How the British left has responded to the Democrats winning big in the US midterms

The Democrats have won an historic victory in the 2026 midterm elections, taking control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Democrats not only made gains in swing seats but also in Republican strongholds like Texas and Kansas.

The scale of the Democrats’ victory has been met with celebration among progressives and the left in Britain.

Labour MP Nadia Whittome said: “By campaigning on affordability and equality, progressive Democrats have secured historic victories across America. These wins are also a clear rejection of Trump’s politics of hate, corruption and war. As the far right cedes ground internationally, we must keep building and sustaining the movements that will defeat it everywhere, for good.”

Meanwhile, the Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “For anyone who believes in decency, respect and the rule of law, it feels good to see the American people so comprehensively reject Donald Trump’s politics of hate, division and economic harm.”

Similar comments were made by the Labour MP Darren Jones, who said: The brilliant election results from our sister party @TheDemocrats in the United States shows us something important about politics: Hope and love trumps money and division.”

Former Green MP Caroline Lucas said that the results were ‘wonderful news’. She said: “What wonderful news to wake up to! Trump had urged voters to pretend he was on the ballot – I think they just did”.

The former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: “The US results should give confidence to progressives everywhere. People have rejected the racism displayed by Trump and his supporters and in many states have cited his brutal treatment of migrants as a factor in their decision to reject the politics of Trump.”

Much of the British left’s commentary on the elections has focused on Abdul El-Sayed, who was elected to the Senate in Michigan, successfully defending the seat for the Democrats. He will be the first Muslim to serve in the Senate.

Your Party MP Jeremy Corbyn said: “Congratulations to Abdul El-Sayed on a stunning victory in Michigan. You stood up against corporate greed, against racism and against genocide. Your incredible campaign shows that there’s something more powerful than big money, hatred and lies: hope.”

Similarly, Labour MP Naz Shah said: When you vilify, smear and demonise good people who refuse to let your hate define them, other good people don’t stand by. They stand up and vote for hope over fear. Congratulations @AbdulElSayed”.

Others have – alongside congratulating El-Sayed – celebrated the victories of left wing and progressive Democrats more broadly.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “Congratulations Abdul El-Sayed. Congratulations to everyone celebrating victories across the United States. These are victories for communities standing up to billionaires & the media empires they own. Around the world, we’ve all got a lot of work to do. Let’s go!”

Your Party MP Zarah Sultana said: “Congratulations to every US candidate who defeated AIPAC’s attempts to bankroll politicians complicit in Israel’s genocide and apartheid in Palestine. A historic victory for @AbdulElSayed, elected as America’s first Muslim senator. He defeated more than $70 million in Israel lobby spending against him. From Palestine to migrant justice, from resisting authoritarianism to challenging the politics of hate, our struggles are connected. The fight for justice knows no borders on either side of the Atlantic.”

And the left-wing Labour faction Momentum said: “Congratulations to all socialist and progressive Democrats who have won seats in the US midterms. The work doesn’t stop here. The left must keep organising to defeat the far right and fight for a fairer, more equitable society.”

Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward