Democrats took control of the US Congress in Wednesday's midterm elections, winning both the Senate and the House of Representatives in a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.
Senate Flips as Surprise States Turn Blue
The outcome reverses the balance of power in Washington. Republicans had held a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but a six-seat Democratic gain was enough for major news networks to project a Democratic takeover. In the House, Democrats flipped Republican-held seats in districts stretching from coast to coast, including some in areas Trump had won comfortably in 2024.
The party's breakthroughs came in several surprise states. In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall, and Democrats also captured Senate seats in Iowa, where they had not won one since 2008, along with Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. Democrats also held key seats of their own, including Jon Ossoff's in Georgia.
Historic Firsts Across the Country
The night also produced several historic firsts. In California, Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Trump-backed Republican Steve Hilton to become the state's first elected Latino governor, succeeding term-limited Gavin Newsom. In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor. And House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is now positioned to become the first Black speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes.
The Economy Decides
The election was widely seen as a referendum on Trump's presidency, and the results point to anger over the cost of living. Exit polls found that half of voters saw the midterms as a chance to rebuke Trump, while 70 per cent said they wanted Congress to act as a stronger check on the president. Many voters cited rising rent, groceries, utility bills and property taxes, along with tariffs and Trump's war with Iran. Related coverage: Oil Prices Rise Today as Middle East Shipping Risks Grow.
Trump Responds
Trump struck a conciliatory note, telling The New York Times he was "absolutely willing to accept those results" and promising to work with Democrats, while praising their campaign performance on Fox News. On social media, however, he also signalled a combative approach toward the incoming Democratic majority.
What Comes Next
With control of Congress, Democrats will be able to block Trump's legislation and open broad investigations into his administration.
Source: Dawn — “Democrats win US Congress in midterm rout of Trump” (reporting by Reuters and AFP).
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