The Democratic leader says the party expects at least 255 House seats and promises to deliver on affordability. Published November 4, 20264 November 2026 House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated his party’s lopsided victory in the US midterm elections, calling the results an “American tsunami” as Democrats have taken control of both chambers of Congress. “It wasn’t just a blue wave. It was an American tsunami,” Jeffries said at a news conference Wednesday. a day after Democrats scored victories in several Republican strongholds. List of 4 Item Recommended Storiesend list Jeffries said Democrats hope to gain at least 255 House seats once all vote counts are final, giving the party what he described as a historic majority. “The American people have chosen common sense over corruption, chaos and cruelty,” he said. “We are humbled by the outcome,” he said, pledging a “tireless effort to make life more affordable for everyday Americans.” Speaking previously on MS Now’s Morning Joe, Jeffries said Democrats would focus on getting things done rather than seeking revenge against President Donald Trump and his allies. housing and health care, which have left Americans feeling increasingly strained. But with Trump threatening to use his presidential veto to block legislation he opposes, Democrats may have difficulty pushing through new laws even with a majority in Congress. Jeffries pointed to a bipartisan housing affordability bill passed in July as an example of the types of legislation Democrats could implement. The bill became law without Trump’s signature after he dismissed it as “a yawn” and “very unimportant.” Jeffries also said Democrats would work to hold the Trump administration accountable for any wrongdoing, even as he acknowledged that Americans wanted things done, not “revenge.”
