Democrats Secure Congress as Close Races and Tax Measures Linger

Democrats have won at least 54 Senate seats and 254 House seats, securing control of both chambers. Fourteen House races and two Senate contests remained unsettled on November 10, with the final counts set to determine the size of the majorities and the futures of several prominent Republicans.

In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola led Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by just over 600 votes, with about a quarter of ballots still to count. Neither candidate had a majority, sending the contest to a ranked-choice round scheduled to begin November 18, after the final ballots arrive. The state expects to add tens of thousands of votes before certifying results on November 25.

In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom led Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, trailing by more than 2,500 ballots, as roughly 97 percent had been counted. Remaining absentee and provisional ballots could affect the result. Hyde-Smith’s lawyers have asked state officials to preserve provisional ballots, and the state Republican Party said it would consider legal options if there were evidence of violations. Colom challenged Hyde-Smith to explain how she could win; she said officials were counting votes and declined further questions.

Several House races also remained close. In Colorado, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert trailed Democrat Eileen Laubacher by just over 3,000 votes. In North Carolina, Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx had not conceded, pointing to provisional ballots and asking for observers as the count continued. Candidates may request recounts in some contests once county results are finalized.

The results also showed limits to support for some liberal policies. California voters rejected a proposed 5 percent tax on billionaires, while voters in North Carolina and Iowa approved measures making tax increases more difficult. That resistance could complicate efforts to fund proposals such as expanded health care and universal childcare.

Democratic Wins Meet Voter Resistance to Funding Liberal Priorities

Democrats have won at least 54 Senate seats and 254 House seats, taking control of both chambers. Yet the election’s unresolved contests and ballot measures leave a more complicated picture: while voters handed Democrats a major congressional victory, several states also made tax increases harder or rejected a proposed tax on the wealthy.

California voters turned down a 5 percent wealth tax on billionaires. North Carolina voters limited the prospect of property-tax increases and capped the state income tax, while Iowa voters made income-tax increases more difficult. Those outcomes could constrain efforts to expand health care access and create universal childcare and pre-K programs, which require significant funding.

Meanwhile, 14 House races and two Senate contests remained uncalled on November 10. Democrat Mary Peltola led Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska, where a ranked-choice round cannot begin until November 18. In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom led Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by just over 2,500 votes, with provisional and absentee ballots still in play.

In Colorado, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert trailed Democrat Eileen Laubacher by just over 3,000 votes. North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx had not conceded, citing provisional ballots and seeking observers during the count. The final results will settle the size of Democratic majorities, but the ballot measures underline the challenge of turning election wins into funded policies.

Voters Back Democrats but Reject the Tax Hikes Their Agenda Needs

Democrats have secured at least 54 Senate seats and 254 House seats, taking control of Congress. But their electoral gains came alongside a clear check on the tax increases that could fund major liberal proposals: voters in California, North Carolina and Iowa rejected or restricted tax measures.

California voters rejected a proposed 5 percent wealth tax on billionaires. North Carolina voters made property-tax increases harder and capped the state income tax, while Iowans made income-tax increases more difficult. The results pose a practical obstacle for Democratic plans to expand health care access and establish universal childcare and pre-K, all of which require substantial funding.

The count was still unfinished on November 10, with 14 House races and two Senate contests uncalled. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola led Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, but the ranked-choice process cannot start until November 18. In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom held a narrow lead over Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, with provisional and absentee ballots still to be counted and legal options raised by Republicans.

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert trailed Democrat Eileen Laubacher in Colorado, and North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx had not conceded. The outstanding races will determine the scale of the Democratic majority. But the tax votes show that winning control of Congress does not mean voters have endorsed the tax increases needed to pay for Democrats’ ambitions.