Democrats gain ground in battle for Congress with North Carolina flip
Summary
Democrats flipped a Republican-held Senate seat in North Carolina and gained ground in several competitive House and Senate races, raising hopes of winning control of Congress. The results became a referendum on Donald Trump’s second term as voters focused on affordability, tariffs and the president’s approval rating.
Key Points
- Democrats won a Republican-held Senate seat in North Carolina as Roy Cooper defeated Trump-backed Michael Whatley.
- John Ossoff won reelection in Georgia and Chris Pappas held New Hampshire’s open Senate seat for Democrats.
- Republicans struggled in Florida, where Ashley Moody led by a narrow margin and Democrats held three redrawn House districts.
- The election is widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump’s second term amid voter anger over affordability, tariffs and U.S. policy direction.
