Opinion polls showed in advance a large advantage for the Democrats in large parts of the United States, because dissatisfaction is great with the high prices of food, gasoline and housing - and President Donald Trump's Iran war.
But the possible "blue wave" turned into a tsunami. In the Senate, several new names have been elected.
Texas
James Talarico (D) wins over Ken Paxton (R). It is the first time since 1988 that a Democrat wins the Senate election. Billionaire Elon Musk invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Paxton, and Trump campaigned hard against "Talafreako."
"It was David against Goliath, and we defeated Goliath," Talarico stated in his victory speech.
Gina Hinojosa also becomes the state's first Democratic governor in more than 30 years, after defeating Republican Greg Abbott.
Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed (D) wins against Mike Rogers (R). He is the first Muslim to be elected to the Senate. There have previously been several in the House of Representatives. El-Sayed accuses Republicans of trying to create division by attacking his name and beliefs.
- But we all know that my name and my faith are not the reason why you can't afford gas, nor the reason why you can't afford groceries, or the reason why you can't see a doctor, says Abdul El-Sayed.
Kansas
Adam Hamilton (D) wins over Roger Marshall (R). Not since 1932 has the state elected a Democratic senator. Hamilton is the pastor of the country's largest Methodist church, and has campaigned against division, hatred and chaos. He wants Republicans and Democrats to work together.
"I was elected because the people of Kansas said, 'We're tired of the bullies. We're tired of the chaos.'
New Hampshire
Among those projected to be elected senators is New Hampshire Democrat Chris Pappas. He becomes the first openly gay man to hold the position of senator in the United States. He has been in the House of Representatives since 2018. In his election speech, he thanked the voters for "breaking yet another barrier".
South Carolina
Democrat Annie Andrews wins over Darline Graham (R) in swing state South Carolina. The victory is a big surprise – Republicans have held the state Senate seat for over 30 years. The electoral authority in the state reports that a record number of people have voted in this year's midterm elections.
The Democrats reap several successes in the gubernatorial elections where the office previously belonged to the Republicans.
Ohio
Democrat and doctor Amy Acton wins the election in Ohio - after an opponent's campaign that was heavily criticized. Acton becomes the first woman to be elected governor of the state when she beats Trump-backed Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
The final spurt of the election campaign was characterized by slander and harsh words - above all after a commercial for Ramaswamy that received harsh criticism from both parties. In the film, Acton's mother was interviewed, who called her daughter a liar. Acton broke off contact with his mother in 1978 after accusing his stepfather of sexual abuse.
The film was defended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, but criticized by several Republican senatorial and gubernatorial candidates.
Georgia
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes the first black woman in US history to be elected governor, after defeating political newcomer Rick Jackson in Georgia's gubernatorial election.
Lance Bottoms was the former mayor of Atlanta and with her election victory, the Democrats regain the governorship of Georgia after 23 years of Republican rule.
Florida
Trump loyalist and former member of the House of Representatives Byron Donalds wins the gubernatorial election in Florida over Democrat David Jolly. He becomes the first black governor of Florida.
