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Thursday, November 12, 2026Local news for Cheyenne and Wyoming.
Cheyenne Gazette · 1603 Capitol Avenue, Suite 413, Cheyenne, WY 82001

54 Senate seats: Democrats secure majority as Wyoming GOP vows fight

Wyoming elected two Trump-aligned members to Congress, but Democrats won control of the Senate and House, setting the stage for a sharp divide in Washington.

By Alyssa Parker ·

Illustration for: 54 Senate seats: Democrats secure majority as Wyoming GOP vows fight
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Democrats have secured at least 54 of 100 seats in the United States Senate, a margin that places them firmly in control of the upper chamber. This result marks a decisive shift in power as the new Congress prepares to convene in January.

The victory extends to the House of Representatives, where Democrats hold a majority well past the 218 seats required for control. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York will become the first Black speaker of the House if his colleagues elect him to the position on Jan. 3, 2027. He described the election as a stunning rebuke of MAGA extremism and a victory for the American people.

Wyoming did not follow the national trend of Democratic gains. The state elected Harriet Hageman to the Senate and Chuck Gray to the House, both of whom aligned closely with President Donald Trump. Hageman struck a defiant tone in a social media post, declaring that the nation is entering a battle for its future. She questioned whether the country is a capitalist nation or is sliding into communism, stating that a strong United States embarrasses the left.

Democratic leaders plan to launch a 100-day agenda focused on lowering the costs of gas, groceries, and healthcare. They also intend to conduct oversight and investigations into the Trump administration, with impeachment listed as a potential option. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged that many voters remain skeptical of his party, noting that this creates an opportunity to prove they are worthy of trust.

President Trump suggested he could work with the new Democratic Congress, though he warned of gridlock. He said that he did not want to spend two years vetoing every bill. Trump acknowledged that the eight-month-old conflict with Iran impacted the election, citing surging gas prices as a byproduct. He stated that he is not considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who he said is doing a great job.

Vice President JD Vance blamed the war in Iran for the Republican losses in a lengthy online post. He wrote that if arguing the war was worth losing the Senate for six years is an option, parties should do so honestly. In Wyoming, Sen. John Barrasso vowed to listen to voters and aggressively oppose ideas that drive the country toward socialism. He emphasized that the top priority must be driving down prices.

The Wyoming Republican Party issued a statement encouraging the state's congressional delegation to fight back against the Democratic agenda. The party said Wyoming is sending its best to help President Trump fight liberals who aim to destroy the country. They stated that their platform aligns with the effort to preserve the character and well-being of the nation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana will not seek reelection as House Republican leader, according to two people familiar with the decision. Republicans face a leadership battle following their losses, while Democrats manage a class of newcomers, including a handful of far-left democratic socialists. A government shutdown remains possible if Congress fails to pass a funding bill next month.

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