Senate from Republicans: Six Seats and a Rout in 'Red' States

Following the midterm elections on November 3, 2026, the Democratic Party has won control of the US Senate. As reported by RBC-Ukraine citing the Associated Press, Democrats captured six seats from Republicans, including in Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina—states where the party had not won in decades. This marks a shift in majority control in the upper chamber of Congress and a redistribution of influence in Washington for the next two years.

The Majority Arithmetic: From 53–47 to Democratic Advantage

Before the elections, Republicans held 53 seats in the Senate compared to the Democrats' 47. To secure a majority, Democrats needed a net gain of four seats. According to AP, they managed to win six. In addition to flipping 'red' states, Democrats held their own ground in key races: Jon Ossoff was re-elected to a second full term in Georgia, and the party retained its seat in New Hampshire. Ossoff became the first Democratic senator from Georgia to be elected to a second full term since 1990.

Party Leadership Reaction: 'Help Is on the Way'

'Five words for the American people: help is on the way,' declared Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that Americans had voted for change. According to AP, Democrats are also on the verge of winning the House of Representatives, having flipped more than half a dozen districts from Republicans. If this scenario is confirmed, the party will control both chambers of Congress.

What This Means for Ukraine

Ahead of the vote, RBC-Ukraine analysts examined how the election results could alter the balance of power in Washington and what risks they pose for Ukraine. Former Ukrainian Ambassador to Ukraine to the US Oleh Shamshur, in turn, believes that even a Democratic victory will not change US policy toward Kyiv, and Ukraine faces two difficult years. Thus, the shift in the Senate majority is not viewed as an automatic reversal of Washington's course on the Ukrainian track.

Voter Sentiment Against the White House

Voter sentiment on election day did not favor the White House. According to preliminary CNN exit poll data, about 60% of voters who came to the polls disapprove of President Donald Trump's job performance. This figure became one of the factors explaining the widespread support for Democratic candidates in the midterms.