Midterm Elections Shift Congressional Leadership

While votes are still being counted in many elections, Democrats will take control of both the House and Senate when the 120th Congress convenes in January 2027, bringing major leadership changes across key committees with jurisdiction over education, appropriations, and tax policy. Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) in the House and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in the Senate, are expected to assume majority leadership roles. At the same time, committee memberships and priorities will be reconfigured in the months ahead. 

With expanded agenda-setting authority, Democrats have signaled a strong focus on congressional oversight, particularly of the U.S. Department of Education, where investigations could target efforts to close the Department, fire personnel, and insert political influence into the grantmaking process. While specific education policy priorities have yet to emerge, lawmakers are expected to continue their interest in school choice, artificial intelligence, and higher education policy. 

More immediately, Congress must take action on fiscal year 2027 before the current continuing resolution expires on December 11.  It remains unclear whether appropriators can reach a final deal on spending decisions during the lame-duck session, making another short-term continuing resolution a possible path to avoid a government shutdown.

Explore our interactive map featuring insights from the newest Senators on special education. Please note that this map does not include the newest Senators from Alaska or Mississippi, as these elections have not been called at the time of publication.