Seismic Triumph for Democrats: A Night That Reversed Congress

Democrats seize congressional control

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, while results continued to come in after millions of Americans voted. The outcome marked a difficult night for Republicans and the president.

Trump initially faulted Republican candidates for the losses. He later posted an image of a red, MAGA-style hat bearing the word “VETO,” according to the report.

Historic win in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat, won a Senate race in Michigan, a key swing state. His victory makes him the first Muslim senator in U.S. history. The election drew more than 124 million voters, based on a preliminary estimate by University of Florida professor Michael P. McDonald, who studies turnout. The reported turnout rate was 49.42 percent of eligible voters.

Other closely watched races

In Ohio, Amy Acton won the governorship despite an attack-ad campaign that used her mother. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, viewed as a potential presidential hopeful, also won his race.

Democrat Marcy Kaptur won reelection in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, and Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet won reelection in Michigan’s 8th. Republican Beth Van Duyne was reelected in Texas’ 24th Congressional District.

Turnout and election concerns

The 49.42 percent turnout rate was slightly below the 50.5 percent recorded in 2018, which the report identifies as the highest midterm turnout rate since 1914. The report also noted polling-site issues in New York and said Katie Miller was spreading election conspiracies. It gave no further details about the issues or claims.