Democrats win the Senate, setting up divided government for remainder of Trump's term

Midterms coverage: Live results | What to know | Stories around the countryStay connected: NPR Politics Podcast | NPR Politics newsletter | NPR app Democrats have won a majority in the U.S. Senate, according to a tally of race calls by The , setting up a new era of divided government after two years of unified Republican control in Washington. The result gives Democrats a new check on President Trump through the oversight authority that comes with the majority and sets the stage for a long list of investigations that could come to dominate the remainder of his second term.

Democrats secured control of the chamber after Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa, according to a race call by The . The race for control of the House remains too early to call.

The Senate win marked a remarkable turnaround for Democrats, and an electoral disaster for Republicans, who began the year with little expectation that their 53-47 majority was at risk. But with voters frustrated about the cost of living, the GOP was forced to compete in several states that President Trump won by double digits in 2024. Democrats needed to flip four GOP seats to win back the chamber.

They were able to do so with victories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Kansas and Iowa. Their wins were boosted by a challenging political environment for the GOP. In addition to concerns about high prices, polls showed many voters upset about the war in Iran, the president's immigration agenda, his tariff policies and perceived corruption in government.

In the closing weeks of the election, President Trump took to the campaign trail and implored Republican voters to pretend he was on the ballot. But at a moment when Trump's approval ratings are hovering near historic lows, the argument was not enough to save the GOP majority. Democrats rode to victory promising that a key focus would be their affordability agenda, but with Trump still in the White House, the party is unlikely to see many of their priorities signed into law.

In an interview with the Pod Force One podcast that was published Monday, Trump addressed the prospect of losing unified Republican control in Washington, saying he would block Democrats' legislation if they take control of Congress. Veto," Trump said, adding, "and then at some point we'll probably make deals." Democrats will also still have to work with Republicans on must-pass legislation, including the 12 annual appropriations bills needed to fund the government. Democrats will have more influence in other areas, namely nominations and oversight.