# Democrats better hope they don't have another Manchin in their midst

> Democrats control Congress but face red state lawmakers blocking progressive laws.
- Title: Democrats better hope they don't have another Manchin in…
- Summary: Democrats control Congress but face red state lawmakers blocking progressive laws. Democrats won a historic Senate majority but conservative Democrats like…
- Keywords: democrats, senate, house, joe manchin, kyrsten sinema, political polarization, trump, cost of living, voting rights, affordable care act, Salon
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/11/04/democrats-better-hope-they-dont-have-another-manchin-in-their-midst
- Author: Heather Digby Parton
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:06:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: democrats, senate, house, joe manchin, kyrsten sinema, political polarization, trump, cost of living, voting rights, affordable care act, news, politics
## Democratic landslide victory
Democrats won a historic Senate majority with 245 to 255 seats in the House and 55 in the Senate.
## Red state influence on legislation
Conservative Democrats like Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema block progressive initiatives.
## Historic political shift
The American people rebuked Republicans after six years of national somnolence.
## Trump's legacy concerns
Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and war with Iran remain top voter concerns.
## Historical precedent for blocking
During Roosevelt's presidency, southern Democrats blocked civil rights and federal programs.
## Modern examples of obstruction
Sen. Zell Miller cosponsored tax cuts and supported the Iraq War resolution.
## Current legislative challenges
Conservative Democrats use leverage to extract concessions from progressive legislation.
## Voter priorities
90% of voters say government corruption was a crucial factor in their House vote.
## Future legislative hurdles
Democrats must balance progressive goals with red state opposition to maintain majority.
## Historical context
The red state-blue state divide has long hindered Democratic legislative progress.
## Key takeaway

Democrats won a historic Senate majority but conservative Democrats like Manchin and Sinema block legislation.