Democrats Win Control of Congress: Could Trump Face Third Impeachment?

Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress following the November 3 midterm elections, setting up a major political challenge for President Donald Trump during the final two years of his second term.

The party secured the 218 seats required for a majority in the 435-member House of Representatives and regained control of the Senate after flipping at least seven Republican-held seats. The victories give Democrats greater power to scrutinise Trump’s administration, block parts of his legislative agenda and potentially initiate another impeachment process against the president.

Among the notable Democratic Senate winners were Adam Hamilton in Kansas, Josh Turek in Iowa, James Talarico in Texas, Annie Andrews in South Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Troy Jackson in Maine and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota. Abdul El-Sayed also won in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. In the House, Democrats gained more than two dozen districts, including seats in traditionally Republican areas. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become Speaker when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.

The election results come after years of criticism from Democratic lawmakers over Trump’s policies and conduct in office. Several Democrats have accused the president of exceeding his constitutional authority, disregarding legal constraints and weakening democratic institutions. Some have also called for investigations into his administration, family finances and the conduct of government officials. Such accusations remain political and legal claims that must be examined through the appropriate processes.

With control of both chambers, Democrats now have the numbers to approve articles of impeachment in the House if they decide to pursue them. Trump has already been impeached twice by the House during his first presidency: in December 2019 over abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and in January 2021 over his role in the January 6 Capitol attack. The Senate acquitted him in both proceedings, allowing him to remain in office.

However, impeachment does not automatically remove a president. While a simple majority in the House is sufficient to impeach, the Senate must secure a two-thirds majority of members present to convict and remove the president. This means Democrats would need significant Republican support to remove Trump, even with their newly secured Senate majority. Democratic leaders have also not committed to launching a third impeachment effort. House Democratic leader Jeffries previously said the party had neither ruled out nor ruled in impeachment, while prioritising affordability and oversight of the administration.

Beyond the possibility of impeachment, Democrats face pressure to deliver on campaign promises centred on healthcare and the cost of living. Their proposed priorities include restoring expired Affordable Care Act subsidies, reversing Republican cuts to Medicaid, addressing housing and energy costs, and challenging Trump’s tariff policies. Some Democrats have also discussed expanding Medicare coverage. However, reversing Trump’s tax legislation and other major policies could prove difficult because the president retains veto power, and overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

The new Congress is expected to begin its work on January 3, 2027. Until then, Republicans retain control of both chambers, meaning Democrats cannot immediately use their incoming majority to pass legislation or begin proceedings under the new balance of power. The election has nevertheless changed the political landscape, leaving Trump facing a Congress that is preparing to exercise greater oversight of his administration.

Whether Democrats eventually pursue impeachment, focus on investigations or concentrate on their economic and healthcare commitments remains to be seen. Their challenge will be turning an electoral victory into legislative action while navigating the constitutional limits of congressional power and a president who remains in office until January 2029.