Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections, turning a result that had been widely expected in the House into a broader victory. The outcome marked a major setback for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party after a bitter and closely contested campaign.
Democratic Senate candidates scored wins in battleground states including Texas, Georgia and South Carolina. The victories give Democrats a majority in both chambers and the ability to advance legislation during the final two years of Trump’s term, although the president can use his veto to block bills.
The new balance of power also gives Democrats greater scope to scrutinize the administration. The House Oversight Committee is preparing to investigate, with Trump’s family businesses identified as a potential focus. Control of the Senate could bolster House investigations, though Democrats are expected to remain short of the two-thirds majority required to convict Trump in an impeachment trial.
The Senate majority could also influence any future Supreme Court vacancy. Justice Samuel Alito is nearing retirement, and the source notes that control of the chamber would affect whether Trump could nominate a replacement.
Sources: Rolling Stone.