James Talarico, Abdul El-Sayed among key US midterm election winners as Democrats flip Congress

The 2026 US midterm elections delivered a major setback to President Donald Trump and the Republicans, with Democrats making significant gains in Congress and taking control of both chambers. The results marked a sharp rebuke to the Republican administration, as voters in several key contests turned against the party in power.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a round table at the White House in Washington, DC, October 21 (REUTERS/File)Democratic victories in closely watched races, including in Texas and Michigan, displayed the scale of the party's gains, while the outcome also raised questions about Trump's political standing ahead of the next presidential election.

Full list of US House winners (The list is being updated as and when results are being announced) The biggest breakthroughs came in states that had long been Republican strongholds. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won the Senate race against Trump-backed Ken Paxton, while Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. Democrats also scored major Senate victories in Kansas and South Carolina, while Republican losses included Trump-backed candidates in several key races.

In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial contest. Full list of US Senate winners (List yet to be fully updated) The results are expected to reshape the final two years of Trump's presidency, with Democrats set to use their congressional majorities to scrutinise his administration and challenge his legislative agenda.

Trump, however, sought to play down the outcome, saying he was not on the ballot and blaming the quality of some Republican candidates. He also acknowledged that the Iran war had partly contributed to the party's poor performance.

Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers.

Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams.

With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents.

She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.Read More