Democrats take control of US Congress as voters deliver major blow to Trump

President Donald Trump is facing a significant political setback after American voters handed Democrats control of both the Senate and House of Representatives in a dramatic midterm election result.

The November 3 elections saw Democrats make historic gains in traditionally Republican territory, with voters expressing growing frustration over rising living costs, the war with Iran and concerns about corruption within the Trump administration.

The result marks a major shift in American politics, setting the stage for two years of political battles as Democrats prepare to challenge the president’s agenda.

Republican strongholds turn against Trump

Some of the biggest surprises came from states that have traditionally supported Republicans.

Texas delivered one of the most significant blows, with Democrats securing a Senate victory and defeating three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

Kansas also made history by electing its first Democratic senator in nearly a century, while South Carolina voters rejected Trump’s preferred Senate candidate despite the president winning the state comfortably in 2024.

The Democratic gains extended across the country, including areas that had strongly supported Trump during his successful 2024 presidential campaign.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed secured an important Senate victory, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber.

The results suggest that the Republican Party struggled to maintain support among voters who had previously formed an important part of Trump’s electoral coalition.

Cost of living and Iran war become major election issues

While Republicans focused much of their campaign on cultural and social issues, Democrats found greater success by concentrating on everyday financial pressures.

Rising living costs, Trump’s tariff policies and the unpopular military conflict with Iran featured prominently in the opposition’s campaign.

Democrats also raised concerns about the growing wealth of Trump’s family since his return to the White House.

Exit polling conducted by SSRS found that half of voters viewed the midterm elections as an opportunity to reject Trump’s leadership.

Around three-quarters of those surveyed said they were angry or dissatisfied with the direction of the country, while 70% wanted Congress to exercise stronger checks and balances over the president.

What happens next in Washington?

The Democratic victories will change the balance of power in Washington when the new Congress takes office in January.

With control of both chambers, Democrats will have greater authority to investigate the Trump administration, scrutinise the president’s family and political allies, and challenge proposed legislation.

The Democratic-controlled Senate will also be able to block presidential appointments, including potential nominations to the US Supreme Court.

The results could make it considerably harder for Trump to push through his political agenda during the remaining two years of his presidency.

Trump, however, attempted to distance himself from the Republican losses, claiming on social media that his party would have secured a landslide victory had he personally been on the ballot.

He also acknowledged that the conflict with Iran had contributed to the disappointing results, although he continued defending his decision to enter the war.

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