Vote counting has begun in the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine the political balance in the remaining two years of President Donald Trump's second term in the United States. While the first winners were announced after the polls closed in the eastern states, the Democratic Party achieved important results in the Senate race.
According to the first results reported by Associated Press (AP), Reuters and The Guardian, Democrats took a critical step in the struggle for power in Congress by winning the Senate seat held by Republicans in North Carolina. However, control of the Senate and House of Representatives has not yet been finalized.
DEMOCRATS WON NORTH CAROLINA
One of the first significant results of the night came from North Carolina. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper won the state's Senate seat, defeating Republican Michael Whatley.
Cooper won the first Senate election for Democrats since 2008 in North Carolina. The seat won by Republicans is important for the four-seat net gain target that Democrats need to capture the Senate majority.
In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff was re-elected by defeating his Republican opponent Mike Collins. Democrats thus preserved an important seat they held before the election.
DEMOCRATIC VICTORY IN VIRGINIA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE
In Virginia, Democratic Senator Mark Warner won reelection against Republican Bert Mizusawa.
In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas outperformed former Republican Senator John Sununu and retained the open Senate seat held by his party.
Republicans also managed to retain their Senate seat in Florida. Republican Ashley Moody won the special election over Democrat Angie Nixon.
Preliminary results showed Democrats winning the Republican-held North Carolina seat while maintaining their existing strength in other critical states.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
In the elections, the entire 435-seat House of Representatives and 35 seats in the 100-member Senate will be renewed. Additionally, gubernatorial elections are being held in 36 states.
218 seats are needed to reach a majority in the House of Representatives. It will be enough for the Democrats to win a net three seats from the Republicans to change the current balance before the election.
In Florida, Democratic House members Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor and Jared Moskowitz won re-election. The results especially in the electoral districts rearranged in favor of the Republicans attracted attention.
However, a significant part of the critical races across the country have not yet been concluded. Uncertainty continues as to which party will have control of the House of Representatives.
THE ECONOMY IS ON THE AGENDA OF VOTERS
Voter surveys conducted on election day showed that concerns about high living costs, economic conditions and the political future of the country came to the fore.
According to the first exit polls of the election night, reported by CBS News, the rate of those who approved of Trump's performance remained at 38 percent.
Economic dissatisfaction and the control role of Congress over the president were among the prominent topics in voters' evaluations.
The elections are also important in terms of voter evaluation of the first two years of Trump's second presidential term.
COUNTING CONTINUES IN CRITICAL STATES
As of 05:00 Türkiye time, the polls were closed in states including Arizona and Wisconsin. In other states, voting and vote counting continues.
Senate races in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Maine and Alaska are being watched closely for the future of Congress.
In order for Democrats to gain the majority in the Senate, they need to win a total of four seats held by Republicans.
The final results of the election will directly affect the Trump administration's ability to pursue legislative action, federal budget negotiations, and Congress' control over the White House.
While the first results show that the Democrats have made significant gains, uncertainty continues as to which party will have the majority in Congress.
