History has a warning for the new Democratic majority

The article says the Democrats’ midterm gains amount to a historic opportunity, but not a guarantee of major change. With control of the House and Senate divided from the presidency, Democrats will need to manage internal disagreements and contend with Donald Trump’s veto power.

The last comparable Democratic wave came in 1974, when younger, more liberal lawmakers helped advance reforms to open Congress and strengthen oversight. Some reforms were later weakened, and greater public visibility may also have encouraged more performative, polarised politics. The article also points to the 1994 Republican wave: it brought conflict with President Bill Clinton, while welfare reform required compromise after two vetoes.