Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, DC, November 4, 2026.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Wednesday that the massive blue wave that caused Democrats to take control of the House and Senate meant a “generational remaking of the Senate map.”
“These voters did not give us a majority so that we can do what we want,” the New York Democrat told the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, DC. “They have entrusted us with the majority to do what they – the American people – want.”
Democrats made significant gains in red states that President Trump had previously won, including Iowa, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. Their victories include a historic victory in Kansas, which hasn’t sent a Democrat to the Senate in 94 years.
Schumer, who is set to become Senate majority leader in January, attributed the victories to a series of candidates who “knew how to tailor their message to the states.”
Democrats now have a 54-seat majority, including the two independent senators who are part of the party. Two races have still not been called: Alaska and Mississippi.
Schumer promised that “relief is on the way” for voters, and acknowledged that some remain skeptical that Democrats can deliver on their promises. He said Democrats intend to lower the cost of living, end the war in Iran and open White House investigations to address corruption allegations.
“The days of Trump’s begging Senate are over,” Schumer said.
President Trump has not been shy about saying he would veto Democratic legislative priorities, but has also signaled some openness to making deals with the new Democratic-controlled Congress.
“We are going to work hard to reduce costs, with or without the president,” Schumer said.
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