Uncertainty remains over control of Congress after Election Day
Ballot counting and verification processes may delay official declarations of House and Senate control for days after Election Day.
(Photo via PBS NewsHour)
As of Nov. 3, 2026, the final composition of Congress remains undetermined following the midterm elections. The Associated Press is responsible for calling the results of all 435 House districts and the 35 Senate contests, a process that continues as ballots are counted.
In the House of Representatives, a party must secure 218 seats to achieve a majority.
Control of the Senate requires 51 seats for Democrats or 50 seats for Republicans. The lower threshold for the Republican party is established by the tiebreaking vote held by Vice President JD Vance.
The Associated Press declares winners only when it is determined that no scenario exists for trailing candidates to close the gap in their respective races. This deliberative process often extends beyond Election Day, as seen in the 2022 midterms, which took four days to determine Senate control and eight days to confirm the House majority.