US Midterm Elections Shift Power Ahead of Trump's Final Two Years

Democrats have secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, altering the balance of power in Washington ahead of the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. The elections, held in 2026, saw all 435 House seats and approximately one-third of the 100 Senate seats up for vote, alongside gubernatorial races in 39 states and territories. Control of the House grants significant influence over the legislative agenda, committee leadership, and oversight of the administration, but passing laws requires agreement from both chambers. The Senate holds unique powers, including approving federal judges, Supreme Court justices, ambassadors, and senior administration officials. With Democrats controlling Congress and Trump being a Republican president, the situation increases the likelihood of political gridlock and the need for compromise. Trump cannot pass legislation alone and will need to negotiate with Democrats. While he can veto bills, Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses. However, the president retains broad executive powers, including issuing executive orders, and can make recess appointments, though these do not fully replace Senate confirmation.

The Senate's role is particularly crucial for the judiciary, as it confirms presidential nominees for federal and Supreme Court vacancies. The new Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2027, but the outgoing Congress remains in session until then, retaining its powers. The midterm elections also serve as a platform for potential future presidential candidates, with Democratic Senator John Ossoff and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro being mentioned. The term "lame duck" describes a president in their final term unable to run again; losing congressional control makes advancing domestic agendas harder for Trump, though he retains wider foreign policy and security powers. Congress can influence foreign policy through budget control, funding, foreign aid, arms deals, and ambassadorial appointments.

For Israel, the new Congress is expected to include more Democrats with critical or even hostile stances toward Israel, alongside a notable number of more moderate Democrats. This latter group, particularly those who won in competitive districts, could become crucial "swing votes" on Israeli issues. Israel will need to increase its efforts to engage with these moderate members, clarify its positions, and maintain support for security aid. Congress can also impact Israel through its control over aid budgets and approval of arms deals. The dynamics within the Democratic party, especially the stances of its centrist members, will be closely watched by Israel. The election results also come amid ongoing discussions about the war in Iran and its economic repercussions, with a majority of Americans favoring a swift end to the conflict. This could increase pressure on the administration and future presidential hopefuls, especially if foreign wars continue to affect domestic fuel prices and living costs.