2026 US Midterm Elections: What the Results Mean for Americans Living in or Moving to Spain
The November 3 elections brought a major shift in American politics, with Democrats winning control of Congress and several candidates making history. But what could these results mean for Americans already living abroad or considering a move to Spain?
The 2026 US midterm elections marked an important turning point in American politics. Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, changing the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.
Beyond congressional control, the elections produced historic victories for women, Indigenous communities and minority groups, alongside unexpected results in traditionally Republican states.
The outcome has also attracted attention internationally, including in Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the Democratic victory.
But for Americans already living abroad or considering relocating, the results raise another question: could political changes in Washington affect their future in Spain?
Here is a closer look at the results, the historic achievements and what they could mean for Americans living abroad. For more on participating in U.S. elections from Spain, see our previous guide to voting from abroad.
Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress
The biggest national outcome of the November 3 midterms was the Democratic Party's victory in both chambers of Congress.
Before the elections, Republicans controlled the House and Senate, giving the Trump administration greater legislative support.
With Democrats now set to take control, the political landscape in Washington will change considerably.
Congress plays an important role in approving federal legislation, overseeing government spending and investigating federal agencies. Democratic majorities could therefore make it more difficult for President Trump to advance parts of his legislative agenda, while increasing scrutiny of his administration.
The results also brought unexpected Democratic victories in traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, where some Senate seats had not been won by Democrats in decades.
These outcomes reflect a significant shift in voter preferences, with concerns about the economy, rising living costs and international affairs contributing to the election debate.
A historic election: The candidates who made history
Beyond the shift in congressional power, the 2026 midterms produced several historic milestones in American political representation.
Candidates from different backgrounds and political parties achieved victories that had never occurred before in their respective offices.
Georgia: Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes the first Black woman governor in US history
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won Georgia's gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman elected governor of any US state.
The former Atlanta mayor also became Georgia's first woman governor, ending more than two decades of Republican control of the office.
Minnesota: Peggy Flanagan becomes the first Native American woman elected to the Senate
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won her US Senate race, becoming the first Native American woman elected to the chamber.
A citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Flanagan's victory represents an important milestone for Indigenous representation in American politics.
Michigan: Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim US senator
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
A physician and former public health official, El-Sayed campaigned on issues including healthcare access, affordability and corporate influence in politics.
Texas: Gina Hinojosa becomes the state's first Latina governor
In another significant result, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, becoming the first Latina governor in Texas history.
Texas also elected Democrat James Talarico to the US Senate, ending a decades-long absence of Democratic representation in that seat.
Florida: Byron Donalds becomes the state's first Black governor
Republican Byron Donalds also made history, becoming Florida's first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in US history.
His victory demonstrates that the election's historic representation milestones extended across political parties.
Other notable developments included Deb Haaland's victory as New Mexico's first Native American woman governor, Chris Pappas becoming the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate, and David Crowley becoming Wisconsin's first Black governor.
Together, these results illustrate how the 2026 midterms represented not only a political shift but also an important moment in American electoral history.
Donald Trump's reaction to the election results
The Democratic victory also prompted a response from President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the Republican Party's losses while discussing the factors he believed contributed to the outcome.
In interviews following the election, Trump pointed to economic concerns, rising fuel prices and the conflict involving Iran as factors influencing voters.
He also argued that Republican candidates might have performed differently had he personally been on the ballot.
Despite the losses, Trump publicly congratulated his Democratic opponents. Speaking to Fox News, he said: "I think the Democrats did a good job."
The president also indicated that he would be willing to work with Democrats on certain issues, although he emphasized his willingness to use presidential veto powers against legislation he opposed.
The new congressional balance is expected to create a more challenging political environment for the Trump administration, particularly concerning government spending, legislation and federal policy.
However, the precise direction of cooperation between the White House and Democratic leaders remains uncertain.
Pedro Sánchez welcomes the Democratic victory: "It will soon happen in Spain"
The results also attracted attention from European political leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
On November 4, Sánchez welcomed the Democratic victory and connected the results to broader political developments in Brazil and Spain.
In a message published on X, he wrote: "It happened in Brazil, it has just happened in the US, and it will soon happen in Spain."
According to Sánchez, American voters had rejected policies that, in his interpretation, contributed to economic hardship, hatred, climate denialism and privileges for political and economic elites.
The Spanish Prime Minister also referred to Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party (PP), and Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox, arguing that the political movement they represented was losing momentum.
His comments came ahead of Spain's general elections, scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Although the United States and Spain have different political systems and electoral circumstances, Sánchez's reaction demonstrates how American political developments can influence international political debate.
His statements represent his own political interpretation of the election results rather than a prediction of their direct consequences for Spain.
While the political significance of the elections extends beyond the United States, the results also raise more practical questions for Americans with ties to both countries.
For those already living in Spain, or considering relocating, the important question is not simply who controls Congress, but whether changes in Washington could affect their finances, residency plans or responsibilities back home.
What do the 2026 US election results mean for Americans living in Spain?
Moving abroad doesn't necessarily mean leaving every responsibility in your home country behind.
Many Americans living in Spain continue to maintain financial, professional and family connections to the United States, including investments, property, business activities and tax obligations.
A change in congressional leadership could influence future US legislation, government spending and international relations.
However, the election results themselves do not automatically change the legal requirements for Americans living in Spain.
There are three important areas worth understanding:
1. Could the elections affect US taxes for Americans living abroad?
One area to watch is future US tax legislation. Unlike many countries, the United States generally taxes its citizens on worldwide income, even when they live overseas.
This means Americans living in Spain may still have US tax filing obligations, depending on their circumstances, while also potentially becoming Spanish tax residents.
Under Spanish legislation, individuals may be considered tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year or meet other applicable criteria, including having their principal economic interests in the country.
Americans relocating to Spain should therefore consider their financial responsibilities in both countries, including possible reporting obligations, tax credits and the application of the US–Spain tax treaty.
A change in Congress could influence future US tax policy, but no new tax obligations arise solely because of the election result.
2. How could the US midterms affect the stock market and your retirement savings?
Beyond tax policy, the election results could also influence financial markets, including the investments and retirement accounts many Americans rely on.
Following the November 3 elections, US stock futures initially fell before recovering, as investors assessed what Democratic control of Congress could mean for the economy.
For Americans living in Spain or considering retirement abroad, these fluctuations may be particularly relevant.
Many Americans rely on savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, to fund their lives overseas. Changes in investment values could therefore affect their financial planning, especially if they depend on regular withdrawals.
3. The US dollar-to-euro exchange rate is another important factor.
A stronger dollar means Americans receiving income or drawing on savings in US dollars can generally get more euros for their money. A weaker dollar, on the other hand, can make everyday expenses in Spain more costly.
Although the dollar weakened immediately following the election, its future direction remains uncertain and depends on several economic factors beyond politics.
This is particularly relevant for Americans considering Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa, which requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working in Spain.
For those planning to rely on retirement income, savings or investments, understanding how market fluctuations and exchange rates could affect their finances is an important part of preparing for life abroad.
Looking ahead: What this means for Americans considering Spain
The 2026 US midterm elections represent an important moment in American political history, bringing a change in congressional control, unexpected victories and significant milestones in political representation.
Whether these results signal a longer-term change in American politics remains to be seen.
For Americans already living in Spain or considering relocating, staying informed about developments in both countries is important.
But one thing remains unchanged: moving to Spain requires understanding Spanish immigration rules, regardless of political developments in Washington.
Thinking about making Spain your next home?
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