House of Representatives

Democrats won control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, a result that sends a message calling for a check on President Donald Trump's power. Vice President JD Vance said voter opposition to the war with Iran caused the Republican loss, and Trump said he largely agrees. The Iran conflict began after US-Israeli airstrikes in late February 2026 and has cost at least $38 billion and killed 19 Americans. Trump said he would soon decide whether to make a deal with Tehran or order new strikes, and he called Qatar's emir to discuss ending the conflict.

The Democratic Party now holds 54 seats in the Senate and 228 seats in the House, giving it clear control of both chambers. Voters flipped four Senate seats previously held by Republicans, including a win in Texas that made James Talarico the state's first Democratic senator since 1988 and a victory in South Carolina. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa also became the first Latina governor. The Justice Department deployed about 1,000 monitors to polling places nationwide, citing election integrity as a top priority.

Egypt’s House of Representatives approved a measure allowing President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested, with at least two‑thirds of members supporting the vote. The approval follows secret parliamentary sessions and a postponed vote, and it permits coordination with Riyadh to protect Saudi territory, sovereignty and holy sites. President al‑Sisi said any Egyptian role would be limited to defending Saudi borders and would not involve attacks on Yemen. The Social Democratic Party abstained, while the Houthi‑run parliament warned the move threatens Egypt’s security.