Midterm elections upend Washington power balance

Democrats won a sweeping victory in the November 3 midterm elections, reclaiming control of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, dramatically shifting Washington's power structure and weakening President Donald Trump's political standing. Democrats are projected to win 258 House seats and over 54 Senate seats, flipping Republican-held seats in Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas, among others. They also captured governorships in traditionally red states like Texas and Georgia, marking one of the largest midterm gains since World War II. Trump acknowledged being "a little surprised" by the results, congratulated Democrats, and expressed willingness to cooperate. Exit polls showed voters held negative views of both parties, with Democrats rated net negative 6 points and Republicans net negative 18 points.