124 million ballots cast as Democrats seize both chambers of Congress

Democrats won control of the House and Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, overturning Republican majorities in states that have historically voted for the GOP. The party flipped seven Senate seats and dozens of House districts by Wednesday morning. The results included unexpected victories in Texas and South Carolina. Senate contests in Mississippi and Alaska remained too close to call as of that morning. More than 124 million ballots were cast, surpassing the 2018 midterm record of nearly 119 million, according to the University of Florida Election Lab.

The shift in power changes the balance of the government starting in January. Democratic opponents of President Trump will have greater ability to investigate the administration. They can also challenge the president's legislative agenda and block his nominees for executive positions. The new majorities will not take office until the new Congress convenes on January 3.

President Trump offered mixed messages as the results emerged. In an election-night interview with Fox News, he credited Democrats for working hard. He later told Politico that Republicans struggled to turn out his supporters because he was not on the ballot. Trump posted an image of a red hat with the word "VETO" on it, emphasizing his power to reject bills passed by a Democratic Congress. He also expressed a willingness to negotiate with Democrats, leaving the door open for potential agreements despite the partisan divide.

Democrats must now select their new leadership. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York and Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York currently hold the top positions in their respective chambers. Both must win support from their party colleagues to keep those roles. Jeffries faces an additional hurdle in the House. He must win a vote from the full chamber to become speaker. If elected, he would become the first Black speaker in U.S. history. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Jeffries, praising his leadership following the victory.

Counting was still underway in several races as of Wednesday. The University of Florida Election Lab provided the final turnout figures. The Democratic gains mark a sharp break from recent midterm trends where Republicans often expanded their House seats. The party's success in traditionally red states signals a shift in voter behavior. The next major step is the internal party votes to determine who will lead the new majorities.