US midterms: Democrats gain early wins in push for Congress control

Democrats flipped a Senate seat in North Carolina and won other key races Tuesday night, signaling early momentum in their push to control Congress in the US midterm elections. The results came amid voter frustration over high living costs and fuel prices. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley for the Senate seat, while Democrat Jon Ossoff won his race and Democrat Chris Pappas took New Hampshire. Democrats also flipped a House seat in North Carolina, though Republican Senator Ashley Moody held her Florida seat. Control of Congress hinges on Democrats gaining three House seats and four Senate seats, with the Cook Political Report projecting a Democratic increase of 15 to 25 House members. Final results may take weeks due to mail-in ballot counting rules and ranked-choice voting in some states.