Democrats seize Congress in historic Trump rebuke

axios

GOP LOSES SENATE IN MIDTERMS DEBACLE Republicans lost Senate seats in South Carolina, Kansas and Texas, AP projects, giving Democrats control of the Senate and within reach of control of the House.Why it matters: President Trump made himself the face of the GOP campaign for control. Now his party is losing all over the map, and he's distancing himself from the outcome. Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosZoom in: In a shocking victory, James Talarico secured a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, defeating Trump-backed Republican opponent, Ken Paxton. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott conceded to Democrat Gina Hinojosa in the Texas governor race.In Kansas, Adam Hamilton flipped the country's longest-held Republican Senate seat, ending a 94-year drought. Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) will lose reelection to Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, AP projects. In Iowa, Democratic nominee Josh Turek defeated Rep. Ashley Hinson to flip the Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst, AP projects.Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosZoom out: Former Gov. Sherrod Brown (D) defeated Sen. Jon Husted (R) in Ohio, AP projects. Earlier in the night, Democrat Roy Cooper defeated Trump's handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley in North Carolina while Democrat Jon Ossoff won reelection to U.S. Senate in Georgia, AP projects.In North Carolina's 11th House district, Jamie Ager flipped the seat for Democrats. The seat is held by retiring Rep. Chuck Edwards, who ended his reelection bid after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured.Between the lines: The results tonight were a clear national test of President Trump's second presidency, following war abroad, economic anxiety at home and sweeping changes in Washington. "I am absolutely willing to accept those results," Trump said in an interview with The New York Times."We'll work with the Democrats, and we'll, you know, look forward to working with them. We'll probably work something out."Earlier in the night, Trump raged on social media about the early results. He made Fox News the subject of his ire by critiquing Fox's political polling, calling it "a hit job, and every answer is 'BULLSHIT!'"He also texted on-air guests to rage against Jessica Tarlov, a Fox co-host and Democratic strategist he called "DUMB AS A ROCK."This came hours after he criticized multiple Democrat candidates as voters went to the polls.The intrigue: The results created some historic moments beyond control for Washington.Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate after besting former GOP Sen. John Sununu in the New Hampshire race.There will be three Black women serving in the U.S. Senate for the first time in history after Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Senate race in Illinois. She will join Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Maryland), who became the first two Black women to serve simultaneously in 2025.What we're hearing: The Democratic wave is the result of cost of living and government corruption concerns, which voters identified as the two top issues in this year's election, according to exit polls from AP.Cost of living skyrocketed thanks to the Iran war and the president's tariff policies. Trump himself was deemed corrupt and dangerous in a poll of registered voters prior to the election. The bottom line: Republicans have largely given Trump a free hand in Washington since his return to the White House. Democratic control of even one chamber of Congress would open the door to investigations, subpoenas and even more legislative gridlock. Now Democrats are on the path for both chambers.

about 3 hours ago

The Guardian (Bluesky)

Democrats have regained control of the US Senate, routing Republicans nationwide with historic victories that will give them powerful new leverage over Donald Trump for the remainder of his presidency www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

about 3 hours ago

The Economist (Bluesky)

Democrats have pulled off remarkable Senate victories in Texas and South Carolina, two deep-red states that voted for Donald Trump by 14 and 18 points respectively in 2024. Follow our live results for America's midterm elections

about 4 hours ago

france24

🔴 Midterms live: Texas, Ohio, North and South Carolina... Democrats have already flipped 4 Senate seats

about 4 hours ago

GeoPWatch (Telegram)

⚡️🇺🇸🗳 – Update on the control of the Senate. Democrats are practically guaranteed to win a majority in the Senate once AP News calls the races on Kansas, Iowa and Michigan 🟢 21/35 races called 🐘 Democrats: Massachusetts Rhode Island New Jersey Delaware Virginia Georgia Illinois New Hampshire Colorado New Mexico Oregon North Carolina (FLIP) Texas (FLIP) South Carolina (FLIP) Kansas (FLIP) Ohio (FLIP) 🐘 Republicans Florida West Virginia Wyoming Kentucky Oklahoma Arkansas @GeoPWatch

about 4 hours ago

corriere

Elezioni Midterm Usa, i risultati in diretta. Dem ottengono il controllo della Camera, Talarico si prende il Texas L'election day per rinnovare tutti i 435 seggi della Camera dei Rappresentanti e 35 seggi su 100 del Senato. La Florida, Wyoming e West Virginia ai repubblicani, onda blu in arrivo: avanti i dem in Michigan e Texas. Ossoff rieletto in Georgia. Cooper vince in North Carolina, dem strappano un seggio in bilico al Senato. Trump: "Pronto a usare poteri enormi"

about 4 hours ago

axios

Dems flip House and Senate seats as Trump rages The state of North Carolina produced the first flips of the 2026 midterms, with Democrats winning a House and Senate seat. Why it matters: The results tonight will be the clearest national test of President Trump's second presidency, following war abroad, economic anxiety at home and sweeping changes in Washington. Trump has made himself the face of the Republican campaign for control.Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosThe latest: In a major win of the night, Democrat Jon Ossoff won reelection to U.S. Senate from Georgia, AP projects.In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper defeated Trump's handpicked candidate, Michael Whatley, flipping one of the Republican party's two U.S. Senate seats.In North Carolina's 11th House district, Jamie Ager flipped the seat for Democrats. The seat is held by retiring Rep. Chuck Edwards, who ended his reelection bid after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured. Zoom in: Before the elections, Axios' Hans Nichols pointed out House races to watch in Florida that could be an indicator of the larger balance of power.Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor will win FL-14, AP projects, a sign that Republicans will see their House majority disappear.Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz will win FL-25, AP projects. Republicans need to keep it close in the district where Trump was +9 in 2024.It's also worth keeping an eye on Virginia, Nichols writes:Watch if Democrats are flipping VA-01, a Trump +5 seat in 2024. If they do, Democrats are in for a very good night. If they end up flipping VA-05, a Trump +12 seat, they're in for a great night.Similarly, VA-02 could tell us whether even a strong Republican incumbent like Rep. Jen Kiggans can survive a Democratic wave.Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosThe intrigue: Trump has made Fox News the subject of his ire by critiquing Fox's political polling, calling it "a hit job, and every answer is 'BULLSHIT!'"He also texted on-air guests to rage against Jessica Tarlov, a Fox co-host and Democratic strategist he called "DUMB AS A ROCK."This came hours after he criticized multiple Democrat candidates as voters went to the polls.What we're hearing: Voters are saying cost of living and government corruption are the two top issues in this year's election, according to exit polls from AP.Cost of living skyrocketed thanks to the Iran war and the president's tariff policies. Trump himself was deemed corrupt and dangerous in a poll of registered voters prior to the election. State of play: Throughout Tuesday, the Trump administration faced legal battles amid the White House crackdown on alleged voter fraud.Trump scored a victory Tuesday after a federal appeals court tossed a previous order blocking Trump officials from demanding election workers set aside the ballots of alleged non-citizen voters. The Department of Justice has sent more than a dozen target letters as part of its investigation into the Dan J. Sullivan campaign, which has been the subject of Trump's ire for several days.The legal battles come as the White House is circulating Election Day talking points across the administration, touting Trump's accomplishments.Voting machine glitches and hiccups popped up in various spots of the country Tuesday, including in the high-profile New York House race.What's at stake in the 2026 midterm racesThe big picture: Republicans have largely given Trump a free hand in Washington since his return to the White House. Democratic control of even one chamber of Congress would open the door to investigations, subpoenas and even more legislative gridlock.An unprecedented mobilization of election monitors and legal battles involving the Trump administration have raised concerns about potential disruptions and challenges to the results.Trump has said he'll respect the election results if "they're honest elections."What's at stake: Republicans enter Election Day defending narrow congressional majorities, with a number of battlegrounds and traditionally GOP districts and states shifting into toss-up territory during the campaigns' final weeks.The House: All 435 seats are on the ballot. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reclaim the majority. Redistricting has reshaped the battlefield.The Senate: 35 seats are on the ballot. Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage, including two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats.3 scenarios for the 2026 midtermsSome scenarios:Democrats flip the House: They gain greater investigative power, control of committees and leverage over spending — but Trump retains his veto and executive authority. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) could become the first Black speaker of the House, or face an opponent from his left.Democrats take Congress: Democrats' oversight power expands, while Trump's agenda faces major obstacles. A third Trump impeachment could be on the table, although being convicted in a Senate trial would require a two-thirds vote. Republicans retain Congress: Trump and GOP leaders get another two years to advance his agenda, though narrow margins could complicate plans.Between the lines: Beyond control of Congress, the results will test whether Trump's gains among young, Black and Latino voters in 2024 have endured — or if those voters are moving back toward Democrats who are trying to rebuild a winning coalition for 2028.What we're watching: Whether close races, outstanding ballots and legal challenges delay a clear verdict.

about 6 hours ago

axios

Election night's current star: Florida Polls in multiple key states, including Michigan and Texas, closed at 8pm ET, but much of the current attention is on what's happening down in Florida.Why it matters: The results tonight will be the clearest national test of President Trump's second presidency, following war abroad, economic anxiety at home and sweeping changes in Washington. Trump has made himself the face of the Republican campaign for control.Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosThe latest: In a major win of the night, Democrat Jon Ossoff won reelection to U.S. Senate from Georgia, AP projects.Zoom in: Before the elections, Axios' Hans Nichols pointed out House races to watch in Florida that could be an indicator of the larger balance of power.Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor will win FL-14, AP projects, a sign that Republicans will see their House majority disappear.Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz will win FL-25, AP projects. Republicans need to keep it close in the district where Trump was +9 in 2024.It's also worth keeping an eye on Virginia, Nichols writes:Watch if Democrats are flipping VA-01, a Trump +5 seat in 2024. If they do, Democrats are in for a very good night. If they end up flipping VA-05, a Trump +12 seat, they're in for a great night.Similarly, VA-02 could tell us whether even a strong Republican incumbent like Rep. Jen Kiggans can survive a Democratic wave.Data: AP; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosWhat we're hearing: Voters are saying cost of living and government corruption are the two top issues in this year's election, according to exit polls from AP.Cost of living skyrocketed thanks to the Iran war and the president's tariff policies. Trump himself was deemed corrupt and dangerous in a poll of registered voters prior to the election. State of play: Throughout Tuesday, the Trump administration faced legal battles amid the White House crackdown on alleged voter fraud.Trump scored a victory Tuesday after a federal appeals court tossed a previous order blocking Trump officials from demanding election workers set aside the ballots of alleged non-citizen voters. The Department of Justice has sent more than a dozen target letters as part of its investigation into the Dan J. Sullivan campaign, which has been the subject of Trump's ire for several days.The legal battles come as the White House is circulating Election Day talking points across the administration, touting Trump's accomplishments.Voting machine glitches and hiccups popped up in various spots of the country Tuesday, including in the high-profile New York House race.What's at stake in the 2026 midterm racesThe big picture: Republicans have largely given Trump a free hand in Washington since his return to the White House. Democratic control of even one chamber of Congress would open the door to investigations, subpoenas and even more legislative gridlock.An unprecedented mobilization of election monitors and legal battles involving the Trump administration have raised concerns about potential disruptions and challenges to the results.Trump has said he'll respect the election results if "they're honest elections."What's at stake: Republicans enter Election Day defending narrow congressional majorities, with a number of battlegrounds and traditionally GOP districts and states shifting into toss-up territory during the campaigns' final weeks.The House: All 435 seats are on the ballot. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reclaim the majority. Redistricting has reshaped the battlefield.The Senate: 35 seats are on the ballot. Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage, including two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats.3 scenarios for the 2026 midtermsSome scenarios:Democrats flip the House: They gain greater investigative power, control of committees and leverage over spending — but Trump retains his veto and executive authority. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) could become the first Black speaker of the House, or face an opponent from his left.Democrats take Congress: Democrats' oversight power expands, while Trump's agenda faces major obstacles. A third Trump impeachment could be on the table, although being convicted in a Senate trial would require a two-thirds vote. Republicans retain Congress: Trump and GOP leaders get another two years to advance his agenda, though narrow margins could complicate plans.Between the lines: Beyond control of Congress, the results will test whether Trump's gains among young, Black and Latino voters in 2024 have endured — or if those voters are moving back toward Democrats who are trying to rebuild a winning coalition for 2028.What we're watching: Whether close races, outstanding ballots and legal challenges delay a clear verdict.

about 7 hours ago

financial times

Democrats clinch first battleground Senate seat as Jon Ossoff wins in Georgia High-stakes midterm election doubles as referendum on Donald Trump's presidency

about 7 hours ago

aljazeera

US midterm election results live: First results roll in as polls close Early results come in from across the US as polls close in the midterm elections and control of Congress is at stake.

about 7 hours ago

euronews

Live updates on the 2026 midterm elections in the US Millions of Americans have cast their votes to elect representatives in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives.

about 9 hours ago

axios

Election night opens with Trump in battle mode Voting is underway across the country Tuesday in a midterm election that could decide whether President Trump gets two more years of unified Republican rule — or faces a potential Democratic check on his power.Why it matters: The results will be the clearest national test of Trump's second presidency, following war abroad, economic anxiety at home and sweeping changes in Washington. Trump, facing all these challenges, has made himself the face of the Republican campaign for control.State of play: As voters head to the polls, the Trump administration is zeroing-in on the Alaska Senate race. The Department of Justice has sent more than a dozen target letters as part of its investigation into the Dan J. Sullivan campaign, which has been the subject of Trump's ire for several days.It's an escalation into the Trump administration's push for answers in the race where Democrats reportedly conducted an organized effort to recruit another "Dan Sullivan" to join Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) on the ballot.The Justice Department's move comes as the White House is circulating Election Day talking points across the administration, touting Trump's accomplishments as the GOP braces for a tough evening that could see them lose both the House and the Senate, according to some forecasters.Trump has been a massive force on the campaign trail, rallying in several states for his Republican picks. The president has claimed to voters that he is on the ballot this year, making the election about his policies and actions — despite his dismal polling ratings, plagued by the Iran war and economic anxiety.Trump spent the morning of Election Day criticizing Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and the Daily Mail in various social media posts.Zoom in: Voting machine glitches and hiccups popped up in various spots of the country Tuesday, including in the high-profile New York House race between Rep. Mike Lawler (R) and Democratic nominee Cait Conley.Otherwise the temperature was rather low despite the power of Washington hanging in the balance.The big picture: Republicans have largely given Trump a free hand in Washington since his return to the White House. Democratic control of even one chamber of Congress would open the door to investigations, subpoenas and even more legislative gridlock.Voters are weighing the Iran war and rising energy costs, broader affordability concerns, and intensifying debate over AI's economic impact, among other issues.An unprecedented mobilization of election monitors and legal battles involving the Trump administration have raised concerns about potential disruptions and challenges to the results.Trump has said he'll respect the election results if "they're honest elections."What's at stake: Republicans enter Election Day defending narrow congressional majorities, with a number of battlegrounds and traditionally GOP districts and states shifting into toss-up territory during the campaigns' final weeks.The House: All 435 seats are on the ballot. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reclaim the majority. Redistricting has reshaped the battlefield.The Senate: 35 seats are on the ballot. Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage, including two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats.Some scenarios:Democrats flip the House: They gain greater investigative power, control of committees and leverage over spending — but Trump retains his veto and executive authority. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) could become the first Black speaker of the House, or face an opponent from his left.Democrats take Congress: Democrats' oversight power expands, while Trump's agenda faces major obstacles. A third Trump impeachment could be on the table, although being convicted in a Senate trial would require a two-thirds vote. Republicans retain Congress: Trump and GOP leaders get another two years to advance his agenda, though narrow margins could complicate plans.Between the lines: Beyond control of Congress, the results will test whether Trump's gains among young, Black and Latino voters in 2024 have endured — or if those voters are moving back toward Democrats who are trying to rebuild a winning coalition for 2028.What we're watching: Whether close races, outstanding ballots and legal challenges delay a clear verdict.

about 12 hours ago