Democrats seize control of US Congress in midterm election

Democrats have won control of both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, giving the party a majority in Congress for the remainder of Donald Trump’s presidency.

The results show sizeable swings for Democrats in former Trump‑won states such as Texas, Kansas, Ohio and South Carolina. Senior Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, the top figure in the House, said “today begins the great American comeback” and is poised to become Speaker, which would make him the first black person to hold the post.

In Michigan, Abdul El‑Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, retaining the seat for the Democrats after defeating Republican Mike Rogers. El‑Sayed’s victory followed a bitter campaign in which former President Trump labelled him a “jihadist”, prompting accusations of Islamophobia.

President Trump, speaking to US media on election night, conceded that the Democrats had done a “good job” and said he would accept the results, though he retained the power to veto legislation. He also distanced himself from some Republican candidates, noting that “in some cases they weren’t my friend”.

Long‑serving Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine lost her seat to Democrat Troy Jackson, marking a significant defeat for the GOP. Collins, who served for three decades, described her tenure as “the honour of my life”.

In Texas, Democrats secured two statewide victories with James Talarico winning a Senate seat and Gina Hinojosa being elected governor, ending a long period of defeats for the party in the state.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels.