Senate flips: Democrats gain control in US midterms, dealing Republicans a setback
Senate race shifts in Maine
Susan Collins conceded defeat to Troy Jackson, her Democratic challenger, local media reported. The Associated Press reported her concession but had not declared Jackson the winner. With two-thirds of votes counted, projections put Collins at 47.5% and Jackson at 52.4%. Collins has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997, despite saying when first elected that she would serve only two terms.
Known as a moderate Republican who sometimes voted with Democrats, Collins was often seen as a swing voter on Senate legislation. Maine frequently votes Democratic in other races but has often elected Republican senators.
Trump addresses Republican losses
Trump said the Iran war and its effect on gasoline prices contributed to his party’s losses. He also said he was surprised by the result and credited Democrats with doing a good job.
Projections showed Democrats taking the Senate and likely the House, strengthening their ability to oppose Trump’s legislative agenda. Trump said he could work with Democrats on issues such as immigration, but warned he would veto proposals he opposed. Trump indicated he did not expect to make changes to his Cabinet after the election.
False ballot claim debunked
A viral post claimed that an FBI raid in Houston uncovered more than 20,000 fraudulent ballots for Democrats. A Houston FBI public affairs officer told AFP that the claim was false and no election-related operation had taken place.
The image accompanying the post showed an FBI truck marked “FBI Atlanta,” and a reverse image search traced it to a raid at a Fulton County, Georgia, elections warehouse earlier in the year. The account behind the post belongs to comedian Jonathan Gregory, whose Twitter bio described him as a digital content creator for the pro-Trump administration.
Key points
- Democrats gained Senate control and were projected to be on course to win the House.
- Susan Collins conceded to Troy Jackson, but the Associated Press had not called the Maine race.
- Trump said Iran and gasoline prices contributed to Republican losses and warned he would veto proposals he opposed.
- The FBI said no election-related operation occurred in Houston, contrary to a viral ballot claim.