The 2026 US midterm elections have changed the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
However, the newly elected lawmakers will not immediately take charge after the election results are announced. Several steps must be completed before they can officially begin their work in Congress.
When do election officials certify the results?
During certification, election officials verify the vote totals from different polling locations and ensure that the results have been correctly counted and reported. These steps include completing vote counting , certifying election results, conducting recounts in closely contested races, preparing the new lawmakers for their roles and organising the incoming Congress. This date marks the formal end of the current Congress and the beginning of the terms of newly elected senators and representatives. The US does not have one common deadline for requesting an election recount. Each state has its own laws setting the deadline, conditions and procedure for recounting votes. During this period, the outgoing Congress continues to function. This phase is commonly known as the lame-duck session. The outgoing Congress can use this time to discuss pending legislation, government spending measures and other unfinished business. At the same time, newly elected senators and representatives begin preparing to take up their responsibilities in Washington.
The 120th US Congress is scheduled to begin its term on January 3, 2027. 41 states and Washington, DC, allow eligible candidates, voters or other parties to request a recount under certain conditions, according to the NCSL.
The process can take several weeks after Election Day, depending on state laws and the time required to complete vote counting, canvassing and other checks, according to The Texas Tribune.
Once the election results are counted and the winners are established, the US enters a transition period before the new Congress begins its term.
