# Democrats win Congress, but Trump blocks big energy laws

> After midterm victories, Democrats control both chambers but face a Republican White House that can veto any climate legislation they pass.
- Title: Democrats win Congress, but Trump blocks big energy laws
- Summary: After midterm victories, Democrats control both chambers but face a Republican White House that can veto any climate legislation they pass.
- Keywords: midterm elections, us congress, energy policy, climate policy, donald trump, democrats, divided government, data centers, permitting reform, renewable energy, MIT Technology Review
- Source: MIT Technology Review — https://technologyreview.com/2026/11/04/1148022/us-energy-midterm
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: midterm elections, us congress, energy policy, climate policy, donald trump, democrats, divided government, data centers, permitting reform, renewable energy, technology, science
## Democrats sweep to control both chambers
Democrats took control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate in midterm elections, a dramatic swing from Donald Trump's victory two years ago.
## But Trump stays in the White House
Donald Trump remains president. Democrats lack the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, so any new energy legislation must have Trump's approval.
## The pattern of unified government
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act passed when Democrats controlled everything. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act slashed much of that support when Republicans controlled everything. Divided government makes big changes harder.
## Permitting reform could find bipartisan support
A bipartisan group of senators put forward the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act to speed up energy project approvals. The Senate votes November 9, and the White House supports it.
## Democrats gain power to investigate Trump agencies
With control of Congress, Democrats can subpoena cabinet members and open investigations. Democratic leaders have signaled plans to scrutinise EPA commissioner Lee Zeldin over cuts to staff and investments.
## State and local action accelerates
Democrats swept local control of Pennsylvania and signalled plans to support renewable energy. Democrats took control of the Georgia Public Service Commission for the first time in thirty years, regulating electric utilities.
## Voters reject data center expansion
According to tracking from Ballotpedia, there were forty-one local ballot questions related to data centers. Nearly every single one of these measures looks set to come down against data center development.
## Texas governor calls for data center pause
Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the governor's seat in Texas, ousting Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. During her campaign, Hinojosa called for a law to completely pause data center development.
## Key takeaway

Democrats won control of the US House and Senate in midterm elections, but Donald Trump remains president, making major federal energy and climate legislation unlikely without his approval.