Democrats see midterm sweep as mandate to cut costs and rebuild trust

Democrats swept the US midterm elections on Tuesday, delivering a broad repudiation of Donald Trump and the Republican party, and now hold majorities in both houses of Congress. Democratic leaders and victorious candidates cited Trump's personal unpopularity, high living costs, and the Iran war as key drivers of the "blue tsunami." New House majority leader Hakeem Jeffries promised to make the country affordable, while incoming Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said the results represent a "generational remake" of the Senate map. Winners emphasized accountability and local priorities, with Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed saying "we want our taxes spent here" and Texas's James Talarico declaring "power belongs to the people." Former president Barack Obama said voters want leaders who offer concrete solutions and bring people together rather than divide them.