Following each election cycle, the real work begins for lobbying and public affairs professionals. As new leadership steps in, the legislative priorities shift and policy agendas are redefined in both the House and Senate. Government affairs professionals need to be able to quickly adapt their advocacy strategies to the evolving power dynamics and find the right opportunities to influence policy outcomes. Knowing the key players on Capitol Hill, including staff members and federal agency leadership working behind the scenes, is crucial to strategic planning and effective advocacy outcomes.
For lobbyists and other public affairs professionals navigating Capitol Hill, up-to-date, detailed congressional directories are an invaluable resource to identify and engage with the right decision-makers to advance policy goals. Bloomberg Government’s public affairs software offers comprehensive directories of members of Congress and their staff – updated daily so you’re always working with the most up-to-date information.
Below, we outline post-election strategies to help you prepare for shifting political dynamics in the House and Senate and share essential insights for optimizing advocacy and lobbying efforts.
Download our Post-Election Action Guide for insight into the best practices to take action after the results are final.
Which party currently controls Congress?
The 2026 midterms are redefining the political landscape on Capitol Hill, with the Democrats securing majority in the House and Senate. This change will mark a defining shift in policy making and priority issues.
In the 119th Congress, the Republican party maintained a slim majority in the House and Senate.
House majority will switch to the Democrats
Republicans currently hold 218 seats while the Democrats have 214. As of Nov. 5, 2026, Democrats have secured House majority for the 120th Congress.
The election results and change in majority means policy shifts, where coalition-building and bipartisan cooperation will be critical for passing legislation. For public affairs professionals, knowing which members hold key committee positions, where their legislative priorities lie, and how to reach the right staff in their office is crucial in such a finely balanced House.
Bloomberg Government’s Post-Election Action Guide offers the tools needed to navigate these changing dynamics, helping you take informed action.
Which House seats flipped in the 2024 election?
In the 2024 elections, 22 House seats changed parties: The Republicans flipped eight seats while 14 congressional seats flipped to the Democrats.
Current balance of power in the Senate
Based on the early results of the 2026 midterm elections, the power will switch to Democratic majority. This majority gives Senate Democrats the power to shape committee assignments and control over the Senate’s agenda, including budgetary and policy discussions that could have wide-ranging impact on industries from health care to energy.
Which Senate seats flipped in the 2026 election?
Of the 35 Senate seats up for election in 2026, the Democrat Party has flipped seven of them so far, securing their majority:
- Iowa: Josh Turek (D) defeated Ashley Hinson (R).
- Kansas: Adam Hamilton (D) defeated incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R).
- Maine: Troy Jackson (D) defeated incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R).
- North Carolina: Roy Cooper (D) defeated Michael Whatley (R).
- Ohio: Sherrod Brown (D) defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Husted (R) to complete the remainder of Vice President JD Vance’s term through 2029.
- South Carolina: Annie Andrews (D) defeated incumbent Darline Graham (R).
- Texas: James Talarico (D) defeated Ken Paxton (R).
As of Nov. 5, 2026, the Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi have not yet been called.
Identifying key policy allies and opponents
Knowing where individual congressional members stand on issues helps in building coalitions or anticipating and countering opposition. Aligning lobbying and advocacy efforts with local economic and social interests can make a significant difference when targeting elected officials from specific regions or with localized constituency interests. Understanding the local nuances of issues is essential for professionals looking to influence the legislative agenda of elected officials who won tightly contested races.
For example, in 2024, Republicans extended electoral gains in Hispanic-majority areas of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, showing a shifting demographic trend. And in certain states where President Donald Trump won in 2024, Democratic Senate candidates such as Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin and Alyssa Slotkin in Michigan managed to secure victories. Sen. Baldwin’s campaign outreach to Wisconsin’s dairy farmers helped her connect with a traditionally conservative constituency that might otherwise have leaned Republican. These results underscore the importance of localizing issues and policy positions.
[Download our Post-Election Action Guide to explore the latest redistricting changes and how these changes will affect the 2026 Midterms.]
Tracking committee leadership changes and legislative priorities
The ability to connect directly with committee chairs and members is crucial for public affairs professionals looking to make an impact. The Republican majorities in both the House and Senate are tasked with shaping legislation in several contentious policy areas, from immigration reform to energy policy.
These changes are set to significantly impact industries, advocacy efforts, and government relations strategies. Congressional directories help navigate these relationships, offering direct access to decision-makers and committee staff, making directories an indispensable tool for professionals seeking to drive outcomes efficiently.
Results of the 2026 midterms will impact leadership for these committees.
Key House committee leadership
Republicans maintain leadership over key committees in the 119th Congress, including:
- House Judiciary Committee: This is likely to be retained by current chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a vocal conservative with a focus on investigations and tech regulations.
- House Oversight Committee: Having been committee chair since 2023, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) is expected to steer the committee’s focus toward scrutinizing executive policies.
- House Ways and Means Committee: Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) is expected to take over chairmanship of the committee, potentially focusing on tax reform and budgetary oversight.
Key Senate committee leadership
After the 2024 election, Senate Republicans assumed leadership of Senate committees, which has significant implications for lobbying and regulatory strategy. For example:
- Senate Finance Committee: Committee Republicans have an influential role in shaping tax and health-care policies.
- Senate Judiciary Committee: Committee leaders are focusing on judicial appointments and reforms, crucial for sectors such as technology and health care.
Execute a winning public affairs strategy with Bloomberg Government
No matter the balance of power in Congress, public affairs professionals need to be adaptable, nurture strong connections, and have a well-timed approach. Download our Post-Election Action Guide to prepare your team to navigate post-election change.
In such a dynamic political environment, it’s crucial for government affairs teams to have the right public affairs software to navigate the challenges and strategic opportunities that come with each new congressional term. Bloomberg Government offers a critical advantage: expanded industry data, real-time bill tracking, and comprehensive congressional directories that support effective government relations and help public affairs professionals stay ahead of the curve.
Our congressional and state legislative directories aren’t just a resource – they’re a strategic asset for anyone wanting to connect and engage with elected officials and their staff to influence policy outcomes at both the federal and state levels. More than a list of names and emails, our congressional and state legislative directories provide a comprehensive view of lawmakers and their staff, with details such as:
- Biography: View a photo of and concise summary of each legislator’s educational background, career highlights, and voting history.
- News: See the latest articles, press releases, and transcripts that feature the legislator from more than 35,000 vetted sources.
- Committee assignments and caucuses: Track which committees or caucuses the senator or House member serves on.
- Sponsored bills: Read quick summaries of legislation sponsored by the member or follow links to our legislative tracking tool for full coverage.
Ready to get started? Request a demo to see how Bloomberg Government’s comprehensive platform can help you stay ahead, advocate effectively, and achieve your policy goals.