Voters decided control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday. All 435 seats were on the ballot, with Republicans defending a four-seat majority under Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrats needing a net gain of four to take the chamber in 2027.
Who Won Control of the House of Representatives? Live Updates, United States Election results
10:10 P.M. ET: Democrats projected to take control of the House
On the heels of a big night across the board, CNN has projected that Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives. Democrats entered the night needing a net gain of four seats and it appears they have reached that number fairly early in the evening. Their final margin remains to be seen.
Among the pickups thus far are Zach Dembo in the Kentucky 6th District, Paige Cognetti in the Pennsylvania 8th District and J.D. Ford in the Indiana 5th District. If elected by the caucus, current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York would become the first Black Speaker of the House in U.S. history.
Check out our liveblog for the latest updates on the United States 2026 elections, including results and polling trends!
2026 U.S. Midterm Elections FAQ
How many seats are in the U.S. House of Representatives?
There are 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, apportioned among the states by population. Representatives serve two-year terms, and unlike the Senate, the entire chamber is elected at once rather than in staggered classes.
In 2026, voters will decide all 435 House races:
- 218 seats needed for a majority
- 218 Republican-held seats being defended
- 214 Democratic-held seats being defended
- One independent-held seat and two vacancies entering Election Day
- Five of the six non-voting delegate seats also on the ballot
Entering Tuesday’s Election Day, Republicans had a 218-214 edge. The two vacancies are Florida’s 20th district, left open by the April 2026 resignation of Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Texas’ 23rd, vacated by Tony Gonzales the same month.
Who is the current Speaker of the House?
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) became the became the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives on October 25, 2023, and succeeded Rep Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Who is the current House Minority Leader?
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) became the became the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives at the start of the 118th Congress in 2023 and continued in that role as part of the 119th Congress beginning in 2025.