US Midterm Vote Count Begins; Democrats Lead in Key States

US midterm election vote counting has begun, with Democrats showing early leads in several key states, including a Senate seat win in North Carolina. The results will determine control of Congress and significantly impact President Donald Trump's remaining term. Democrat Roy Cooper won a previously Republican-held Senate seat in North Carolina, calling it a powerful message against Washington dysfunction. Five other crucial Senate races remain too close to call, including in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas, where early trends show Democratic candidates ahead. An exit poll indicates about two-thirds of voters believe Trump's policies have worsened the economy, with 43 percent voting to express opposition to the president. Indian-American Democrat Pia Dandia also won a Florida congressional seat.