Democrats take House and Senate control after Trump's 37% approval rating
Voters rejected the Republican ticket in red states, flipping six Senate seats and handing Democrats the lower chamber amid high fuel costs and a war in Iran.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
President Donald Trump's approval rating hit 37 percent, the lowest of his current term, according to an ABC News and Washington Post poll conducted by Ipsos. This record low support for the president preceded a decisive electoral night where Democrats seized control of the U.S. House of Representatives. ABC News projects that Democrats flipped at least six Senate seats in traditionally Republican states.
The party shift responds to voter frustration with economic conditions and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Approximately 65 percent of Americans disapprove of how the president handles the economy, a figure that marks a record high for both of his presidential terms. Gas prices reached record highs, adding strain to household budgets across the country.
Democrats captured key Senate races in states that voted for Trump in 2024. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico becomes the first Democrat to win a statewide office in the state since 1988. In South Carolina, Annie Andrews defeated incumbent Darline Graham. Andrews will become the first woman elected to represent the state in the Senate.
Roy Cooper won the North Carolina Senate race against Michael Whatley. Cooper had previously served as governor before returning to the Senate. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated incumbent Roger Marshall. Hamilton is a megachurch pastor and former state official. In Maine, Susan Collins conceded her race to Troy Jackson, ending her 30-year Senate career.
Jon Ossoff secured reelection in Georgia against Representative Mike Collins. The race was marked by controversy in the Republican campaign and debate over the war in Iran. In the House, Democrats gained enough seats to take the majority from Republicans. The change in leadership will place Hakeem Jeffries in position to become the first Black speaker of the House in January.
Democrats also won several governorships in red states. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa defeated Governor Greg Abbott for a fourth term. This victory ended Abbott's tenure after he served as a close ally to the president. The new congressional majority allows Democrats to introduce legislation and conduct oversight with greater leverage.
Trump stated on social media that he was not on the ballot. He told The New York Times that he accepts the results and intends to work with the new Democratic leadership. He also posted an image of a hat with the word VETO on it. The current Senate balance includes 53 Republican seats and 47 Democratic seats, including independents.
