American voters gave the Democratic Party control of both parts of the United States Congress in the midterm elections. The decisive outcome turned an election that was expected to favor Republicans into a major defeat for President Donald Trump and his party.
Following the results, Republican leaders began arguing about what caused the heavy losses. JD Vance pointed to the ongoing war in Iran as the obvious reason why the party lost, an explanation that Trump later said was largely true. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis blamed poor advertising decisions for what he called "close to an extinction-level event" for Republicans. In the House of Representatives, Republican leader Mike Johnson announced that he will not seek a minority leadership position in the new term.
Key races across the country helped Democrats flip several traditional Republican seats. Democratic candidates won important House races in states including Nevada, California, and Michigan. In the Senate, Democrats defeated long-serving Maine Senator Susan Collins and mounted strong challenges in traditionally conservative states such as Mississippi and Alaska.
With control of Congress secured, Democratic leaders said their main priority will be addressing the cost of living. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, who launched a campaign to become the new Speaker of the House, announced that voters had given Democrats a mandate to make everyday life more affordable for working families. In the Senate, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated that the party will focus on reducing costs and fighting corruption.