Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress in midterm rout, dealing blow to Trump

Democrats have seized control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm victory, dealing President Donald Trump and his Republican Party a major electoral setback.

The results give Democrats the power to block Trump's legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.

Voters delivered a sharp rebuke over rising living costs, tariffs and the war against Iran, which has driven fuel prices higher.

Trump said he was willing to accept the results and promised to work with Democrats. But shortly afterwards, he posted an image on social media of a red cap bearing the word “VETO”.

Democrats break through Republican strongholds

Democrats made major gains in traditionally Republican states, including Kansas, Iowa, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio.

In Kansas, Methodist minister Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall. He became the state's first Democratic senator since 1932.

In Iowa, Democrats secured their first Senate victory since 2008.

Texas delivered another major upset. James Talarico defeated a Trump-backed Senate candidate, while Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

Democrats also captured the House by flipping Republican-held districts across several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arizona and North Carolina.

Jeffries vows action on costs and corruption

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries pledged to tackle the cost of living, reverse Medicaid cuts and investigate alleged corruption.

“We will fight hard to lower the high cost of housing and groceries and gas,” he told supporters in Washington.

Jeffries, who could become the first Black speaker of the House, also promised to hold the administration accountable.

“This is a change election,” he said. “We need to deliver dramatic change. Things are broken.”

Democrats are now positioned to scrutinise Trump's policies on immigration and Iran, block legislation and challenge his judicial and senior government nominations.

Republicans retained some ground in Florida, where Trump-backed Byron Donalds won the governorship and Ashley Moody held her Senate seat.

But the overall results marked a major shift in Washington's balance of power.

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Source: TRT