Democrats have won control of the Senate and the House of Representatives in the U.S. midterm elections of November 3, according to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press. The result shifts the balance in Washington and represents a major political blow to U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
According to ABC News’ morning update of November 4, Democrats are projected to win 54 seats in the Senate, while Republicans have 43. The allocation of seats has not yet been completed. In the House of Representatives too, Democrats have secured a majority according to media reports, while the final number of seats remains to be determined.
Among the most significant results is the victory of Democrat James Talarico in the Senate race in Texas over Republican Ken Paxton. With about 90 percent of the votes reported, Talarico leads with 54 percent, against 44 percent for his opponent. In Georgia, Jon Ossoff has secured reelection, while in Ohio, Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted, according to ABC News projections.
Democrats have also won governorships held by Republicans, including in Texas, Ohio, Iowa and Georgia. According to AP, dissatisfaction with the cost of living, the war with Iran and concerns about corruption have influenced voters’ decisions.
Democratic control of Congress will make it harder to advance Trump’s agenda during the last two years of his term. Starting in January, the new majority will be able to expand parliamentary oversight and investigations, while control of the Senate will give it a decisive influence over the appointments proposed by the president.
Counting continues in several races, and the reported figures remain preliminary, pending final results and certification.