Democrats Secure Majority in Both US Senate and House

The Democratic Party has won control of both chambers of the United States Congress following the mid‑term elections.

In the Senate, Democrats hold 53 seats and lead in three others of the 100‑seat chamber, while the Associated Press confirms they have also secured a majority in the 435‑member House of Representatives, surpassing the 218 seats required for control.

The victories include several bellwether seats that have not been won by Democrats for decades, and the outcome is being portrayed by party members as a setback for President Donald Trump, who has acknowledged his opponents out‑performed his campaign.

With a Senate majority, Democrats can block the president’s nominations to ambassadorial posts, cabinet positions and federal judgeships, and they will chair committees that can launch investigations, issue subpoenas and summon witnesses. In the House, they now have the power to initiate impeachment trials, which would be judged by the Senate.

Despite the new majority, advancing legislation will still require navigating a presidential veto, as President Trump has indicated he intends to use that power extensively. Overriding a veto would need a two‑thirds majority in both chambers, meaning some Republican support would be essential.

Analysts expect the Democratic‑led Congress to focus heavily on oversight and investigations, with senior figures such as Senator Richard Blumenthal poised to chair key investigative subcommittees.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: Michael Judkins / Pexels.