American voters brought significant change to Washington, D.C., last week, handing Democrats control of both the U.S. House and Senate in the midterm elections. When the new Congress convenes in January, unified Republican government will give way to divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
What can Democrats realistically accomplish with their new majorities? Will Trump find areas of compromise with congressional leaders—or will Washington descend into gridlock?
To answer those questions and more, we spoke with Jeffery Jenkins, Provost Professor of Public Policy, Political Science and Law at the USC Price School of Public Policy. Jenkins is a political historian and an expert on Congress. His answers were lightly edited for length and clarity.
In historic terms, how significant were the Democratic Party’s gains in Congress?
The Democratic gains were substantial, particularly in the Senate, where the party flipped at least seven Republican-held seats. In the House, Democrats gained more than 40 Republican-held seats, comparable to their gains in 2018. Historically, the president’s party typically loses seats in midterm elections. What makes 2026 especially consequential is that Democrats captured both chambers, fundamentally changing the balance of power in Washington. Still, we should be cautious about interpreting the results as a lasting political realignment. Midterm elections often reflect dissatisfaction with the incumbent president – and Trump is quite unpopular – rather than enduring changes in partisan loyalties.
What can Democrats actually accomplish with their new majorities?
Democrats will be able to shape the congressional agenda, but President Trump’s veto power and the Senate filibuster will constrain their ability to enact major legislation. They can advance policy priorities, negotiate over spending and appropriations, and use committees to investigate executive branch activities. Control of the Senate also gives them substantial influence over judicial and executive-branch confirmations. They will have greater leverage in negotiations with the White House, particularly over must-pass legislation. Divided government has historically produced both bipartisan agreements and legislative gridlock. The outcome will depend in part on whether leaders can identify specific areas of common ground.
How will this Democratic takeover affect the remainder of President Trump’s term?
Democratic control of Congress will sharply limit Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda. Democrats will also gain the power to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and scrutinize executive branch activities. Their Senate majority will complicate the confirmation of judicial and executive appointments. Trump will retain considerable authority through executive action, particularly in foreign policy and regulatory matters, but he will face greater congressional resistance. Presidents confronting an opposition Congress have sometimes reached bipartisan agreements, although sustained legislative cooperation will be difficult without shared policy priorities.
Are there areas where you expect Trump to work with Democrats?
There may be opportunities to cooperate on issues where voters expect tangible results. Immigration is one possibility. Senator-elect James Talarico of Texas has suggested working with Trump on legislation combining border security with expanded legal immigration pathways. Housing affordability, energy permitting, and certain healthcare measures could also provide opportunities for agreement. Divided government has not always prevented major legislation: President Clinton, for example, negotiated welfare reform and balanced-budget legislation with a Republican Congress in the 1990s. Still, substantial disagreements over immigration enforcement and other policies could make comparable agreements difficult.
Do you expect Democrats to generally present a united front in Congress? Or could we see splits between moderates and progressives, much like we saw when Republicans were in control?
I expect Democrats to be relatively unified in opposing Trump’s major initiatives, but divisions will emerge when they attempt to advance their own agenda. The party’s electoral success brought together a diverse coalition, including moderates from competitive districts and a growing progressive wing. Notably, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-endorsed candidates expanded their presence in Congress, potentially complicating leadership’s efforts to maintain unity on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and federal spending. However, Democrats’ larger House majority gives party leaders more flexibility than Republicans enjoyed. Democratic leaders will need to accommodate competing factions while maintaining sufficient unity to advance their legislative priorities.
Where does this leave Congressional Republicans? What can they accomplish – if anything – in the minority?
Republicans will have considerably less influence over the congressional agenda, but they will hardly be powerless. In the Senate, the filibuster gives them leverage over most major legislation, which generally requires 60 votes to advance. They also retain an important ally in President Trump, whose veto power can block Democratic legislation. Republicans can influence policy through bipartisan negotiations, particularly on government spending and other must-pass bills. The larger question is how Republicans respond politically to their electoral losses. Some may seek greater independence from Trump, while others will remain closely aligned with him, potentially creating divisions within the party.
How do you expect the midterm results to affect the presidential election in 2028? Which politicians or groups emerged as winners and losers here?
The midterms will shape the debate heading into 2028, but history suggests being cautious in drawing conclusions two years in advance. Democrats suffered major midterm defeats in 1994 and 2010, yet Bill Clinton and Barack Obama subsequently won reelection. Within the Democratic Party, moderates and progressives can each point to electoral successes, leaving questions about the party’s future direction. Republicans face questions about their relationship with Trump and the future of the MAGA movement. Vice President JD Vance, a potential presidential candidate, must navigate his association with the administration. Ultimately, economic conditions, campaign issues, and the candidates themselves will matter considerably in 2028.
