Democrats have secured major victories in the US midterms, winning control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives for the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency. Projected results show massive political shifts across the nation, handing the opposition party historic wins and a brand-new mandate in Washington.
Historic Results Across Red States
The political landscape shifted dramatically as Democrats registered sizeable swings in states comfortably won by Donald Trump just two years ago, including Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and South Carolina. In Texas, celebrations erupted as James Talarico won a US Senate seat and Gina Hinojosa was elected state governor, marking the first statewide victories for Democrats in nearly two generations and making Hinojosa the first Latina to hold the office.
In Kansas, Adam Hamilton captured a closely-fought Senate seat, securing the state's first Democratic senator in nearly a century. Meanwhile, in Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican billionaire businessman and healthcare executive Rick Jackson to become the state's first Black female governor, while Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff won a second term.
Key Takeaways from the US Midterms
- Democrats take Congress: The party won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- Hakeem Jeffries' speech: The top House Democrat declared, "Today begins the great American comeback."
- Susan Collins defeated: The long-serving Republican senator for Maine lost her seat to Democratic candidate Troy Jackson after three decades in office.
- Chris Pappas' milestone: The Democrat became the first openly gay man elected to the Senate, defeating former Republican Senator John Sununu in New Hampshire.
- Byron Donalds wins in Florida: Following a hearty endorsement from Trump, Republican Byron Donalds became the state's first Black governor.
Donald Trump Reacts to Opposition Gains
Throughout the evening, Donald Trump spoke with several US media outlets, adopting a conciliatory tone and acknowledging that the Democrats did a "good job." While he stated he would accept the results and look forward to working with the opposition, Trump still retains the power to veto legislation advanced by Democrats through Texas. He also pointed to the US-Israel war on Iran, which has impacted consumer prices in the US, as a factor that affected the vote, noting that "Iran was a piece of it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won control of Congress in the US midterms?
Democrats won both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, taking control of Congress for the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency.
What historic milestones were achieved in Texas?
James Talarico won a US Senate seat and Gina Hinojosa was elected state governor, making Hinojosa the first Latina to be elected governor of the state and ending a string of Democratic defeats lasting almost two generations.
Who is Hakeem Jeffries?
Hakeem Jeffries is the top Democrat in the House of Representatives who is now poised to take over as the speaker of the lower chamber of Congress.