Democrats seize Congress in sweeping midterm repudiation of Trump
SPY•Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, breaking through in Republican strongholds and delivering a rebuke to President Donald Trump. They won all 20 decided competitive House races and captured the Senate seat in Michigan, while races in Mississippi and Alaska remained uncalled.
1. Democrats take Congress
Democrats seized control of both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, setting up divided government in Washington when the new Congress is seated in January. The results followed Democratic gains in Republican strongholds, including a Senate seat in Kansas, a Senate victory in South Carolina and a Senate seat and governorship in Texas.
2. Trump agenda faces checks
Democrats are expected to investigate Trump's administration, family and allies, seek concessions on legislation and use their Senate majority to block nominees. Trump accepted the election outcome and said he would work with Democrats on issues such as immigration, but threatened to veto bills he considers “insane.”
3. Contests and voter concerns
Democrats won all 20 of the competitive House contests decided so far, while an effort to redraw House districts largely failed to dislodge targeted Democratic incumbents. Exit polls found half of voters viewed the election as an opportunity to rebuke Trump, and 70% wanted Congress to provide more checks and balances on the president. Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the open Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber.
