Democrats Take Congress in US Midterms Marked by Historic Firsts
Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in a midterm election defined by dramatic upsets, historic breakthroughs and costly defeats for Donald Trump’s allies. Annie Andrews captured a Republican-held Senate seat in deeply conservative South Carolina, defeating Trump-backed Darline Graham. A paediatrician focused on healthcare and affordability, Andrews became the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 1998 and its first elected female senator.
In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers after overcoming attacks on his faith and a divisive primary battle. His victory made him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. James Talarico delivered another major surprise in Texas, winning a Senate seat in a state Donald Trump had carried by double digits two years earlier. The 37-year-old former teacher and legislator campaigned on living costs, corruption and the influence of wealthy donors.
The results also exposed major losses among Republican backers. Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack campaign against Democrat Amy Acton in Ohio was condemned after omitting crucial details about her childhood, and his team spent about $1m keeping the advertisement on air before withdrawing it. Elon Musk spent more than $400m supporting Republicans, yet saw candidates lose both chambers, while Democrats gained the power to investigate his government role and companies. Chuck Schumer was positioned to return as majority leader, while Haley Stevens lost after endorsing Rogers against El-Sayed.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔