Democrats control both chambers: What it means for investigations and 2028

The 2026 midterm election results have shifted the balance of power in Washington significantly. Democrats secured majorities in both the United States House and the Senate, picking up at least 43 House seats and seven Senate seats. As of November 6, Democrats hold at least a 250 to 157 majority in the House and a 54 to 44 majority in the Senate. This sweep of control allows the party to set the legislative and investigative agenda for the final two years of the Trump administration.

Control of the House brings immediate changes to leadership and oversight priorities. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, stated he plans to leave no rock unturned in his new role. He intends to use the committee’s authority to issue subpoenas and hold hearings regarding the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department and the administration’s handling of federal student loans. This approach signals a shift from legislative battles to a focus on investigative power.

The Senate majority offers Democrats additional leverage through the appropriations process. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, indicated that Democrats are exploring the use of the power of the purse to establish guard rails. He noted that while reversing past actions is difficult, the committee aims to prevent further damage by adding conditions to spending bills. This strategy targets specific administrative actions, including those affecting higher education funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces a prominent challenge from outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who filed an impeachment resolution on Monday. Massie, a Republican who lost his primary, argued that Hegseth’s actions regarding the war in Iran and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela amount to high crimes and misdemeanors. The resolution sets the stage for a House vote, placing pressure on Republicans who have blamed their election losses on the Iran conflict and its economic impact.

Hegseth responded to the impeachment threat during his first press briefing in six months, describing the effort as a rogue lawmaker targeting him over policy disagreements. He stated that no Secretary of Defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations and called the effort sabotage rather than patriotism. Trump has backed Hegseth, pointing to the successful raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military operations against Iran that he claims have obliterated its navy and air force.

Despite the political maneuvering, the administration has shown no sign of backing away from its core education policies. White House spokesperson Liz Huston accused Democrats of failing students with disastrous leadership before Trump returned to office. Education Department spokesperson Savannah Newhouse described the Democratic plans as premature sabotage of Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Both parties are preparing for a prolonged conflict over the future of federal education oversight and funding.

The election results also highlight a significant shift in state governments. Democrats won a majority of governorships for the first time since before the 2010 elections, with 22 Democratic victories compared to 12 Republican wins. This state level control provides Democrats with additional leverage and resources for the 2028 presidential cycle. The party now holds a plurality of state government trifectas, which may influence how national policies are implemented and challenged in state courts and legislatures.

Looking ahead to 2028, the new majority in Congress will likely prioritize naming new leadership and setting the stage for the next presidential race. Democrats are expected to use their oversight powers to uncover how decisions were made in key agencies, potentially impacting the reputations of current and future nominees. The ability to control nominations and investigations gives the party a distinct advantage in shaping the political narrative for the next four years.

The immediate focus will be on the House vote regarding Hegseth’s impeachment, which could occur by midweek. While the outcome is uncertain, the process itself serves as a test of the new majority’s ability to unite and act swiftly. Republicans will likely argue that the move is driven by partisan politics, while Democrats will frame it as a necessary check on executive power. This dynamic mirrors the broader conflict over the administration’s handling of the Iran war and other foreign policy decisions.

Both parties are now positioned to argue their cases to the American public with equal weight. Democrats will point to their ability to investigate and hold the administration accountable, while Republicans will emphasize the need to protect military leadership and maintain stability. The final two years of the Trump administration will be defined by these competing priorities and the extent to which Congress can influence executive actions through oversight and funding.

The election results confirm a wave election against the president’s party, with Republicans losing at least seven Senate seats. This swing places the 2026 election in the top 20% of election years in terms of seat changes. As Democrats move to implement their agenda, they face the challenge of translating their majorities into tangible policy changes while navigating a president who has pledged to veto bills he sees as harmful. The coming months will reveal whether this new alignment of power can effectively check the executive branch.