For the first time in eight years, the Democrats are expected to retake the United States House of Representatives in an election that was widely seen as a referendum on the turbulent presidency of Donald Trump.
The Democrats will take control of the House, while the Republicans will retain the Senate and possibly increase their slim majority. Indeed, at the time of writing, the Democrats have gained 226 seats, while 218 seats are needed to gain control of the 435-seat chamber. With regard to the Senate, the Republicans are already assured of keeping the majority with 51 seats. The party of Donald Trump could even marginally reinforce his majority in the Senate with a few extra seats in the coming hours.
Usually, midterm elections always go badly for the party with the president in the White House. But these elections were a long way from a disaster for Republicans, so Donald Trump is probably justified in feeling optimistic. He tweeted “Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!”. In the cold light of day though, he might reconsider. Once the new Congress is sworn in next year, the Democrats could use their new powers in the House to launch a barrage of investigations into President Trump and the White House. All the things the Democrats might begin to investigate will make things very uncomfortable for the President as he looks to build his re-election bid for 2020…
Julien Moussavi, Head of Economic Research - Sources: Beyond Ratings, Politico