Divided Government Arrives as Democrats Secure Control of Congress in Midterms

In a pivotal turn of events, the Democratic Party has secured control of both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, setting the stage for a period of divided government under President Donald Trump. This outcome marks a notable shift in political dynamics, with Democrats emphasizing the president’s historically low approval ratings as a central theme in their campaign messaging.

According to multiple polls, President Trump’s job approval rating hovers near a record low, ranging from 26% to 32%. This stark reality has been a key factor in the Democrats' strategy, allowing them to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current administration. Furthermore, the president’s disapproval rating has reportedly reached a record high of 60%, underscoring widespread discontent among voters.

The midterm elections also saw significant changes within the Senate, with two prominent Democratic senators, Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, no longer holding their seats. This reshuffling of congressional leadership will likely influence the legislative agenda moving forward, as the Democratic majority seeks to implement its policy priorities.

Economic concerns played a crucial role in the election results, with affordability issues such as rising petrol and diesel prices taking center stage. These price increases, attributed to the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, have added to the financial strain on American households, further bolstering the Democrats’ narrative of economic hardship under the Trump administration.

The Republican Party, meanwhile, faces a challenge in maintaining its popularity, with reported lower favorability compared to the Democratic Party among those surveyed. Additionally, President Trump’s approval rating for economic performance stands at a new low of approximately 26%, highlighting the public’s perception of economic mismanagement.

What we know

• President Trump's job approval rating is near a record low, around 26-32 percent. ²⁴⁵
• Democrats highlight Trump's low approval ratings in their campaign messaging for the midterm elections. ¹³
• President Trump's disapproval rating reached 60 percent, a record high for his time in office. ⁵
• The Democratic Party won control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. ⁶
• Affordability issues, such as high prices for gas and other necessities, are emphasized by Democrats during the midterm elections. ¹
• The Republican Party is less popular than the Democratic Party among those polled. ²
• President Trump's approval rating for economic performance is at a new low, around 26 percent. ⁴
• Two Democratic senators, Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, were no longer part of the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections. ⁶
• Petrol and diesel prices have increased due to the US-Israel war on Iran. ²