Democrats win Congress as GOP midterm predictions collapse

Democrats won control of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, defeating Republicans who had predicted they would retain their majorities. The GOP lost at least seven Senate seats and dozens of House seats, with voters punishing the party over President Donald Trump's tariffs and war in Iran. Republican leaders and strategists had expressed confidence before the election, citing past polling overperformance. House Speaker Mike Johnson predicted he would remain speaker, while Trump advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita promised victory. Political adviser James Blair's gerrymandering strategy backfired, with Democrats gaining seats in North Carolina. Other failed predictions included Trump's former pardon attorney Ed Martin forecasting 53 Senate seats and 219 House seats, and Ohio Rep. Max Miller losing his seat while Texas turned blue. Disgraced former Rep. George Santos promised a drag performance if Ohio went Democratic, and prediction markets favored Republicans.