Democrats win Congress in sweeping midterm gains

Democrats captured control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, winning Senate seats in Republican strongholds and defeating incumbent governors in Texas and elsewhere. The results mark a sharp shift in the balance of power in Washington, though it remains uncertain whether they reflect a lasting change in the political map or a response specific to this election. Democrats flipped at least six Republican-held Senate seats, securing a majority, and won at least eight Republican-held House seats. Reports said the party had taken control of the House, although one account described that outcome as still developing. The new congressional balance is expected to take effect when newly elected members are seated in January. The Senate gains included Kansas, Texas, Ohio and South Carolina, states carried by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Adam Hamilton won in Kansas, James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton in Texas, Sherrod Brown returned to the Senate by defeating Jon Husted in Ohio, and Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham in South Carolina. Hamilton became the first Democrat elected to a Kansas Senate seat since 1932, while Andrews was the...