Democrats achieved a historic victory in the 2026 midterm elections, gaining control of both houses of Congress. This election saw significant changes, particularly in states like Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. Analyses show that three demographic groups, namely youth, rural voters, and Latino voters, played a key role in this victory.
Changes in Youth Support
Youth strongly supported Democratic candidates. According to the AP Voter Poll conducted from October 19 to November 3, about 70 percent of voters aged 18 to 29 said they supported the Democratic candidate in their district. In contrast, only 30 percent voted for the Republican candidate. Although Donald Trump was not on the ballot in this election, 60 percent of young people reported casting their vote as a form of opposition to Trump.
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This shift in youth support compared to the 2024 presidential election is significant, when Trump garnered about 39 percent of the youth vote. Analysts believe this change stems from a sense of betrayal among young people regarding Trump's economic policies. Siago Meyer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, states that young people expected Trump to lower prices and address economic issues, but he did not fulfill his promises.
Latino Voters and Their Impact
About 60 percent of Latino voters also voted for the Democratic candidate in the recent election. In Texas, this group played a key role in flipping the open Senate seat in favor of James Talarico. Stephanie Valencia, one of the co-founders of Equis Research, says that Latino voters are recognized as key voters and have shown that their votes are impactful in elections.
Polls indicate that dissatisfaction with Trump's presidency, particularly his handling of economic issues, was a major reason for the changes in support for Democrats. Trump's popularity among Latino voters dropped from 38 percent in February 2025 to 24 percent in September and October. Valencia describes these changes as a sign of the Latino community's dissatisfaction with Trump's broken promises.
Ultimately, Democrats must fulfill their promises in Congress to maintain the support of youth and Latino voters. Meyer emphasizes that these groups are seeking solutions to economic problems and the cost of living, and if Democrats fail to address these needs, they may turn back to Republicans.
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