Democrats Control Congress: What It Means for Investigations and 2028

The 2026 midterm elections resulted in a decisive shift in power, with Democrats securing majorities in both chambers of Congress. According to Ballotpedia, Democrats won at least 250 seats in the House and 54 seats in the Senate, giving them a commanding lead over the Republican majority. This outcome marks a significant departure from the previous balance of power, as Republicans lost control of both the House and the Senate for the first time since the 2010 elections. The net gain of seven Senate seats and 42 House seats places this election among the most significant swings against a president's party in modern history, a phenomenon often referred to as a wave election by political analysts.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the shift in power during his first major interview since the election, conceding that his administration may have been too aggressive on deportations. Speaking to CBS's 60 Minutes, Trump stated that he believes he can work with the new Democratic majority to reach an immigration deal. He suggested that while the administration remains committed to removing those he described as killers and drug dealers, there is room for compromise regarding other individuals who are working and paying taxes. This statement came shortly after Trump named Stephen Miller, the architect of the hardline immigration agenda, as the new White House chief of staff, a move that drew sharp criticism from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

Schumer characterized the appointment of Miller as a promotion rather than a course correction, noting that Miller was responsible for the policies that Trump admitted were perhaps too tough. The new Democratic Congress has already signaled that oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security will be a top priority. Democrats have cited the high-profile operations and the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during protests as key reasons for their push for increased scrutiny. The House and Senate committees now control the budget and investigative processes, giving them the tools to demand records and hold hearings on these executive actions.

The control of the Senate also grants Democrats the power to confirm or reject key nominees for the federal judiciary and executive agencies. With a 54-44 majority, the party can overcome procedural hurdles more easily than in a narrowly divided chamber. This influence extends to the confirmation of judges and other officials who will serve in the final two years of the current administration. The new majority also positions the party to shape the legislative agenda, including potential investigations into the administration's handling of federal funds and foreign investments. Democrats had previously sought to make the president's personal wealth a campaign issue, with polls indicating that a significant portion of voters viewed government corruption as a crucial factor in their voting decisions.

In the House, the new majority will likely launch a series of investigations into executive branch actions, including the recent deportation flights and the administration's use of federal resources. The House has not yet reached the threshold for a wave election in terms of seat loss, but the 42-seat net loss is substantial. The new Speaker and committee chairs will have the authority to issue subpoenas and request documents, providing a mechanism for oversight that was previously limited. This shift in power also affects the state level, where Democrats won a majority of governorships for the first time since before 2010. The party now holds 22 governorships compared to 12 for Republicans, and has secured trifectas in 20 states, allowing for cohesive policy implementation across executive and legislative branches.

The election results also set the stage for the 2028 presidential race, as Democrats look to build on their momentum. President Trump indicated in his interview that he may stay on the sidelines for the next race, suggesting that he is better off not getting involved in the primary process. He praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a strong candidate but noted that there are many other excellent senators and officials who could lead the party. This openness has led to speculation about which Democrats will emerge as the frontrunners in the coming years. The party's historic wins, including the election of the first Native American woman to the Senate and the first Black female governor, have energized its base and provided a roster of experienced leaders for the next cycle.

The new Congress will also focus on state legislative chambers, where Democrats gained control of 46 chambers compared to 39 for Republicans. This state-level advantage allows the party to influence redistricting maps and state budgets, which can impact federal policies such as healthcare and education. The party's success in attorney general and secretary of state races further solidifies its grip on state governments, with Democrats winning 21 of 34 attorney general races and 21 of 33 secretary of state races. These positions play a critical role in enforcing state laws and administering elections, giving Democrats additional leverage in the political process.

As the new Congress convenes, the focus will be on establishing a cooperative relationship with the White House or, alternatively, a more adversarial one. President Trump's willingness to negotiate on immigration suggests a potential path for collaboration, but the appointment of Stephen Miller as chief of staff complicates this dynamic. The new leadership in both chambers will need to balance the desire for oversight with the need to pass legislation that addresses key issues such as the economy and national security. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the new majority can translate its electoral victory into lasting policy changes.