House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., talks with phone bank volunteers during a midterm election night watch party

Roll Call Documents Democratic Wave in 2024 Midterms: House, Senate Flipped

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The 2026 midterm campaign cycle ended Tuesday with Democrats reclaiming control of both chambers of Congress, a result that sent shockwaves through Washington and delivered one of the night’s most surprising individual races in South Carolina, where Sen.-elect Annie Andrews defeated Republican incumbent Sen. Darline Graham, Roll Call reported.

The victory marked a dramatic reversal for Democrats, who captured the House and Senate in a single election night that saw celebrations erupt from the nation’s capital to Charleston. Roll Call’s photojournalists documented the whirlwind day across the Washington area and South Carolina, capturing the moments that defined the Democratic wave.

A New Face for Maryland’s 5th District

Rep.-elect Adrian Boafo, who won Maryland’s 5th District, stood alongside Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, who is retiring from the seat, outside an event in the city. The pairing captured the transition underway in the district, with Boafo set to succeed the longtime Democratic lawmaker.

Blue wave washes over Washington | Democratic controlled Congress

Voters in Bowie cast their ballots at the Non-Traditional Program North School, filling out ballots as the day unfolded.

Supporters Cheer Andrews’ Victory

Down in South Carolina, voters cast ballots at the Hazel Parker Playground in downtown Charleston, where the day carried extra weight given the high-stakes Senate contest.

Washington faces new reality after Democratic wave victory

Former Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison addressed supporters at Sen.-elect Annie Andrews’s election night party, while crowds cheered as results were announced in her favor. Supporters packed the venue, erupting in applause as the race was called for Andrews over Graham.

Washington Welcomes a Democratic House

Back in Washington, the energy at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ election night watch party reached a fever pitch when the House was called in favor of Democrats. New York Rep. Gregory Meeks cheered the announcement, while guests throughout the venue reacted to the projection.

Following the call, House Minority Whip Katherine M. Clark joined Jeffries, along with Reps. Suzan DelBene, Ted Lieu, and Meeks, to address the watch party crowd. The group spoke to supporters after Democrats secured the House, marking the party’s return to majority control of the chamber.

The wins in both chambers alter the political power dynamic in Washington. With Andrews joining the Senate Democratic caucus and Democrats holding the House majority, the party will control the legislative agenda when the new Congress convenes. The 119th Congress will open with Democrats holding the gavels in both chambers, setting the stage for the remainder of the presidential term.

Worth a look

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