US President Donald Trump has suffered a major political setback after Democrats reportedly won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, ending the Republican Party’s control of Congress.
The reported results represent a major reversal for Trump, whose Republicans had controlled both chambers during the first two years of his second presidential term.
Democrats made significant gains in traditionally Republican states and congressional districts, with the election shaped by voter dissatisfaction over rising living costs, the war with Iran, corruption concerns, and the administration’s performance.
According to the figures cited in the supplied report, Democrats secured 228 seats in the House of Representatives, against 139 for Republicans. In the Senate, Democrats won 54 seats, compared with 44 for Republicans.
A party needs 218 seats in the House and 51 in the Senate to control the respective chambers.
The outcome would give Democrats control over Congress’s legislative agenda for the final two years of Trump’s presidency, significantly limiting his ability to advance his policies.
Democrats Capture Republican Strongholds
Democrats reportedly gained at least seven Senate seats, including victories in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The Kansas result was particularly notable because the state had not elected a Democratic senator in nearly 100 years. Democrats also defeated a Republican candidate backed by Trump in South Carolina.
The party made substantial gains in the House as well, capturing more than two dozen seats previously held by Republicans. Some of the victories came in districts that had comfortably supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Democrats reportedly won all 20 of the most closely contested House races decided at the time of reporting. Republican efforts to redraw congressional boundaries also failed to prevent the party’s gains.
The Democratic gains extended beyond Congress, with the party also winning several governorships previously held by Republicans.
Trump Faces Two Years of Congressional Opposition
Democratic control of both chambers would create a difficult political environment for Trump during the remaining two years of his presidency.
The party would gain greater authority over congressional investigations, legislation, and approval of presidential nominees. It could also use its control of congressional committees to investigate the administration, Trump’s family, and his political allies.
The election was widely framed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency, with economic concerns and dissatisfaction with his administration playing a central role.
Reuters reported that half of surveyed voters viewed their ballot as an opportunity to express opposition to Trump, while 70 percent wanted Congress to exercise stronger checks and balances on presidential power.
Trump acknowledged the Democratic victories in an interview with Fox News and congratulated the opposition party. He also indicated that he would seek cooperation with Democrats on issues such as immigration.
However, he attempted to distance himself from the electoral setback, arguing that he had not personally appeared on the ballot and would have won by a landslide if he had.
