On a remarkable night in US elections, Democrats have seized control of the US Senate, flipping Republican-held seats in Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and Kansas, as a new dawn beckons Americans in the US Congress.
Counting continues throughout Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in America, while results in some races may not be known until Wednesday or later.
Democrat Talarico’s victory represents a seismic shift in Texas, which has become a standard bearer of staunch conservative policies for the Republican Party.
“It’s historic,” said Taylor Bell, a 27 year old law student, who attended an election watch party in Houston. “Hopefully we see money coming back to the people of Texas, and not more of the same we’ve seen – well, my whole life at this point.”
Congressman Christian Menefee, who represents Houston, told those gathered that “tonight Texas has restored the hope of a nation”.
“Tonight, I believe firmly that we can accomplish anything in this country if we just stand together and we fight back against hate and bigotry,” he said.
Tuesday also saw the surprise victory of Gubernatorial Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, to become the first Latino governor in the history of Texas, despite the demographic making up 40 percent of the state’s population.
Alejandra Peimbert, a regional communications director for Hinojosa’s campaign, said the victory should be seen as a rebuke to the hardline immigration polices enacted under 10-years of outgoing governor Greg Abbott.
Democrat Sarah Garriott has won Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, flipping a Republican-held seat in the US House.
Democrat Ilhan Omar has won reelection to the House of Representatives in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
President Trump had called for Omar to resign from the US Congress, reviving allegations of identity fraud after a court filing identified the Minnesota politician by an additional name.
