Democrats flip four Senate seats, close in on Congress control

Democrats are projected to take control of the US House of Representatives, with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries poised to become the first Black Speaker in the chamber's history, according to CNN's Decision Desk. The party also flipped four Senate seats from Republicans, closing in on control of Congress. Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, marking the first Democratic statewide win there since 1994. Other key victories included Deb Haaland becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in US history, and Amy Acton winning Ohio's governorship. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats. President Donald Trump deflected blame on Truth Social, stating he was not on the ballot. The midterms are viewed as a referendum on his leadership and handling of the Iran war's fallout. Jeffries, a 56-year-old New Yorker, will formally assume the Speaker role on January 3, needing support from progressives and moderates.