Democrats sweep US midterms, capture full control of Congress - Milliyet

Milliyet AppUygulamayı AçWebWeb'de Devam Et ENDemocrats sweep US midterms, capture full control of CongressNewsDemocrats Sweep Us Midterms, Capture Full Control Of CongressDemocrats sweep US midterms, capture full control of Congress04.11.2026 - 19:52 | Last Updated: 04.11.2026 - 19:52

Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress and flipped key governorships in Tuesday's midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump. The election results reversed Republican control of Congress, where the party previously held a 53-47 advantage in the Senate and a 219-215 majority in the House of Representatives.

US media projected a 54-44 Democratic majority in the Senate as of 0945GMT Wednesday, with the party flipping at least seven Republican-held seats. In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton won a Senate seat held by Republicans since 1932.

James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, becoming the state's first Democratic senator since 1988. In Maine, Troy Jackson defeated longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, securing the party's first Senate victory in the state since 1988.

Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham in South Carolina, flipping a Republican-held seat for the first time since 1998. Andrews became the first woman elected to the US Senate from South Carolina.

In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley, while Josh Turek won in Iowa, becoming the first former Paralympian elected to the Senate. The victories marked the first Democratic Senate wins in both states since 2008. Democrat Sherrod Brown also defeated Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, flipping the seat previously held by Vice President JD Vance.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. Democrat Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota's Senate race, becoming the first Native American woman elected to the chamber.

Democrat Jeff Merkley secured reelection in Oregon, while Jon Ossoff defeated Republican Mike Collins in Georgia. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas won the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Republicans retained Senate seats in Arkansas with Tom Cotton, Oklahoma with Kevin Hern, Florida with Ashley Moody and Louisiana with Julia Letlow.

Democrats also captured the 435-member House of Representatives, surpassing the 218 seats needed for a majority. As of 0945GMT, Democrats had secured at least 228 seats, compared with 139 for Republicans, recording 27 pickups. Four incumbent Muslim lawmakers won reelection to the House, while two new Muslim representatives were elected.

In Louisiana's 5th Congressional District, Democrat Patricia Moore and Republican Gabe Firment advanced to a runoff after neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote. The Democratic takeover will allow the party to control congressional committees, launch investigations into the Trump administration and block Republican legislative initiatives when the new Congress convenes in January 2027. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker of the House.

Democrats also expanded their control of state governorships, winning 28 states compared with 20 for Republicans, while two races remained undecided.

In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson, ending more than two decades of Republican control. Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of a US state.

In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, ending 30 years of Republican control and becoming the state's first Latina governor.

Democrat Deb Haaland won New Mexico's governorship, becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in US history. David Crowley became Wisconsin's first Black governor.

Democrats also flipped Ohio, where Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, and Iowa, where Rob Sand won. Republican Byron Donalds retained Florida's governorship for his party.

Responding to the election results, Trump said voters supported his Iran policy but "probably weren't willing" to accept the short-term cost of higher gasoline prices.

The president praised Democratic candidates for campaigning "hard" while insisting the election outcome was not a "hit on me." Trump said he was willing to work with Democrats on "many, many things," including immigration. However, he ruled out cooperation on what he described as an "open border."