The 2026 midterm elections may prove to be one of the most consequential political events for education policy in more than a decade
November 05, 2026 by Reid Setzer 
The 2026 midterm elections may prove to be one of the most consequential political events for education policy in more than a decade. Tuesday night, the Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives, winning over 250 seats, and even more surprisingly, have won control of the Senate with at least 54 seats at the time of writing. They have also secured a majority of governorships for the first time since 2009, and flipped several state legislatures, creating at least five new state-government trifectas. The result is a radically different future for federal education funding, oversight, and reform.
The significance of the 2026 midterm elections extends beyond partisan control. The election results have the potential to reshape the debate over the federal government’s role in education, determine the future of key education programs, and influence policy at every level of government.
These gains in Congress have given the party its strongest governing position in the legislature since the late 2000s. Combined with victories in gubernatorial races and state legislative chambers across the country, these results could create new opportunities to advance an ambitious education agenda while limiting efforts to reduce the federal role in education.
The shift is particularly notable at the state level, where new Democratic majorities could influence school funding, early childhood education, teacher workforce policies, and college affordability efforts. Because states are responsible for much of federal education policy implementation, these changes may be as significant as developments in Washington D.C.
Despite the election results, major funding questions remain unresolved. Congress must still complete the FY27 appropriations process, and education programs are likely to be at the center of debates over federal spending and executive authority.
Key disputes are expected to focus on efforts to protect federal education programs, preserve congressional control over appropriated funds, and limit administrative actions that could weaken the U.S. Department of Education. These debates will shape not only FY27 funding but also the broader budget landscape heading into 2028 and beyond.
The most immediate effect of Democratic control may be a surge in congressional oversight.
Lawmakers are expected to closely examine actions taken by the Trump administration and federal education agencies, including workforce reductions, changes to grant administration, civil rights enforcement capacity, ESSA waiver approvals, and new regulatory actions. Oversight hearings will likely become a primary vehicle for scrutinizing implementation decisions and highlighting their impact on students, schools, and colleges.
Beyond oversight, Democratic committee leaders are expected to pursue investments in school infrastructure, college affordability, childcare, Head Start, Pell Grants, and teacher compensation.
While some proposals are unlikely to become law immediately, they will serve as markers for the party’s long-term priorities. At the same time, issues such as literacy, higher education accountability, and student loan reforms may offer new opportunities for bipartisan progress.
The significance of the 2026 midterm elections extends beyond partisan control. The election results have the potential to reshape the debate over the federal government’s role in education, determine the future of key education programs, and influence policy at every level of government.
For education advocates, the coming years will bring new opportunities and continued challenges in expanding educational opportunity, strengthening public schools, and supporting students and families. EdTrust will evaluate proposals from both parties against the same standard: whether they improve opportunities and outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
