Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress, and their leader Hakeem Jeffries has vowed to hold President Donald Trump’s administration accountable.
Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, accused the Trump administration of operating an “out-of-control executive branch“ and alleged widespread corruption.
“We are going to hold the crooks accountable,” Jeffries said, accusing what he called the “Trump Cartel” of massive corruption.
The Democratic victory gave the party control of both the Senate and House of Representatives for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, shifting the balance of power in Washington.
The results marked a major setback for Republicans, although counting remained incomplete in several House races on Wednesday.
Of the 435 seats in the House, results had been declared in most constituencies, while 24 races remained outstanding.
Contests in Tennessee, Louisiana and Virginia were still too close to call, while districts in Arizona, California and Colorado were awaiting final results.
Trump Blames Iran War for Defeat
Trump acknowledged that the war involving Iran was largely responsible for his party’s poor performance.
His admission followed comments by Vice-President JD Vance, who said the conflict was a major reason Republicans lost the elections.
The election outcome also affected financial markets, with oil prices falling to their lowest level in two months following the results.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
The 42-year-old former public health official secured victory in the November 3 midterm elections, according to projections by the Associated Press and other major American media organisations .
El-Sayed will succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, keeping the seat in Democratic hands.
His victory represents a significant breakthrough for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, particularly in Michigan, a closely contested political state.
El-Sayed Campaigns on Healthcare, Cost of Living
During his campaign, El-Sayed focused on reducing living costs for working families, limiting corporate influence in politics and introducing universal healthcare through the Medicare for All programme.
The former health official built his campaign around economic concerns and expanding access to healthcare, attracting support from progressive figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
His victory is expected to strengthen the influence of the party’s progressive movement in national politics.
El-Sayed’s campaign attracted national attention amid heated exchanges over his criticism of Israel and positions on American foreign policy.
Republican figures also attacked him over his Muslim faith and made allegations linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood.
However, El-Sayed denied the allegations, maintaining that he had never been a member of the organisation.
His election marks a historic moment for Muslim representation in American politics.
