Democrats sweep midterms as Congress begins six-week lame-duck sprint

The U.S. Congress returned to Washington on Monday after Democrats defeated Republicans in the November midterm elections. The new political reality is already visible in the Capitol building as fresh arrivals mingle with retiring members. President Donald Trump doubled down on his political stance despite the losses his party suffered across the country.

New lawmakers arrived over the weekend for orientation. Dozens of Democrats brought families and suitcases, appearing confident in their new power. A smaller number of Republicans arrived with a more serious demeanor, reflecting the challenges their party now faces.

Rep.-elect Daniel Biss of Illinois said voters across the nation sent a clear message. "This country sent a clear message from coast to coast, and that message is they’ve had enough of what’s gone on," Biss said. He added that voters were tired of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement and were ready to change who holds power.

Republican Rep.-elect Chris Stigall of Missouri agreed that voters sent a loud message. Stigall said he wants to understand how the party can reconnect with voters. He noted that the economy is struggling, citing the high cost of diesel fuel for farmers in his district. "Six-dollar diesel, I will tell you, for the farmers in my district, that is a tough pill to swallow," Stigall said.

The current Congress has only six weeks to act before the new majority takes control on Jan. 3, 2027. Leaders must hold elections and pass a government funding package to avoid a shutdown by mid-December. A major priority is a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his leadership at the Pentagon.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie pushed the impeachment resolution forward despite objections from House leadership. Momentum is growing to hold Hegseth accountable for the Iran war, which many Republicans blame for their election losses. House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to block a vote in September by sending lawmakers home early. It is unclear if Johnson can slow the process now, as he remains close to President Trump.

Trump defended Hegseth on Sunday night from his Florida home. "He’s guilty of two things, basically winning two wars," Trump said. He argued that it is difficult to impeach someone who saved the Middle East and Israel. Democrats are expected to support the resolution, and some Republicans have signaled they will join them.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called for Hegseth to go on ABC on Sunday. Jeffries said the secretary abused his power and engineered a reckless war in Iran. Meanwhile, Trump tapped Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff. Miller takes the role Monday, which is expected to start a more direct confrontation with Congress.

Republicans in both chambers are holding leadership elections this week in closed-door meetings. House Republicans are bracing for a battle after Speaker Mike Johnson decided to step aside. The race is between Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune is expected to retain his job as the party moves into the minority.

Democrats will hold their leadership elections later this month. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas said the party needs someone with fresh ideas. "I think we need somebody who’s going to bring us together and somebody who’s going to come with fresh ideas to what we’re doing," Hamilton said on CNN on Sunday. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said members would vote individually on policy rather than on individuals.

The Republican legislative agenda has shrunk. The defense bill is tangled over pressure to cut money for the Iran war and military aid to Israel. The Senate hopes to start votes Monday on legislation to speed permitting reviews for new energy projects. There is also pressure to confirm Trump’s judicial nominees before Republicans lose control of the chamber in January.