The Democratic Party has taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress following sweeping victories in the 3 November midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The victories, which saw Democrats flip at least seven Republican-held Senate seats and more than two dozen House districts, give the opposition control of the legislative branch for the first time since Mr Trump returned to the White House.

The outcome sets the stage for two years of divided government, with Democrats gaining the power to block legislation, scrutinise presidential appointments and launch investigations into the Trump administration.

Democrats make gains in Republican strongholds

The party recorded significant victories in states traditionally considered Republican strongholds, including Texas, South Carolina, Kansas and Iowa.

In the Senate, Democrats overturned the Republican majority, which stood at 53 to 47 before the elections, by securing victories in Ohio, North Carolina and Maine, among other states.

In the House of Representatives, Democrats won several closely contested races, extending their gains into traditionally conservative districts.

An Associated Press tally reported by Al Jazeera put the party at 228 seats won, with leads in another 34 districts, potentially giving it a historic majority.

The scale of the defeat also triggered leadership changes within the Republican Party, with House Speaker Mike Johnson informing aides that he would not seek to lead the party’s conference in the minority.

Republican Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio has indicated interest in taking over the leadership position, arguing that the party must adopt a more aggressive approach in opposition.

Iran war, cost of living blamed for Republican losses

The election results exposed divisions within the Trump administration over the reasons for the Republican defeat, particularly the administration’s unpopular war with Iran.

Vice President JD Vance blamed the conflict for the party’s losses, writing on social media that the war was the reason Republicans lost.

Mr Vance questioned whether the military campaign was worth the political consequences, including losing control of the Senate.

His comments differed from Mr Trump’s position. Although the President acknowledged that the war contributed to the outcome, he defended his decision to pursue the military action.

However, preliminary ABC News voter polling suggested that dissatisfaction extended beyond the conflict.

The poll showed that 55 per cent of House voters considered government corruption crucial to their voting decisions, while 49 per cent cited the cost of living and 34 per cent identified the Iran war.

Democrats promise stronger scrutiny of Trump

Democratic leaders have pledged to use their new congressional majority to challenge the administration’s policies and intensify oversight of the executive branch.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become Speaker of the House, described the result as an “American tsunami”.

He said the days of the House of Representatives operating as an extension of the Trump administration were over.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also promised a more confrontational approach, identifying the reduction of living costs and the fight against corruption as priorities.

Mr Trump, however, said he was prepared to accept the election outcome and work with Democrats, despite previously questioning electoral integrity.

The Democratic gains also extended to state governments, where the party made significant advances in gubernatorial and other elections.

Republicans retained Florida, where Trump ally Byron Donalds won the governorship, but suffered losses in several states previously regarded as Republican strongholds.

With some closely contested races still being counted, the final congressional seat totals remain subject to change. However, the transfer of control in both chambers represents a major setback for Mr Trump and signals increased congressional scrutiny of his administration during the final two years of his term.