Democrats Claim 54 Senate Seats as Schumer Promises Cost Relief
The party took control of the chamber with wins in red states, including a historic flip in Kansas, while President Trump signals he may work with the new majority.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared on Wednesday that the Democratic victory in the midterms constitutes a generational remake of the Senate map. Speaking outside the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C., he emphasized that voters granted the party a majority to fulfill the will of the American people, not to act freely.
Democrats secured a 54-seat majority in the Senate, a count that includes two independent senators who caucus with the party. Two races in Alaska and Mississippi remain undecided. The party achieved major gains in states President Trump previously carried, specifically Iowa, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Notably, a Democrat won a Senate seat in Kansas for the first time in 94 years.
Schumer, who is expected to become Senate Majority Leader in January, attributed these victories to candidates who tailored their messages to specific state issues. He stated that the days of a compliant Senate are finished and vowed that relief for voters is approaching. The new leadership intends to lower the cost of living, end the Iran war, and launch investigations into the White House to address corruption allegations.
President Trump has stated he will use his veto power on Democratic legislative priorities. However, he has also shown some willingness to negotiate deals with the new congressional leadership. Schumer acknowledged that skepticism remains but asserted the party will work hard to drive costs down with or without the president's cooperation.
