Democrats Seize Congress in Sweeping Midterm Rebuke of Trump

Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the US Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, delivering a major political setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

The victory marks a significant shift in Washington's political balance, giving Democrats control of the Senate and House of Representatives for the first time during Trump's second presidency.

The election outcome reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with the administration's policies, particularly the US-Iran war, rising living costs and import tariffs. Democrats made significant gains in traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. The results have also raised questions about Trump's political influence and the Republican Party's prospects ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

• Democrats Win Control of US Congress in Major Midterm Setback for Trump
• US Democrats Seize Senate and House as Republicans Suffer Midterm Losses
• Trump Faces Congressional Opposition as Democrats Secure Both Chambers

Democrats Gain Senate and House Control

Democrats secured at least 54 seats in the 100-member US Senate, compared with 44 for Republicans, while the results in Alaska and Mississippi remained undecided as of Wednesday morning. The party also gained at least 30 seats in the House of Representatives, establishing a clear majority in the lower chamber.

The victories were particularly significant in states that have traditionally supported Republican candidates. In Texas, Democrats ended a decades-long losing streak by winning their first Senate seat in the state since 1988. They also defeated three-term Governor Greg Abbott, marking a major political setback for Republicans in one of the country's strongest conservative states.

Kansas elected its first Democratic senator since the Great Depression, while Democrats defeated Trump's preferred Senate candidate in South Carolina. The victories demonstrated the party's ability to attract voters beyond its traditional support base.

According to Reuters, Republicans lost ground in 99% of approximately 2,100 counties where most votes had been counted by Wednesday morning. The results indicate a broad shift in voter sentiment rather than isolated victories in closely contested districts.

The Democratic leadership has already outlined its priorities for the incoming Congress. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the party would concentrate on economic affordability and accountability. He is also positioned to become the first Black speaker of the House.

Once the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats are expected to investigate the Trump administration, including its family members and political associates. The Democratic-controlled Senate will also have the authority to block presidential appointments, including nominations to federal courts and the Supreme Court if vacancies arise.

Iran War and Living Costs Drive Republican Losses

The election results have intensified scrutiny of Trump's domestic and foreign policies. Voters expressed frustration over the economic consequences of the US-Iran conflict, which has contributed to higher living costs, alongside concerns about US economic policy, import tariffs and the administration's handling of the economy.

Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran played a role in the Republican defeat but defended his decision to pursue the military campaign. Vice President JD Vance also attributed the losses to the conflict, suggesting that its political cost had been significant for the Republican Party.

Trump made his first public appearance after the election at the White House, where he showcased the construction of a new ballroom. He briefly addressed the Democratic victory, saying he was prepared to work with the opposition party but retained the power to veto legislation.

The results also produced several historic political milestones. Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history through her victory in Georgia, while Deb Haaland won the governorship of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman elected to the position.

Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that he would not continue leading the party's House caucus next year, adding to the leadership challenges following the election. With Democrats preparing to take control of Congress in January, Trump's administration faces two years of stronger legislative opposition.

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Negotiations over government funding, economic policy and national security could become more difficult, while Democrats are expected to use their congressional majority to increase government accountability and oversight of the administration. The outcome has reshaped Washington's political landscape and established a challenging environment for Republicans ahead of the next presidential race.