US election: Democrats seize control of House, Senate

Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after making significant gains in the Senate and securing a projected majority in the House of Representatives.

Al Jazeera reports that Democrats have officially secured 51 seats in the Senate, wresting control of the chamber from Republicans.

The party also secured key victories in traditionally Republican-leaning states, including Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and Kansas, in a series of Senate contests.

In the House of Representatives, Democrats are projected to win at least 235 seats, surpassing the 218 required for a majority, according to CNBC’s Election Desk.

They also recorded gains in several House districts, including constituencies that had been redrawn in favour of Republicans.

The Democratic gains represent a major setback for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

The Democrats had flipped Senate seats in Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.

Meanwhile, two closely contested Democratic-held Senate seats in Michigan and Minnesota were still being counted.