Democrats have secured control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives in a major upset in the November 3 midterm elections, dealing a significant blow to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The party flipped several Republican-held Senate seats and made major gains in the House. The results mark a shift in Washington’s political balance during the final two years of Trump’s current term.

The election saw voters cast their ballots amid concerns over the Trump administration’s policies, rising living costs and the country’s political direction. Democrats overturned Republican advantages in traditionally conservative states, including Texas, Kansas, Iowa and South Carolina.

The US Senate has 100 members, with 51 seats needed for an outright majority. This year’s election featured 35 contests, including special elections. Democrats flipped at least seven Republican-held seats in Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. They also retained important seats in Georgia and Michigan.

Major Democratic winners included Josh Turek in Iowa, Adam Hamilton in Kansas, Troy Jackson in Maine, Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, Annie Andrews in South Carolina and James Talarico in Texas. The Alaska Senate race remained among the outstanding contests in the latest reporting.

Jon Ossoff (Democrat) retained his Georgia seat against Republican Mike Collins. Josh Turek defeated Ashley Hinson in Iowa, while Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Roger Marshall in Kansas. In Maine, Troy Jackson defeated incumbent Susan Collins.

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan against Mike Rogers, while Peggy Flanagan secured Minnesota’s open seat against Michele Tafoya. Chris Pappas defeated former senator John Sununu in New Hampshire. Roy Cooper defeated Michael Whatley in North Carolina.

In Ohio, Sherrod Brown defeated incumbent Jon Husted. Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham in South Carolina, while James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton in Texas. These results include both party flips and Democratic victories in seats the party was defending. Some Senate contests were still awaiting final calls.

Democrats have also taken control of the House of Representatives after gaining more than two dozen seats. All 435 seats were contested, with 218 needed for a majority. Several Democratic victories came in districts that supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Hakeem Jeffries is expected to emerge as a leading contender for Speaker. If elected by House members, he would become the first Black Speaker in US history.

The Republican loss of both chambers will increase political pressure on Trump’s administration. Democrats will have greater influence over legislation, government oversight, investigations and confirmation of presidential nominees.

Economic concerns, particularly inflation and rising living costs, played an important role in shaping voter sentiment. The administration’s policies and its handling of the Iran war also featured prominently in the election debate.

Election-night projections and preliminary counts do not represent certified results. State election authorities must first complete the canvassing and certification process. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) subsequently compiles federal election results using information reported by state authorities.