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Democrats deliver a historic routing to Republicans in US midterms
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, a major setback for President Donald Trump that will reshape the rest of his presidency. Their gains across traditionally Republican states suggest a broad rejection of his leadership and give Democrats greater power to influence legislation and scrutinise his administration.
With races still being counted, Democrats appeared likely to win more than 230 House seats and had flipped at least six Senate seats. Victories included Kansas, where a Democrat is set to represent the state in the Senate for the first time in 94 years, and South Carolina, where a Democrat won a Senate seat for the first time in nearly 30 years. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor.
In short
- Democrats won control of the House and Senate.
- They flipped at least six Senate seats.
- Their gains included several traditionally Republican states.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats can argue that gains in traditionally Republican states show voters want a stronger check on the president and a change in direction. Control of both chambers gives them a mandate to scrutinise the administration and shape legislation, while the historic victories suggest their appeal has broadened.
The case against
Republicans can argue that midterm results do not necessarily amount to a broad rejection of the president: voters may have been responding to particular candidates, local issues or economic concerns. They may also contend that Democratic control of Congress risks gridlock or policies that voters did not specifically endorse, and that the remaining presidency still carries its own electoral mandate.
Explained simply
US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose all members of the House of Representatives and some senators, who serve six-year terms; the two chambers together make up Congress.
Congress passes federal laws and approves government spending, while the Senate also confirms many senior appointments. When the president’s party does not control one or both chambers, the opposition can shape legislation and hold hearings into the administration’s actions, though it cannot govern on its own.
Americas Elections Government Politics World