The key facts

  • Democrats won the Senate race in North Carolina and the governorship in Georgia, where Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman governor in US history
  • Republicans retained key positions in Florida, with Byron Donalds becoming the state's first Black governor
  • Control of the Senate and the House of Representatives remained uncertain at the time of publication

Early results are not in favor of the Republicans

In the US midterm congressional elections, Democrats achieved a series of successes, AFP reported: they took a Senate seat from Republicans in North Carolina and made gains in conservative districts of the House of Representatives. The vote served as a nationwide assessment of Donald Trump's second term; among the main issues, voters cited the cost of living, tariffs, and the US war against Iran, which, according to the agency, significantly increased fuel prices.

North Carolina and Georgia

One of the most significant results of the night was the victory of Democrat Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina, over Michael Walley, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, who was personally selected by Trump. Cooper campaigned on a platform of reducing the cost of living and will take the seat of outgoing Republican senator Tom Tillis, who had been in conflict with the president. North Carolina has voted for Trump three times.

North Carolina and Georgia

In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, according to projections, won the governorship: she became the first Black woman governor in US history and ended 24 years of Republican rule in the state. Incumbent Democratic senator John Ossoff, considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, retained his seat. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas secured an open Senate seat and became the first openly gay member of the Senate.

Republican successes and the balance of power

Republicans also achieved major victories: in Florida, Trump-backed Byron Donalds won the governorship, becoming the state's first Black governor, while Ashley Moody retained her Senate seat. By the start of the night, Republicans held 53 of the 100 Senate seats, meaning Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to take control; in the House of Representatives, where all 435 seats were up for grabs, Democrats were short by three. At the time of publication, control of both chambers remained uncertain.

What depends on the outcome

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that the country is 'on the brink of a dramatic shift in direction.' If Democrats win the House, they will be able to block Trump's legislative plans and, through committees, investigate his administration's actions regarding the Iran war, deportations, and alleged corruption. Control of the Senate would provide even more: the ability to block judicial and high-level official nominations, which would alter the president's capacity to govern the country during the final two years of his term.

Trump's stance and uncertainty

In his final television appearance, Trump defended his record, praising tariffs, immigration policy, and the military campaign against Iran. 'We must keep America great. We are great now. Two years ago, we were terrible,' said the 80-year-old president on Fox News. Uncertainty remained regarding whether he would accept an unfavorable outcome: he has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims of fraud and attempted to challenge his defeat in 2020. 'I veto everything,' Trump said in a podcast released on Monday, adding that he might ultimately negotiate deals.