US midterm elections: Democrats gain grounds, flip first Senate seat; Indian-origin Dandiya wins Florida House seat
There were concerns that Republicans, particularly Trump, might refuse to accept the results if they lost.
Polling stations have begun closing in several US states in the midterm elections, which will decide which party controls Congress for the next two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Early results show Democrats leading in several districts held by Republicans, raising the possibility that they could reduce Trump’s influence in Washington.
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley, giving Democrats their first Senate seat pickup in North Carolina. Democrats are seeking to win at least four Senate seats currently held by Republicans.
Democrats also showed unexpected strength in several Republican-leaning House districts in Florida, raising hopes that they could take control of Congress. However, millions of votes were still being counted, so it was too early to know whether Democrats would gain the four Senate seats and three House seats needed to secure majorities in both chambers.
In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff defeated Republican US Representative Mike Collins. The race had once been considered competitive, but Collins’ chances weakened as Trump’s approval ratings fell.
In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas won the state’s open Senate seat, keeping it in Democratic hands by defeating Republican John Sununu.
In Florida, Republican Senator Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Angie Nixon, but her lead was only about three percentage points. Trump had won the state by 13 points in 2024, according to vote counts compiled by Reuters and USA Today, which are jointly collecting live election results.
Trump likely to reject the results
There were concerns that Republicans, particularly Trump, might refuse to accept the results if they lost.
In a final television appeal to voters on Tuesday, Trump defended his record, pointing to his immigration crackdown, the war on Iran and tariffs.
“We have to keep America great. We’re great now. We were terrible two years ago,” he told Fox & Friends.
Trump, who tried to overturn his 2020 election defeat, has repeatedly claimed widespread voter fraud and accused Democrats of cheating without providing evidence.
Voting machines malfunctioned in a closely contested House race in New York State on Tuesday. Right-wing influencers responded with unsubstantiated fraud claims, while local election officials said every ballot would be counted.