What changes if Democrats win a majority in Congress?
As Americans vote in midterm elections on November 3, Democrats aim to reclaim congressional majorities, driven by Donald Trump’s low approval ratings, cost-of-living concerns, and the war with Iran. Winning the House of Representatives would grant the party direct control over federal spending and tax revenue bills, alongside unilateral subpoena authority across committees. Democrats have signaled plans to investigate AI firms and tech executives, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for impeachment over his handling of the Pentagon and military operations in Iran.
Flipping the Senate would hand Democrats gatekeeping power over judicial appointments and senior administration posts across agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and ICE. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has underscored using this authority to halt Trump's conservative judicial nominees. A full congressional takeover would also enable Democrats to deploy the 1996 Congressional Review Act against recent federal regulations and block Republicans from using reconciliation to bypass the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. Though Trump would retain his veto, he would be forced to rely heavily on legally precarious executive orders.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔