Democrats have seized control of both chambers of the United States Congress in a sweeping midterm election defeat for President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, setting the stage for two years of divided government and increased scrutiny of his administration.
The victories in Tuesday’s elections saw Democrats flip at least seven Republican-held Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts, giving the party control of the legislative branch for the first time since Trump returned to the White House.
The outcome marks a major reversal for Republicans, who entered the elections controlling both chambers, and gives Democrats the power to block legislation, scrutinise presidential appointments and launch investigations into the Trump administration during the final two years of his term.
Democrats recorded significant victories in states traditionally considered Republican strongholds, including Texas, South Carolina, Kansas and Iowa.
They also captured Senate seats in Ohio, North Carolina and Maine, overturning the Republican majority that stood at 53 to 47 before the election.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats swept several closely contested races, extending their gains into traditionally conservative districts.
An Associated Press tally reported by Al Jazeera put the party at 228 seats won, with leads in another 34, placing it on course for a potentially historic majority.
The scale of the Republican defeat has triggered an immediate leadership crisis within the party, with House Speaker Mike Johnson informing aides that he would not seek to lead the Republican conference in the minority.
Republican Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio has indicated that he intends to contest for the leadership position, arguing that the party must adopt a more aggressive approach in its opposition role.
The election also exposed divisions within the Trump administration over the reasons behind the Republican losses, particularly the controversial war with Iran.
Vice President JD Vance attributed the party’s defeat to the conflict, describing it as a war of choice by the Trump administration.
In a social media post, Vance said: “The reason we lost is the war.”
He added that those who believed the military campaign was worth the political consequences should openly defend that position.
His remarks marked a notable departure from Trump’s defence of the military action.
The President, however, described Vance’s assessment as “largely true” but maintained that he would not have changed his decision if given another opportunity.
Meanwhile, preliminary ABC News voter polling suggested that the backlash against Republicans extended beyond the Iran conflict.
The poll indicated that 55 per cent of House voters considered government corruption crucial to their voting decisions, while 49 per cent identified the cost of living and 34 per cent cited the war with Iran.
Democratic leaders have pledged to use their newly secured congressional majority to challenge the administration’s policies and strengthen oversight of the executive branch.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become Speaker, described the outcome as an “American tsunami”, declaring that the House of Representatives would no longer function as an extension of the Trump administration.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also signalled a more confrontational approach, identifying the reduction of living costs and efforts to tackle corruption as key priorities for the party.
Trump, however, said he was willing to accept the election outcome and work with Democrats, despite previously raising concerns about electoral integrity.
Beyond Congress, Democratic gains extended to state governments, with the party recording significant advances in gubernatorial and other down-ballot contests.
Republicans retained Florida, where Trump ally Byron Donalds won the governorship, but suffered setbacks in several states previously regarded as Republican strongholds.
Although some closely contested races were still being counted, the transfer of control in both chambers represents a major political setback for Trump and sets the stage for intensified congressional oversight of his administration over the next two years.
