If Democrats Win Congress, Could the G.O.P. Refuse to Seat Them? NYT - Top Stories By: Michael Gold 20 October 2026 at 19:54 A changing of the congressional guard in January could leave room for meddling, though most legal scholars doubt it would happen. © Kenny Holston/The New York TimesSome lawmakers and commentators have turned their attention to the possibility that Republicans in Congress could try to block Democrats from assuming the majority.