The Democratic Party claimed a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and reshaping the political landscape of President Donald Trump's second term.
The party's Senate gains were driven by victories in six key states previously held by Republicans: Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kansas and Iowa.
Trump acknowledged the result, saying he accepted the outcome and was prepared to work with Democrats despite the setback.
Democrats secure Senate majority
Democrats clinched control of the Senate after winning a pivotal race in Iowa, where Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist in wheelchair basketball, defeated Republican congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
The victory gave Democrats at least 51 seats, enough to secure control of the chamber.
Turek, who has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2023, campaigned heavily on cost-of-living issues, healthcare access and support for working families.
Kansas elects first Democratic senator in 94 years
One of the night's biggest surprises came in Kansas, where Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall.
The result marks the first time in 94 years that Kansas has elected a Democratic senator.
Hamilton, a fifth-generation Kansan and pastor of the country's largest Methodist church, framed his campaign around unity and civic dignity.
"This is not about Republicans or Democrats. It's about human dignity," he said during the campaign.
Historic victory in Texas
Democrats also scored a breakthrough in Texas, where James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the Senate race.
According to projections, Talarico becomes the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Texas since 1988, ending nearly four decades of Republican dominance in statewide Senate contests.
House returns to Democratic control
US media projections indicated that Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives, giving the party expanded oversight powers over the Trump administration.
The result also positions House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries to become the first Black Speaker of the House, should he secure sufficient support when the new Congress convenes.
Other notable races
- Democrat Sherrod Brown was projected to return to the Senate in Ohio, two years after losing his seat.
- Democrat Peggy Flanagan was projected to win in Minnesota, becoming the first Native American woman elected to the US Senate.
- Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the race for governor of Ohio.
- Republican Nicole Malliotakis, the Greek-American congresswoman representing New York's 11th District, won re-election to the House.
With Democrats now controlling both chambers of Congress, attention is expected to turn to how the new balance of power will affect legislative priorities, investigations and the relationship between Congress and the White House over the remainder of Trump's term.
