# WA Democrats gain power in Congress

> Washington Democrats lead new congressional committees after 2026 election wins.
- Title: WA Democrats gain power in Congress · Seattletimes | Shortify
- Summary: Washington Democrats lead new congressional committees after 2026 election wins.
- Keywords: senate appropriations committee, house armed services committee, commerce science and transportation comm, immigration integrity subcommittee, transportation and infrastructure commit, ways and means committee, wa democrats, 2026 midterms, Seattletimes
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/opinion/wa-democrats-are-ready-to-flex-their-muscles
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: senate appropriations committee, house armed services committee, commerce science and transportation comm, immigration integrity subcommittee, transportation and infrastructure commit, ways and means committee, wa democrats, 2026 midterms, news, local
## Democrats gain congressional clout
Washington Democrats control both House and Senate after 2026 midterms.
## Patty Murray chairs key committee
Sen. Patty Murray leads Senate Appropriations Committee setting federal spending priorities.
## Adam Smith oversees defense
Rep. Adam Smith chairs House Armed Services Committee overseeing Pentagon and defense secretary.
## Maria Cantwell leads tech committee
Sen. Maria Cantwell chairs Commerce Committee amid AI and tech industry debates.
## Pramila Jayapal heads immigration subcommittee
Rep. Pramila Jayapal leads Immigration Integrity subcommittee on Trump administration immigration policies.
## Washington Democrats strengthen influence
Washington Democrats gain leadership roles in Congress after 2026 election victories.
## Key takeaway

Washington Democrats now control key committees in Congress after sweeping 2026 midterm victories.