Democrats seize control of Congress in major setback for Trump

Democrats have stormed to victory in the US midterm elections, capturing control of both chambers of Congress in a stunning political reversal that delivers a major blow to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The results of Tuesday’s elections saw Democrats break through in traditionally Republican strongholds, flipping key Senate seats in Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, where Republicans had expected to hold their ground.

Among the biggest upsets was James Talarico’s Senate victory in Texas, where Democrats had not won a statewide office in more than 30 years. In South Carolina, Annie Andrews defeated Republican Senator Darline Graham, while Troy Jackson unseated Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine.

The Democratic gains extended to the House of Representatives, where the party overturned Republican advantages in several states, including Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Trump faces two difficult years

The scale of the defeat is a serious setback for Trump, who spent much of the final campaign stretch rallying supporters and backing Republican candidates. Several of those candidates went down to defeat despite his personal endorsements.

Voters appeared to deliver a clear message, with rising living costs, economic frustration, the war in Iran and concerns over government corruption emerging as major issues.

Trump sought to play down the results, insisting he had not been on the ballot and blaming the defeat on the candidates rather than his own leadership.

Democratic leaders, meanwhile, celebrated what they described as a historic political shift, promising tougher oversight of the administration and investigations into senior officials.

With Democrats now controlling both chambers, Trump’s legislative agenda faces a formidable obstacle. The party has also signalled that investigations into the administration, including questions surrounding the president’s personal interests and the conduct of senior officials, will be a priority.

The outcome marks one of the most significant political setbacks of Trump’s presidency, transforming the balance of power in Washington and setting the stage for two turbulent years ahead.