Midterm election results - three things to know

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, breaking through in Republican strongholds.

Here are three things to know as counting continues.

1. Democrats capture the House and Senate

Democrats flipped seven Senate seats and dozens of Republican-held House districts, as of Wednesday morning. The Democrats victories extended into “red” states with surprising wins in Texas and South Carolina.

Senate races in Mississippi and Alaska were still considered “too close to call” on Wednesday.

The new Democratic majorities take office in January, giving President Trump’s opponents greater power to investigate the administration, challenge Trump’s legislative agenda and block his nominees.

More than 124 million ballots were cast, with counting still underway, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. That surpasses the previous midterm record of nearly 119 million ballots cast in 2018.

2. Trump distances himself from losses

Trump offered mixed messages as the results came in, congratulating Democrats while distancing himself from Republican defeats.

In an election-night interview with Fox News, he credited Democrats for working hard. In a separate phone interview with Politico, he argued that Republicans struggled to turn out his supporters because he was not on the ballot.

The president also posted an image of a red hat bearing the word “VETO,” highlighting his authority to reject legislation passed by a Democratic-controlled Congress.

But he also expressed a willingness to negotiate and work with Democrats, leaving room for potential agreements despite the coming partisan battles.

3. Leadership votes still lie ahead

Democrats must still choose who will lead their new majorities.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York currently lead their party in the Senate and House, respectively. Both need support from their Democratic colleagues to retain those roles.

Jeffries would also need to win a vote of the full House to become speaker when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3. If elected, he would become the first Black speaker in U.S. history.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Jeffries, praising his leadership following the Democratic victory.