Democratic Control of Congress: What Comes Next for Investigations and 2028

The 2026 midterm elections have concluded with a decisive shift in power, as Democrats secured majorities in both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. According to Ballotpedia, the party picked up at least 43 House seats and seven Senate seats, resulting in a projected House majority of 250 to 157 and a Senate majority of 54 to 44. This outcome marks a significant wave election, with Republicans suffering their largest net loss in the Senate in recent decades. The immediate consequence of this shift is the transfer of oversight and budgetary authority to the Democratic leadership, who are already outlining a robust agenda for the final two years of the current presidential term.

The new congressional majority faces a complex landscape of ongoing executive actions and pending nominations. Democrats plan to utilize their control of the House and Senate to scrutinize the administration's policies, particularly in areas where they have expressed strong opposition. This includes a detailed review of the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department and the administration's approach to federal student loans. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, who is set to lead the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has pledged to use investigative powers to examine these decisions. He stated that he intends to leave no rock unturned in his role, signaling a comprehensive approach to oversight.

In the Senate, Democrats are preparing to leverage appropriations powers to impose conditions on federal spending. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland indicated that the party is interested in using the power of the purse to establish guard rails against what he described as abusive practices. This strategy aims to prevent further damage to federal agencies and programs that Democrats believe have been negatively impacted by the current administration. The focus will be on preventing the transfer of functions between agencies and ensuring that federal funding aligns with congressional intent. This approach is seen as a practical method to apply pressure without requiring the passage of new legislation, which faces the threat of presidential vetoes.

The immediate agenda also includes a review of executive nominees and ongoing military actions. The impeachment resolution introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlights the intensity of the coming oversight. Although the House vote is expected to pass with broad Democratic support, the resolution sets the stage for a Senate trial. This process will require the Senate to convene for impeachment proceedings, a responsibility that falls to the newly empowered Democratic majority. The resolution cites actions in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela, focusing on what critics describe as high crimes and misdemeanors. The outcome of this trial will be a defining moment for the new congressional leadership.

Beyond immediate investigations, the Democratic leadership is looking toward the 2028 presidential election. Control of both chambers provides a platform to shape the political narrative and support potential candidates. The party's ability to conduct high-profile hearings and issue subpoenas will allow them to highlight issues that resonate with voters. This includes examining the administration's handling of the economy, foreign policy, and domestic programs. The 100-day agenda of Democratic leaders will likely focus on these areas, aiming to set a tone of accountability and transparency. This strategic positioning is intended to maximize the party's influence in the final two years of the term.

The shift in power also affects the dynamics of state-level politics. Democrats won a majority of governorships for the first time since before the 2010 elections, according to Ballotpedia. This trifecta of state government control in several key states provides additional leverage for the party. It allows for coordinated policy initiatives and a unified message on national issues. The success in state races, including the election of Xavier Becerra as California governor, underscores the party's broad appeal. Becerra, the state's first elected Latino governor, represents a significant demographic win for the Democrats. His victory, along with others, suggests a strong foundation for the party's future electoral strategy.

The new Congress will also face the challenge of managing the budget process. With a Democratic majority in both chambers, the party has the opportunity to influence spending priorities and funding allocations. This includes areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The ability to pass appropriations bills without the need for bipartisan compromise gives Democrats significant control over the federal budget. However, this power also brings the risk of political backlash if spending levels are perceived as too high. The leadership will need to balance their policy goals with the practical realities of governing in a divided executive branch. The coming months will test their ability to navigate these challenges effectively.

The impeachment of Defense Secretary Hegseth is likely to be a central focus of the early legislative session. The House vote is expected to be swift, given the strong Democratic support for the resolution. The Senate trial, however, will be a more complex process, requiring a two-thirds majority for conviction. With a 54 to 44 majority, Democrats will need to persuade at least two Republicans to join them for conviction. This dynamic will force the party to engage in strategic negotiations and compromise. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the administration's authority and the balance of power between the branches of government.

As the new Congress convenes, the focus will shift from election campaigns to legislative action. The Democrats' agenda will be driven by the need to assert their oversight powers and hold the administration accountable. This includes investigating the Education Department's restructuring and the administration's foreign policy decisions. The party's success in these efforts will depend on their ability to work together and maintain a unified front. The coming two years will be a critical period for the party, as they seek to shape the political landscape for the 2028 election. The results of the 2026 midterms have set the stage for a dynamic and contentious period in American politics.