From Where We Are

Here are the ‘firsts’ of the 2026 midterm elections

Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Chris Pappas, right, D-N.H., speaks at an election night event, with Vann Bentley, left.
Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Chris Pappas, right, D-N.H., speaks at an election night event, with Vann Bentley, left, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha)

Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress on Tuesday. Also, voters made history by electing candidates who break longstanding barriers and increase representation across the country. From firsts in state and federal government to more diverse elected officials, the results mark a significant shift in who holds political power and who is represented in American government.