(AA Photo)
Democrats won control of the U.S. Senate and were projected to retake the House of Representatives in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, setting up divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The Associated Press called the Senate for Democrats, while NBC and CBS projected a Democratic majority in the House. Counting continued, with the final seat totals still being determined.
Trump told The New York Times he was prepared to accept the results and work with Democrats.
“I am absolutely willing to accept those results,” he said.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump argued that Republicans would have won by a landslide had he been on the ballot. He also told Fox News he would veto Democratic proposals he opposed.
Control of Congress would give Democrats greater influence over legislation and federal spending, alongside the power to investigate the administration.
Their Senate majority will allow them to block Trump’s judicial and Cabinet nominees when the new Congress takes office in January.
The Democratic gains extended into states long held by Republicans.
In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate election in the state since 1988.
Adam Hamilton unseated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas, delivering the party’s first Senate election victory there since 1932.
In Ohio, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted.
Maine Democrat Troy Jackson defeated five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Democrats also captured Republican-held Senate seats in North Carolina, South Carolina and Iowa.
In the House, Democrat Janelle Stelson defeated seven-term Republican Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, among a series of seats that changed hands.
High living costs were a leading concern for voters.
The AP Voter Poll found that most blamed the administration for high prices and wanted Congress to impose stronger checks on Trump.
Democrats also won several Republican-held governorships. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the United States.
In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, adding to the party’s gains in a longtime Republican stronghold.
