DID Press: Preliminary results from the US midterm elections have intensified political challenges for President Donald Trump, with Democrats performing strongly in the race for the House of Representatives. A shift in congressional control could also strengthen efforts to place limits on the administration’s authority to continue military operations against Iran.
According to the vote counts reported so far, Democrats have secured 125 seats in the House of Representatives, compared with 81 for Republicans. In the Senate, Democrats have won 44 seats and Republicans 36.
Although vote counting is still underway, the preliminary figures indicate a stronger Democratic performance in the House race. US media outlets have also published forecasts suggesting that the Republican Party could lose its narrow majority in the chamber.
The Senate race remains closely contested, and control of the chamber has yet to be determined.
One of the notable outcomes has been the victory of Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate in South Carolina. She defeated Darlene Graham, the sister of former Republican senator Lindsey Graham, returning the state’s Senate seat to the Democrats after nearly three decades.
Meanwhile, Rashida Tlaib, a Muslim congresswoman of Palestinian descent representing Michigan, has secured re-election to the House of Representatives.
The elections have taken place amid growing political divisions in Washington over the US-Israeli war against Iran.
In a report, Al-Monitor wrote that a Democratic majority in the House could increase political and legal pressure on Trump and strengthen efforts to restrict his war powers.
A senior congressional aide also told the publication that several polls indicate Americans are growing tired of the Trump administration’s war against Iran.
If a Democratic majority in the House is confirmed, the Trump administration could face greater difficulties advancing its domestic and foreign policy agenda. Congressional investigations and oversight of the administration’s actions could also intensify.