Republicans suffered a crushing defeat in the US midterm elections, with Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Democratic victories, including in traditionally Republican states, represent a major setback for Donald Trump and a shift in the balance of power in Washington.
According to the BBC, the scale of the defeat exceeded what most Democrats could have imagined.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats have secured 228 seats, surpassing the 218 needed for a majority, while Republicans have won 139. Results are still pending for another 68 seats.
In the Senate, Democrats hold 54 seats, compared with 44 for Republicans. A majority requires 51 seats, with results still pending for two.
In gubernatorial elections, Democrats have won 25 states, compared with 19 for Republicans.
James Talarico was elected to the Senate in Texas, a traditional Republican stronghold that had not elected a Democratic senator since 1988.
In Kansas, Adam Hamilton won a Senate seat for the Democratic Party for the first time since 1932.
Democratic Senate candidates also won in other traditionally Republican states, including Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in US history.
Became the first Hispanic governor of Texas and the first Democrat elected governor of the state since 1990.
Became the first woman elected governor of Ohio.
Is expected to become the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives when the new Congress convenes in January.
The New Hampshire Democrat will become the first senator of Greek descent since 2013 and the first openly gay man to serve in the Senate.
The Michigan Democrat became the first Muslim elected to the Senate, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
The Minnesota Democrat became the first Native American woman elected to the Senate.
More than 100 Democratic women will serve simultaneously in the House of Representatives.
This marks a historic milestone for women’s representation in Congress, which remains largely dominated by older white men.
The economy appears to be a major source of voter dissatisfaction.
According to an Associated Press survey, approximately three-quarters of voters view the state of the US economy negatively, while eight in ten say inflation has caused serious or moderate financial difficulties for their households.
The same survey found widespread frustration with the direction of the country, with around three-quarters of respondents saying they were dissatisfied or angry.
The cost of living and government corruption emerged as two of the most important issues influencing voters.
Around six in ten believe Trump prioritises his personal interests over those of the country.
The US president had promised to tackle inflation, but import tariffs and the war with Iran have increased financial pressure on many American households, particularly through rising fuel prices.
With control of the House, Democrats will be able to chair congressional committees, launch investigations into the administration and block major legislative initiatives.
Control of the Senate will also allow them to block the confirmation of cabinet and judicial appointments, limiting one of the most important powers of the presidency.
Democratic control of Congress, however, does not mean the party will be able to implement its policies without obstacles.
Trump will retain his presidential veto and significant executive powers, particularly in trade and foreign policy.
At the same time, control of Congress will raise expectations among Democratic voters, who will expect solutions to economic problems rather than simply opposition to the president.
