A powerful new Democratic majority emerged in the 1936 election. Known as the “New Deal” coalition, it dominated national politics for decades. It included the traditionally Democratic South, along with urban ethnic voters, farmers, organized labor and African Americans, as black voters moved decisively to the party of FDR. In the House of Representatives, Democrats gained 12 seats, bringing their total to 331. Republicans had 89 seats. In the Senate, Democrats gained 7 seats bringing their total to 76. Republicans had 16 seats.