WASHINGTON — The House and Senate elections this week added at least five women to the next Congress, the only notable demographic shift in an otherwise dramatic political upheaval.

For the most part, Congress will remain dominated by white men. In terms of racial demographics, neither body will see a change in numbers, but the influence of minority leaders could increase: Five blacks and one Hispanic are in line for House committee chairmanships.

On the religious front, Democrats in Minnesota elected the House’s first Islamic member.

The congressional black population will remain unchanged at 43, with three members leaving the House and three elected to the next Congress, all Democrats — Yvette Clarke of New York, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, and Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr. of Georgia. In Senate races, black candidates did not do well. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., a Democrat of Tennessee, was defeated in his Senate bid, as was Maryland’s lieutenant governor, Michael Steele. Senator Obama, a Democrat of Illinois, remains the only black Senate member.

Although for years Democrats and the black community pushed to recruit more African-American candidates, there were no complaints this week about the status quo.

A spokeswoman for the Congressional Black Caucus, Myra Dandridge, said the elections had particular historical significance because “five members stand to chair five very powerful, prominent House committees.”

In addition, another member, Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat of South Carolina, is a contender for majority whip, the no. 3 position in the House.

“This demonstrates diversity among the ranks of the House leadership and mirrors how America looks,” Ms. Dandridge said.