America turns blue as Democrats seize control of both House and Senate

Democrats are projected to retake the US House of Representatives and are closing in on control of the Senate, according to CNN projections, potentially ending Republicans’ control of both chambers of Congress and setting up a political showdown with President Donald Trump.

CNN’s Decision Desk projects Democrats will win control of the House, ending the Republican Party’s hold on the chamber. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the next House speaker, making him the first Black person to hold the position.

In the Senate, Democrats are projected to flip at least three seats, putting the party within reach of a majority. The projected gains include Texas, where Democrat James Talarico is projected to defeat Republican Ken Paxton.

Democrats are also projected to make gains in North and South Carolina. In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to defeat Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff has retained his seat in Georgia, defeating Republican Mike Collins, according to Associated Press projections.

Results from across the United States are continuing to emerge as polling stations close in different time zones.

If Democrats secure control of both chambers, the outcome would significantly reshape the political landscape in Washington, giving the party greater power to scrutinise the Trump administration, influence legislation and challenge the president’s agenda during the next two years.

Trump blames Iran, fuel prices for Republican midterm losses

President Donald Trump has blamed Iran and rising fuel prices for the Republican Party’s heavy losses in the midterm elections, Al Jazeera reports.

Trump said Democrats would push what he described as “insane” proposals if they gained control of Congress, vowing to veto them.

“Democrats will send things that are insane and I will veto them,” he said.

He also cited Iran as one of the reasons behind the Republicans’ poor performance, suggesting that voters were unwilling to bear the short-term economic consequences of higher fuel prices.

“People were probably not willing for the short-term consequence of the price of gasoline,” Trump said.