CNN reported Wednesday that Democrats capitalized on dissatisfaction with Trump to score victories in traditionally Republican states. Their gains will end a period in which the US president faced few Congressional constraints.

Democrats captured Senate seats in South Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa. Trump carried South Carolina by 18 percentage points in 2024. Texas had not elected a Democrat in a statewide race since 1994, while Kansas had not sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.

The shift follows 22 months marked by Trump’s return to the White House and an expansion of executive power, backed by a Republican-controlled Congress. Control of both chambers has changed hands simultaneously only twice in the past 50 years.

Inflation, Trump’s trade tariffs, the war against Iran, and voter concerns about his conduct and personal enrichment appeared to be key factors behind Republican losses. CNN’s exit poll found that more than six in 10 voters disapproved of Trump’s performance, while two-thirds said his policies had worsened the economy.

The final size of the Democratic majorities remained unclear as vote counting continued. Control of both chambers will give Democrats greater authority to launch investigations, issue subpoenas, and block Trump’s judicial nominees, potentially including a Supreme Court appointment.

Their legislative agenda will still face obstacles: Trump retains veto power, and most Senate bills require 60 votes to advance.

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