American voters have started to reshape the balance of power in Washington during the US midterm elections. The vote is seen as an early test of public support for President Donald Trump’s second term, and early results showed important victories for the Democratic Party in several closely watched races.
In the US Senate races, Democrats won several major contests. In North Carolina, former governor Roy Cooper won an open seat, making him the first Democrat elected to the Senate from that state in ten years. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas defeated former senator John Sununu, while Senator Jon Ossoff won re-election in Georgia. Early reports tracking the election noted that three Senate candidates endorsed by Donald Trump lost their races in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Georgia, while four of his backed candidates won in other states.
The election also brought a historic result in Georgia, where Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won the race for governor. The former mayor of Atlanta became the first Black woman elected governor in United States history. At the same time, Republicans held strong support in other areas, including Florida, where Republican Ashley Moody won a special election for the US Senate.
During election night, President Trump urged his supporters to remain at polling stations, saying in a video message, "If you're in line, stay in line. We're going to win it big." Meanwhile, newly elected winners such as Pappas argued that the results showed voters across the country want a change in direction. As counting continues in states across the country, these midterm results will decide which party controls Congress and how easily the president can carry out his agenda.