House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to win back the House in 2028 after Democrats took control of Congress, a shift that could constrain President Donald Trump’s legislative plans and appointments.
The Associated Press called Democratic control of both chambers after Tuesday’s midterm elections. AP reported that Democrats gained at least seven Republican-held Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts.
Johnson told supporters that retaining the House would have meant overcoming “more than a century of midterm history.” He said Republicans would try to reclaim the chamber in 2028.
Democratic majorities could stall Trump’s legislative agenda and open investigations into his administration. In the Senate, Democrats could also refuse to confirm his nominees.
About half of voters identified the cost of living and government corruption as crucial to their congressional choices, according to the AP Voter Poll. Roughly seven in 10 said Congress had done too little to check presidential power.
Trump congratulated Democrats in an election-night call with CBS News and said he looked forward to working with them. He also cited his veto power in a separate exchange with the network before polls closed. Trump attributed Republican losses to his absence from the ballot, candidate choices and turnout.
House Republicans are scheduled to hold leadership elections Nov. 10, Axios reported. The new Congress is scheduled to convene Jan. 3.
