Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress. The victory marks a major setback for President Donald Trump, whose party entered the November 3 midterm elections with narrow majorities.

The results have given Democrats control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. They will now have greater power to challenge the President’s policies and scrutinise his administration during the final two years of his term.

The gains were not confined to traditional battlegrounds. Democratic candidates also won in states that have long favoured Republicans, including Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and Kansas.

A Major Shift in Washington

Republicans began the election with a 53–47 advantage in the Senate, including two independents who caucus with Democrats. They also held a narrow majority in the House.

Democrats needed significant gains to take control. They went further than expected, flipping at least seven Republican-held Senate seats and winning more than two dozen additional House districts, according to early reports.

The results have changed the balance of power in Washington. Democratic lawmakers will be able to block legislation, scrutinise government decisions and launch congressional investigations.

The shift could also make it harder for Trump to advance his legislative agenda. However, the President will retain executive powers, including the ability to veto bills passed by Congress.

El-Sayed Makes Senate History

One of the most significant victories was recorded in Michigan.

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers in the state's open Senate race, according to media projections. His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

The 42-year-old former public health official campaigned on reducing living costs and limiting corporate influence in politics. He also supported expanding healthcare access through a Medicare for All proposal.

His win keeps the Michigan seat in Democratic hands following the retirement of Senator Gary Peters. It also marks a breakthrough for the party's progressive wing.

The campaign was not without controversy. Rogers and Republican allies questioned El-Sayed's positions on national security and the Middle East. El-Sayed denied allegations linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood, for which no evidence was presented in the reports cited. Democrats criticised the attacks as Islamophobic.

Voters Deliver a Message

The election results followed months of public concern over the economy and the direction of the country.

High food and fuel prices, healthcare costs and the war with Iran featured prominently in voters' concerns. Corruption and dissatisfaction with the administration also influenced the political debate.

Reuters reported that Democratic gains extended into areas that had strongly supported Trump in 2024. The scale of the shift was greater than many pre-election expectations.

The results have been widely interpreted as a referendum on Trump's leadership. However, voters backed individual candidates for different reasons, and the outcome does not establish a single explanation for every state's result.

Trump Says He Will Accept the Results

Trump told The New York Times that he would accept the election results, according to CNN's reporting.

In a separate interview with Fox News, he rejected the suggestion that the Republican losses amounted to a personal rebuke. He instead pointed to the quality of some candidates and other campaign factors.

The President's response came after he had actively campaigned for Republican candidates across the country. His involvement had made the midterms an important test of his political influence.

Republican leaders now face the task of reassessing their strategy after losing control of both chambers.

What Happens Next?

The new Congress will have greater authority to investigate the administration and challenge its policies.

Democrats are also expected to push their own legislative priorities. But passing major laws may remain difficult, particularly where presidential approval is required.

A Democratic majority does not automatically allow Congress to overturn existing laws or block every presidential decision. Any legislation would still need to pass both chambers and receive the President's signature, unless a veto is overridden.

For Trump, the next two years will bring a more difficult relationship with Congress. For Democrats, the challenge will be turning their election gains into practical results.

The midterms have changed the balance of power in Washington. What follows will test how both parties use it.