Democrats need a net gain of three House seats to flip the majority from Republicans in 2026

Republicans enter the 2026 midterms with a 220-215 House majority. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to win the majority; Republicans can lose no more than two. Cook Political Report rated 17 seats as toss-ups as of April 2026, with 14 held by Republicans. Mid-decade redistricting in Texas, California, Missouri, and North Carolina reshuffles the competitive map. Historically, the president''s party loses an average of 28 House seats in midterm elections.