US MIDTERM ELECTIONS: Seven things we have learnt so far

The US has voted in midterm elections billed by some as among the most important in history.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2018, 06:43 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2018, 07:49 BST
The party of government retained control of the upper chamber and indeed made gains in the Senate, which it will hold on to for the next two years. Had they lost control of both chambers, it would likely have had dire consequences for Mr Trump and any hopes of re-election in 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)The party of government retained control of the upper chamber and indeed made gains in the Senate, which it will hold on to for the next two years. Had they lost control of both chambers, it would likely have had dire consequences for Mr Trump and any hopes of re-election in 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The party of government retained control of the upper chamber and indeed made gains in the Senate, which it will hold on to for the next two years. Had they lost control of both chambers, it would likely have had dire consequences for Mr Trump and any hopes of re-election in 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Here are seven things to emerge so far:

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Democrats on course to take over the House of Representatives

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Voters line up to cast their ballots shortly before the polls open in the midterm elections at First Church in Owasso, Okla (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)Voters line up to cast their ballots shortly before the polls open in the midterm elections at First Church in Owasso, Okla (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)
Voters line up to cast their ballots shortly before the polls open in the midterm elections at First Church in Owasso, Okla (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP)

The Democrats are predicted to seize control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans, giving them the power to frustrate Donald Trump's policy plans. One of two congressional legislative chambers, the House is expected to tip into blue control after picking up moderate, suburban districts across the north-east and Midwest.

But the Republicans hold the Senate

The party of government retained control of the upper chamber and indeed made gains in the Senate, which it will hold on to for the next two years. Had they lost control of both chambers, it would likely have had dire consequences for Mr Trump and any hopes of re-election in 2020.

So who came off best?

The midterms were billed as a referendum on Mr Trump's presidency, but overall the voters have delivered a mixed verdict. Both parties can claim partial victories, although the Democrats' hoped-for "blue wave" has not materialised. Mr Trump tweeted that the night had been a "tremendous success".

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A historic night nonetheless

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Democratic candidate Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim woman to be elected to Congress after she was comfortably installed as representative of Michigan's 13th District. She was followed by the second Muslim woman to be elected to the chamber, Ilhan Omar, in Minnesota's 5th District. Jared Polis became Colorado's first openly gay governor.

Beyonce got political

Pop superstar Beyonce revealed who she had backed in the midterms when she shared images of herself wearing a "Beto for Senate" baseball cap. Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke was ultimately beaten by Ted Cruz, who challenged Mr Trump for the presidency back in 2016.

Queuing controversy

Voters were urged to stay in their queues amid reports of technical malfunctions with machines leading to long lines at polling stations in several states. Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said it was still possible to cast a ballot if they were in line when stations closed.

Veteran broadcaster's view

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather shared his thoughts on what the impact of the midterm results may be. He wrote on Twitter: "I think with a lot of high hopes crashing for Democratic voters in places like Florida and with Beto, there is maybe a drastic underappreciation of how Democratic control of the House will change the course of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very big deal."

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