WASHINGTON, DC – A sweeping Democratic wave transformed America’s political landscape in the November 3 midterm elections, handing the party control of both chambers of Congress and delivering major defeats to President Donald Trump’s Republicans, including in traditionally conservative states that backed him just two years ago.

Democrats overturned seven Republican-held Senate seats and won four governorships previously held by Republicans, reshaping Washington’s political balance for the remaining two years of Trump’s presidency.

Democrats had secured at least 54 Senate seats and crossed the 218-seat threshold required for a House majority, according to election projections by CBS  News and Fox News.

Democrats made significant inroads across the Midwest, South and traditionally Republican territories, turning contests once considered safe for Republicans into victories.

The biggest surprises came in Texas and Kansas, two longstanding Republican strongholds.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from the state since 1988.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa also defeated three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott, ending more than three decades without a Democratic gubernatorial victory in Texas.

In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall, giving Democrats their first Senate victory in the state since 1932.

Ohio delivered another major setback to Republicans.

Former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Senator Jon Husted, reclaiming the Senate seat previously held by Vice President JD Vance.

In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson in the Senate race, while Democrat Rob Sand captured the governorship.

In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson unseated veteran Republican Senator Susan Collins, while North Carolina elected former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper to the Senate.

South Carolina delivered another significant upset, with Democrat Annie Andrews defeating Republican incumbent Darline Graham.

Democrats also retained important Senate seats in Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the Senate election, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber.

The Democratic gains extended to the House of Representatives, where Republicans lost seats in competitive districts across Virginia, Wisconsin, Iowa, Pennsylvania and other states.

Among the defeated Republican incumbents were Jen Kiggans in Virginia, Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin and Victoria Spartz in Indiana.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes in January, subject to a formal vote.

Democrats also secured gubernatorial victories in Georgia, where former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history, and Iowa.

Republicans retained some important offices, including Florida’s governorship, won by Republican Byron Donalds.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the outcome, saying Democrats had overcome expectations to recapture the chamber.

“Against all odds, we Democrats have won the Senate,” Schumer said, declaring that “relief is on the way.”

He attributed the Democratic gains to voters’ concerns over living costs, healthcare and the direction of the country, while accusing Republicans of embracing Trump’s policies despite public dissatisfaction.

Republicans entered the elections controlling both chambers of Congress, including a 53-47 majority in the Senate. The newly elected Congress will take office in January 2027. (IANS)