---
title: "Historic 2026 US Midterms: Democrats Take Congress as First Muslim, Gay Man, and Native Woman Enter the Senate"
description: "In the 2026 US midterms, the Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, while record numbers of minority representatives — from the first Muslim to the first Black female governor — were elected to the Senate and governorships."
date: 2026-11-04T10:34:01.549Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/us-elections-2026-historic-democratic-victories
tags: [us-midterms-2026, us-senate, us-house, democrats, trump, michigan, georgia]
author: "Marina Slivenko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Historic 2026 US Midterms: Democrats Take Congress as First Muslim, Gay Man, and Native Woman Enter the Senate

![Abdul El-Sayed speaks at a podium against the backdrop of US and Michigan state flags following the historic 2026 midterm elections.](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/04/vybory-ssha-2026-istoricheskie-pobedy-demokratov/vybory-ssha-2026-istoricheskie-pobedy-demokratov-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Democrats won control of the House of Representatives (231 to 139) and the Senate (54 to 44).
- Elected to the Senate are the first Muslim Abdul El-Sayed, the first openly gay man Chris Pappas, and the first Native American woman Peggy Flanagan.
- Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black female governor in US history; in Georgia, Democrats won the governorship for the first time since 1998.
- President Trump acknowledged his party's defeat, blamed the war with Iran, and promised to use his veto against Democratic bills.

The 2026 US midterm elections concluded with a series of historic results that rewrite representation in both chambers of Congress and in gubernatorial offices. Following the vote, the Democratic Party defeated the Republicans to win control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition to shifting control in the legislature, the elections were notable for a record number of 'firsts' in the country's history: minorities who had never previously held these positions were elected to the Senate and governorships.

### The Senate: First Muslim, Openly Gay Man, and Native American Woman

Among the senators elected in these midterms, several are holding office for the first time in US history. Chris Pappas, a Democrat from New Hampshire, will become the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat from Michigan, is set to become the first Muslim senator. Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat from Minnesota, will become the first Native American woman elected to the Senate. On the Republican side, Louisiana will send Julia Letlow to the Senate, who will become the first Republican senator from that state.

### Governors: A Wave of Historic Victories

An even broader list of 'firsts' emerged in the gubernatorial races. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms won for the Democratic Party, becoming the first Black woman elected governor of the state in US history; for Georgia itself, the victory is also historic, as the governorship has gone to a Democrats for the first time since 1998. In New Mexico, Deb Haaland will become the first Native American woman elected governor. Byron Donalds (Republican) and David Crowley (Democrat) will become the first Black governors of their respective states in Florida and Wisconsin, respectively, while Gina Hinojosa will become the first Latina governor in Texas. In addition, several states elected women governors for the first time in history.

### Democrats Take Control of Congress

According to data cited in the source material, Democrats already hold 231 seats in the House of Representatives, surpassing the 218 required for a majority, while Republicans hold 139 seats. In the Senate, Democrats also hold a majority with 54 seats to the Republicans' 44. Thus, the new session of Congress will begin under full Democratic control, opening the way for the party to advance its own legislative agenda.

### President Trump's Reaction

US President Donald Trump, whose party suffered defeat in the election, stated that he was surprised by the results. He acknowledged his opponents' success and expressed readiness to cooperate with them. Among the reasons for his party's defeat, he cited the war with Iran. At the same time, Trump warned that he intends to use his veto power if he is unsatisfied with bills passed by the new Democratic majority in Congress, setting the tone for future relations between the executive and legislative branches.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Такое в США впервые: 12 необычных фактов о результатах выборов в США](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/take-ssha-vpershe-12-nezvichaynih-faktiv-1793788179.html) - The primary source containing the entire factual framework: the list of 'firsts' in the Senate and governorships, House (231/139) and Senate (54/44) figures, and Trump's statement regarding his surprise, the war with Iran, and his intention to use a veto.

## FAQ

### Which newly elected senators are firsts in US history?

Chris Pappas (New Hampshire) is the first openly gay man in the Senate, Abdul El-Sayed (Michigan) is the first Muslim senator, and Peggy Flanagan (Minnesota) is the first Native American woman in the Senate.

### Who became the first Black female governor in the US?

Keisha Lance Bottoms of the Democratic Party, elected governor of Georgia; this is also the first Democratic gubernatorial victory in the state since 1998.

### Which parties control Congress after the 2026 elections?

Democrats: 231 seats in the House to Republicans' 139, and 54 to 44 in the Senate.

### How did President Trump react to his party's defeat?

He said he was surprised by the results, acknowledged his opponents' success, blamed the war with Iran, and warned of his intention to use veto power against legislation from the Democratic majority.