2026 Midterms: Democrats Need Six House Seats to Take Back Control

Polls closed across the United States on Tuesday as voters cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. The results determine the balance of power in Congress and key state leadership positions.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress before these results. They have a 218 to 212 edge in the House and a 53 to 47 advantage in the Senate. Democrats require a net gain of six House seats to reclaim the speaker's position and four Senate seats to control the upper chamber. These numbers make competitive districts in states like California decisive for the national balance of power.

In California, millions of voters decided the race for governor. Democrat Xavier Becerra campaigned on expanding affordable housing, protecting healthcare access, and investing in clean energy. Republican Steve Hilton focused on lowering living costs by cutting state income taxes, reducing regulations, and lowering energy and gas prices. Hilton seeks to become the first Republican governor in two decades, following Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election.

Los Angeles voters settled two high-profile leadership races. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faced City Councilmember Nithya Raman in the mayoral contest. The campaign featured debates over homelessness, budget management, and public safety. In the Los Angeles County Sheriff's race, incumbent Robert Luna ran against former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Voters focused on department oversight and enforcement methods.

Statewide voters also considered Proposition 40, known as the Billionaire's Tax. The measure proposes a one-time 5% tax on Californians with accumulated wealth exceeding 1 billion dollars. Funds from the tax would direct primarily toward state healthcare programs.