Democrats win control of US Congress in midterm elections as Trump cites war on Iran

WASHINGTON — Democrats have wrested control of the US Congress from Republicans by winning majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate following the midterm elections.

The sweeping congressional defeat dealt a setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. President Trump stated that he accepts the results and acknowledged that his war on Iran was partly to blame for the defeat, though he added that he is not considering replacing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Vice President JD Vance also pointed to the war on Iran as a factor, though that assessment drew dispute from figures such as Ari Fleischer, who contended that the problem was instead the ceasefire.

The outcome reshapes the balance of power in Washington ahead of the new Congress taking office in January. Democratic congressional leaders framed the results as a mandate for economic relief and a shift in foreign policy. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated that the new majority will focus on health care, electricity, gasoline, and diesel by ending the war quickly. House leader Hakeem Jeffries described the electoral outcome as an “American tsunami” and promised a relentless effort to make life more affordable.

The midterm results also triggered intense scrutiny of military leadership and campaign expenditures. Outgoing Republican Senator Thom Tillis told CBS News that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a reckoning in the final weeks of the current Congress’s term. Democratic Representative Jason Crow labeled Hegseth incompetent and corrupt, while Pat Ryan stated in a victory speech after winning New York’s 18th Congressional District that the US defense secretary must go.

Financial data analysis by CNBC showed that a majority of high-profile political contributions by billionaire Elon Musk went to losing candidates. According to the analysis, Musk spent $289m, or 61 percent of his $474m total political spend, on losing candidates or causes, including $212m directed toward Ken Paxton’s failed campaign for the US Senate in Texas.

In key electoral contests, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers to become the US Senator-elect for Michigan, while William Lawrence flipped a battleground seat in Michigan to Democrats after defeating Republican incumbent Tom Barrett. Deborah Dingell was also re-elected after winning Michigan’s 6th district. Meanwhile, Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi remain uncalled by the Associated Press, with Democrats holding 54 seats against Republicans’ 44. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola leads Republican Dan Sullivan, with state tabulation scheduled for November 18.