Democrats have won control of both the US House of Representatives and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, setting up divided government for President Donald Trump’s final two years in office and giving the opposition new powers to scrutinise his administration.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Democratic candidates made decisive gains in states that have long favoured Republicans, including Texas and Kansas, while flipping more than two dozen Republican-held House seats. Vote counting continues in a number of contests, so the final size of the majorities is not yet settled.
New checks on the White House
Once the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will be able to shape committee agendas, hold hearings, launch investigations and block or delay presidential nominees. The shift also complicates Trump’s legislative agenda, although the president retains his veto power and Republicans continue to control the White House.
Cost of living and the Iran war weighed on voters
Post-election reporting and voter surveys point to concerns about high prices, inflation, tariffs and the US war with Iran as important factors behind the result. Democrats campaigned on household costs and the need for stronger congressional oversight. Trump acknowledged the political impact of the Iran conflict but defended his decisions.
The election also produced historic firsts in several federal and state races. The exact size of the Democratic majorities may change as outstanding contests are called.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press. Photo: Chandler Cruttenden / Unsplash (representative image of the White House and the US flag).
