Democrats take control of Congress, NH Senate race remains uncalled

Voters in New Hampshire cast their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a midterm election that resulted in a significant shift in national power. As of 4:00 p.m. on November 6, Democrats have secured majorities in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The results mark a substantial gain for the Democratic Party, which picked up at least 43 House seats and seven Senate seats previously held by Republicans. This outcome places Democrats in a strong position to check the executive branch during President Donald Trump's second term.

In New Hampshire, the election featured a contested U.S. Senate race and a gubernatorial contest in which incumbent Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte ran for re-election. The state's two U.S. House seats were also on the ballot, along with state legislative offices and local measures. For residents of Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, the day was marked by a high level of engagement, with polls opening by 11 a.m. and closing no earlier than 7 p.m. in each municipality. The state's open Senate seat, with no incumbent running, drew significant attention from both parties as a potential battleground in a region that often influences national narratives.

The national results indicate a wave election against the president's party. Democrats won 20 of the 35 Senate races, while Republicans won 13, with two races remaining uncalled as of the latest reports. Decision Desk HQ projected that Democrats would win control of the U.S. Senate. In the House, Democrats won 250 seats to the Republicans' 157, with 28 races still uncalled. This net gain of at least 41 House seats and 7 Senate seats represents one of the largest shifts in partisan control in recent history, placing the party in a position to lead investigations and legislative efforts.

President Trump reacted to the results with a combative stance, declaring on social media that investigative requests already made by Democrats are "extortion at the highest level, and they should be held accountable." Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed the sentiment, noting that criminal investigations of Democrats are possible. This rhetoric sets the stage for a potential showdown in the coming months, as the new Democratic leadership in Congress prepares to assert its oversight powers. The conflict is expected to define the remaining two years of Trump's presidency and test the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

In New Hampshire, the focus now turns to the uncalled Senate race. The state's Senate seat was an open contest, with candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties on the ballot. While the national picture is clear, the local race in New Hampshire remains one of the few remaining uncertainties in the broader midterm results. Voters in the Granite State will be watching closely as the final counts are tallied, a process that is standard in close contests and serves to ensure the accuracy of the outcome.

The election also saw historic firsts for Native American women in politics. Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, winning her seat in Minnesota. Deb Haaland of New Mexico became the first Native American woman to win a state governorship. Additionally, Crystalyne Curley was elected the first woman president of the Navajo Nation. These victories highlight a growing trend of Native American women moving into formal political power, a shift that advocates say has been decades in the making.

For New Hampshire residents, the implications of a Democratic-controlled Congress are significant. The new majority in the House and Senate is expected to prioritize economic relief and checks on the executive branch. Rep. Robert Garcia, who is poised to chair the House Oversight Committee, stated that Democrats are not going to be intimidated and that the days of not fighting back are over. This stance aligns with the sentiments of New Hampshire voters, many of whom cited economic concerns and government corruption as key factors in their votes.

The gubernatorial race in New Hampshire, featuring incumbent Kelly Ayotte, was part of a national trend where Democrats gained five governorships from Republicans. While the specific outcome for Ayotte is part of the state's final tally, the national shift in executive offices suggests a broader change in state-level governance. Democrats won 22 governorships to the Republicans' 12, with two races remaining uncalled. This gain in state executive offices complements the federal victories and provides Democrats with a stronger foothold in statehouses across the country.

The election results also reflect a deep dissatisfaction among voters with the current direction of the country. A survey of midterm voters found that about three-quarters feel "angry" or "dissatisfied" with the country's trajectory. The economy was a central issue, with three-quarters of voters describing it as "not so good" or "poor." In New Hampshire, where the cost of living has been a persistent concern, these national sentiments likely influenced the outcome of the races in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.

As the new Congress prepares to convene in January 2027, the focus will be on delivering the economic relief that voters demanded. The Democratic leadership has indicated that they will prioritize actions to lower the cost of living and hold the executive branch accountable. For New Hampshire, the coming months will see the new Senate member and House representatives working to shape policy that addresses the specific needs of the state, from infrastructure to education, in a Congress that is now firmly under Democratic control.