by The 2026 election results are still coming in, but the biggest headline is already clear: Democrats have won control of the U.S. Senate after picking up six Republican-held seats. The House majority is not yet decided, and several governor races are still being counted. This page tracks the 2026 election results with a live-style scoreboard, explains every major race call, and tells you what to watch next.
All numbers below come from The Associated Press (AP) vote count and race calls, as shown on NPR’s 2026 election results page. The latest snapshot was taken at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2026, which is 9:00 p.m. in India. Figures will change as more ballots are counted, so check the “Last updated” time on the tracker.
Live 2026 Election Results Tracker
Use the tabs in the tracker below to switch between the overview, key Senate races, key governor races and the latest updates. A check mark means the AP has called the race. A “Counting” label means no winner has been declared yet.
Senate — 51 seats for majority
House — 218 seats for majority
* incumbent. Key Senate races shown; candidate percentages from the AP count.
* incumbent. Key governor races shown.
- Democrats win the Senate, setting up divided government for the remainder of Trump’s term
- Democrat Josh Turek wins the Senate seat in Iowa
- Democrat David Crowley will be Wisconsin’s first Black governor
- Adam Hamilton becomes the first Democratic senator from Kansas in nearly a century
- Missouri voters reject a ballot proposal that would have re-imposed an abortion ban
- Democrat Gina Hinojosa wins the Texas governor’s race, ousting Greg Abbott
Watch 2026 Election Results Live Coverage
Want to follow the 2026 election results as they happen? Watch the live stream below from NBC News NOW on YouTube, which carries live results and analysis. Keep the tracker above open alongside the video for the latest race calls.
2026 Election Results at a Glance
If you only have a minute, this table sums up the 2026 election results so far. Remember that a party needs 51 seats for a Senate majority and 218 seats for a House majority.
| Chamber / Office | Democrats | Republicans | Others / Not called | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Senate (100 seats) | 49 | 39 | 2 independents, 10 not called | Democratic control (51 with independents) |
| U.S. House (435 seats) | 172 | 106 | 157 not called | Majority not yet decided |
| Senate net change | +6 | −6 | — | Six Democratic pickups called |
| Governor pickups | 4 | 0 so far | Several races still counting | Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa flipped |
These 2026 election results are a snapshot, not a final count. States take days or weeks to finish counting and certify their totals, and some close contests may go to recounts, runoffs or ranked-choice tabulation.
6 Easy Takeaways From the 2026 Election Results
- Democrats win the Senate. With 49 Democrats and 2 independents, the Democratic caucus has reached the 51 seats needed for a majority.
- Six Senate seats flipped. Democrats picked up Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and South Carolina.
- The House is still open. Democrats lead in called seats, 172 to 106, but 157 races had not been called at the time of this update.
- Big governor upsets. Gina Hinojosa defeated Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Democrats also flipped Georgia, Ohio and Iowa.
- History in Kansas and Wisconsin. Adam Hamilton is the first Democratic senator from Kansas in nearly a century, and David Crowley will be Wisconsin’s first Black governor.
- Ballot measures matter too. Missouri voters rejected a proposal that would have re-imposed an abortion ban.
Senate 2026 Election Results: Democrats Take Control
The Senate was the main story of election night. Going into November, Republicans held the chamber. The 2026 election results show Democrats gaining a net of six seats, enough to give the Democratic caucus 51 votes once the two independents who caucus with them are counted.
According to NPR’s live updates, the Senate result sets up divided government for the remainder of President Trump’s term. In simple terms, one party will control the Senate while the other holds the White House. That affects which bills pass, which judges and officials get confirmed, and how budget talks play out.
Senate seats that flipped to Democrats
| State | Democrat | Republican | Vote counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | James Talarico — 58.6% ✔ | Ken Paxton — 39.8% | 70% |
| North Carolina | Roy Cooper — 58.7% ✔ | Michael Whatley — 39.1% | 99% |
| Iowa | Josh Turek — 50.7% ✔ | Ashley Hinson — 46.2% | 93% |
| Kansas | Adam Hamilton — 51.3% ✔ | Roger Marshall (incumbent) — 45.7% | 93% |
| Ohio | Sherrod Brown — 48.7% ✔ | Jon Husted (incumbent) — 46.4% | 89% |
| South Carolina | Annie Andrews — 51.0% ✔ | Lindsey Graham (incumbent) — 46.8% | 95% |
Three of these flips defeated sitting Republican senators: Roger Marshall in Kansas, Jon Husted in Ohio and Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. The other three came in seats where the Republican incumbent was not on the ballot.
Texas Senate result
Texas produced one of the clearest wins in the 2026 election results. Democrat James Talarico led Republican Ken Paxton by nearly 19 points with about 70% of the expected vote counted, and the AP called the race for Talarico. It is a major pickup in a state Democrats have struggled to win statewide for decades.
North Carolina Senate result
Former Governor Roy Cooper won North Carolina’s open Senate seat with 58.7% of the vote against Republican Michael Whatley, with nearly all of the expected vote counted. The seat had been held by a Republican, so it counts as a Democratic pickup.
Iowa and Kansas Senate results
In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek beat Republican Ashley Hinson, 50.7% to 46.2%. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated Senator Roger Marshall, 51.3% to 45.7%. NPR notes that Hamilton becomes the first Democratic senator from Kansas in nearly a century, making it one of the most historic lines in the 2026 election results.
Ohio and South Carolina Senate results
Former Senator Sherrod Brown returns to the Senate after defeating Jon Husted in Ohio, 48.7% to 46.4%. In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated longtime Senator Lindsey Graham, 51.0% to 46.8%, with about 95% of the expected vote counted.
Senate races Democrats held
Democrats also kept every seat they were defending that has been called so far. Jon Ossoff won re-election in Georgia with 58.9%, Chris Pappas held New Hampshire’s open seat with 56.3%, and incumbents such as John Hickenlooper (Colorado), Chris Coons (Delaware), Cory Booker (New Jersey), Mark Warner (Virginia), Jeff Merkley (Oregon), Ed Markey (Massachusetts) and Jack Reed (Rhode Island) all won comfortably.
Senate races still being counted
Ten Senate races had not been called when this snapshot was taken. Here are the closest ones to watch in the 2026 election results:
| State | Leading candidate | Trailing candidate | Vote counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Troy Jackson (D) — 51.7% | Susan Collins (R, incumbent) — 48.2% | 59% |
| Michigan | Abdul El-Sayed (D) — 49.6% | Mike Rogers (R) — 48.5% | 44% |
| Minnesota | Michele Tafoya (R) — 51.3% | Peggy Flanagan (D) — 45.8% | 45% |
| Nebraska | Dan Osborn (I) — 47.8% | Pete Ricketts (R, incumbent) — 46.5% | 54% |
| Mississippi | Cindy Hyde-Smith (R, incumbent) — 49.7% | Scott Colom (D) — 48.1% | 91% |
| Alaska | Polls closed late | — | Counting not started at snapshot |
Several Republican-held seats such as Louisiana, Idaho, Montana and South Dakota were also uncalled but showed Republicans ahead. Because Democrats already have 51 seats with independents, these races now decide the size of the majority rather than who controls the chamber.
House 2026 Election Results: Majority Still Undecided
The House of Representatives is a slower story. All 435 seats were on the ballot, and 218 seats are needed for a majority. At the time of this update, the AP had called 172 seats for Democrats and 106 for Republicans, with 157 races still uncalled.
That gap does not mean Democrats have won the House. Many uncalled districts are safe seats for one party where counting is simply slow, while others are tight battlegrounds. The final House 2026 election results may take several days, especially in states that count a large number of mail ballots after Election Day.
House seats that flipped to Democrats
| District | Winner | Defeated | Vote counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 8 | Manny Rutinel (D) — 55.8% | Gabe Evans (R, incumbent) — 40.6% | 75% |
| North Carolina 11 | Jamie Ager (D) — 57.1% | Jennifer Balkcom (R) — 41.3% | 99% |
| New Jersey 7 | Rebecca Bennett (D) — 57.1% | Tom Kean Jr. (R, incumbent) — 41.4% | 92% |
| Pennsylvania 7 | Bob Brooks (D) — 55.8% | Ryan Mackenzie (R, incumbent) — 44.2% | 98% |
| Pennsylvania 8 | Paige Cognetti (D) — 54.4% | Rob Bresnahan (R, incumbent) — 45.6% | 98% |
| Pennsylvania 10 | Janelle Stelson (D) — 55.0% | Scott Perry (R, incumbent) — 45.0% | 99% |
| Virginia 2 | Elaine Luria (D) — 51.5% | Jen Kiggans (R, incumbent) — 46.2% | 88% |
| Kentucky 6 | Zach Dembo (D) — 52.7% | Ralph Alvarado (R) — 43.3% | 99% |
| Ohio 15 | Don Leonard (D) — 52.2% | Mike Carey (R, incumbent) — 45.0% | 97% |
These are the key-race flips the AP had called at the time of the snapshot. Pennsylvania stood out, with three Republican-held districts flipping to Democrats. More flips in either direction may be added as the remaining House 2026 election results are called.
Governor 2026 Election Results: Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa Flip
Thirty-six states held elections for governor this year. The governor races in the 2026 election results matter because governors sign state budgets, manage disaster response and, in many states, play a role in drawing election maps.
| State | Winner | Runner-up | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Gina Hinojosa (D) — 56.4% | Greg Abbott (R, incumbent) — 42.3% | Flip to Democrat |
| Georgia | Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) — 54.2% | Rick Jackson (R) — 45.8% | Flip to Democrat |
| Ohio | Amy Acton (D) — 51.0% | Vivek Ramaswamy (R) — 45.7% | Flip to Democrat |
| Iowa | Rob Sand (D) — 56.4% | Zach Lahn (R) — 43.6% | Flip to Democrat |
| Wisconsin | David Crowley (D) — 53.2% | Tom Tiffany (R) — 46.8% | Democratic hold |
| Florida | Byron Donalds (R) — 50.0% | David Jolly (D) — 48.7% | Republican hold |
The biggest surprise was Texas, where Democrat Gina Hinojosa ousted Governor Greg Abbott. In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley won and will become the state’s first Black governor. Florida stayed Republican, with Byron Donalds edging David Jolly in a close race.
Governor races still being counted
- Kansas: Cindy Holscher (D) 50.7% vs Ty Masterson (R) 49.3%, 92% counted.
- Michigan: Jocelyn Benson (D) 51.5% vs John James (R) 46.8%, 43% counted.
- Minnesota: Lisa Demuth (R) 50.4% vs Amy Klobuchar (D) 47.8%, 43% counted.
- Arizona: Katie Hobbs (D, incumbent) 58.1% vs Andy Biggs (R) 40.4%, 68% counted.
- Nebraska: Lynne Walz (D) 47.0% vs Jim Pillen (R, incumbent) 46.5%, 54% counted.
Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii had little or no vote reported in the snapshot because their polls close late. Expect these 2026 election results to be filled in over the next day.
Ballot Measures in the 2026 Election Results
Voters also decided state ballot measures on issues such as abortion, taxes and voting rules. One of the most watched outcomes came from Missouri, where NPR reported that voters rejected a ballot proposal that would have re-imposed an abortion ban. Ballot measure results are often overlooked, but they can change state law directly, without going through the legislature.
What the 2026 Election Results Mean
Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the party in the White House, and these 2026 election results follow that pattern. With Democrats controlling the Senate, the next two years are likely to bring more negotiation, and more gridlock, between Congress and the White House.
- Confirmations: The Senate confirms federal judges, cabinet members and ambassadors, so a Democratic majority gains a strong say over nominations.
- Legislation: Bills need to pass both chambers. If the House majority differs from the Senate majority, compromise becomes essential.
- Oversight: The majority party runs committees, which control hearings and investigations.
- States: New governors in Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa will shape state budgets and policies from early next year.
The newly elected Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2027. Until then, the current Congress continues to work in what is often called a “lame-duck” session.
How Votes Are Counted and Races Are Called
It helps to understand how the 2026 election results are reported, so the numbers on the tracker make sense.
- Polls close: Each state closes polls at its own time. Eastern states report first, and Alaska and Hawaii report last.
- Local officials count ballots: County and city election offices count in-person, early and mail ballots and release totals in batches.
- AP tabulates the vote: The Associated Press collects those totals from across the country.
- Races are called: The AP declares a winner only when it is confident the trailing candidate cannot catch up.
- States certify: Official certified 2026 election results come later, after canvassing and any recounts.
The “% in” number on the tracker is the AP’s estimate of how much of the expected total vote has been counted. It is not the share of precincts reporting, and it can move up and down as estimates are adjusted.
Why Some 2026 Election Results Take Longer
A race with 90% counted can still be uncalled, while another with 50% counted can already have a winner. That is normal. Here is why some 2026 election results take longer:
- Close margins: When the gap is small, the AP waits until enough ballots are counted.
- Mail ballots: Some states allow mail ballots that arrive after Election Day to be counted if they were sent on time.
- Ranked-choice voting: Maine and Alaska use ranked-choice voting in federal general elections, so if no one gets a majority, extra rounds of counting are needed.
- Runoffs: In Georgia, if no candidate gets more than 50%, the top two go to a runoff election.
- Recounts: Very close races may trigger an automatic or requested recount.
How to Follow 2026 Election Results Live From India
Many of our readers follow U.S. politics from India and the Gulf. Because India is 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of U.S. Eastern Time in November, most results arrive during the Indian morning and afternoon of November 4 and 5. Here is how to keep up with the 2026 election results:
- Bookmark this page and check the “Last updated” time on the tracker.
- Visit NPR’s live results page for full state-by-state AP data.
- Check official state election office websites for certified totals.
- Turn on news alerts in Google News or your favourite news app for “2026 midterm” updates.
- Follow the official sites of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House for swearing-in news in January.
If you like quick digital tips, you may also enjoy our guide on how to free up Gmail storage so news alerts never bounce, and our list of ChatGPT interview prompts for anyone preparing for jobs with U.S. companies.
Why the 2026 Election Results Matter for Indians and NRIs
U.S. elections affect more than Americans. Congress writes laws on immigration, work visas, trade and technology, all of which matter to Indian students, IT professionals and NRI families. A split government usually means big changes in these areas need agreement from both parties, so sudden policy shifts become harder.
For students planning to study in the U.S., the 2026 election results do not immediately change visa rules, but they shape the debate over the next two years. Always rely on official U.S. government websites for visa and immigration rules rather than social media posts.
Key Election Terms Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Midterm election | A U.S. federal election held halfway through a presidential term. |
| Flip / pickup | A seat that changes from one party to another. |
| Incumbent | The person who currently holds the seat. |
| Race call | When the AP declares a projected winner. |
| % in (expected vote) | Estimated share of the total expected vote that has been counted. |
| Divided government | When different parties control the White House and at least one chamber of Congress. |
| Certification | The official confirmation of final results by state authorities. |
Knowing these terms makes it much easier to read any 2026 election results page, including ours. The most important ones are “race call” and “% in”, because they tell you whether a lead is final or still developing. A candidate can lead early and lose later once mail or city ballots are added, so always check whether a race has been called before treating it as decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Senate in the 2026 election results?
Democrats won control of the Senate. With 49 Democrats and 2 independents who caucus with them, they reached the 51 seats needed for a majority, a net gain of six seats.
Who controls the House after the 2026 election?
The House majority had not been decided at the time of this update. Democrats led in called seats, 172 to 106, with 157 races still uncalled. A party needs 218 seats.
Which Senate seats flipped in 2026?
Democrats flipped Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and South Carolina.
Who won the Texas governor race?
Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor’s race, defeating Governor Greg Abbott with about 56.4% of the vote at the time of the AP call.
When will the final 2026 election results be official?
States certify results over the coming weeks. Close races may also face recounts or runoffs, so final official results can take some time.
Where do these 2026 election results come from?
The numbers come from The Associated Press vote count and race calls, as published on NPR’s live results page.
When does the new Congress start?
The newly elected Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2027.
Conclusion
The 2026 election results have already reshaped Washington. Democrats won the Senate with six pickups, flipped four governor’s mansions including Texas, and made history in Kansas and Wisconsin. The House is still being counted, and a handful of Senate and governor races remain open. We will keep updating the live tracker on this page as new race calls come in, so bookmark it and check back for the latest 2026 election results.
