Democrats seize control of Congress in major setback for Trump Washington, IRNA -. The Democrats won control of both houses of the US Congress, gaining strength to challenge President Donald Trump in his last two years. CNN reported Wednesday that Democrats have used discontent with Trump to pick up victories in traditionally Republican states. Their gains will end a period in which the US president has faced few constraints from Congress.
Democrats picked up Senate seats in South Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Kansas and Iowa. Trump carried South Carolina by 18 percentage points in 2024. Texas hasn't elected a Democrat in a statewide race since 1994, while Kansas hasn't sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.
The change comes after 22 months marked by Trump's return to the White House and the expansion of executive power, backed by a Republican-controlled Congress. Control of both chambers has changed hands at the same time only twice in the last 50 years.
Inflation, Trump's trade tariffs, the war against Iran and voter concerns about his conduct and personal enrichment appear to have been key factors behind the Republican losses. The CNN exit poll found that more than six in 10 voters disapproved of Trump's performance, while two-thirds said his policies had made the economy worse.
The final size of the Democratic majority remained unclear as the vote count continued. Control of both chambers would give Democrats more authority to open investigations, issue subpoenas and block Trump's judicial nominees, possibly including a Supreme Court nomination.
Their legislative agenda will still face obstacles: Trump retains veto power, and most Senate bills require 60 votes to move forward.