Democrats have regained control of the US Senate following a net gain of four seats in the November 3 midterm elections, ending the Republican Party’s majority in the upper chamber of Congress.
The Associated Press reported on Wednesday, November 4, that Democrats secured enough victories in key states to take control of the Senate, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.
The Democratic victories included Senate races in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio, while the party also retained several seats it previously held.
Before the election, Republicans controlled the Senate with 53 seats against the Democrats’ 47. Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to secure the majority.
One of the significant victories came in Texas, where Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated his Republican challenger, ending decades of Republican dominance in statewide Senate elections.
The change in control is expected to have major implications for Trump’s remaining two years in office.
With their new majority, Democrats will have greater influence over legislative proceedings, congressional committee investigations and the confirmation of presidential nominees, including federal judges.
The victory marks a return to Senate majority control for Democrats, giving the party greater power to scrutinise the Trump administration and influence decisions in Congress.
