Trump hand-picked Senate candidates. Republicans paid the price.

The 2022 United States midterm elections concluded with Democrats gaining full control of Congress, in a decisive rejection of President Donald Trump's policies and the Republican Party. According to NBC News projections, Democrats now hold both chambers of Congress. This victory came after a strong performance in the House, where Democrats are projected to achieve their largest majority in nearly two decades.

Fourteen Republican-held seats were flipped by Democratic candidates in states like Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. These gains were particularly significant as Trump had handpicked the nominees in several of these states, despite opposition from some within his own party.

Voters made their opposition to Trump clear, with 43% of midterm voters surveyed in the NBC News Exit Poll citing Trump as the reason for their vote. Additionally, 71% of voters, including 41% of Republicans, expressed a desire for more congressional oversight of Trump's administration. Issues of corruption, affordability, immigration, and the Iran war were among the key concerns of voters.

Trump's response to the results was swift and bitter; he falsely claimed on social media that he was not on the ballot and that he would have won a landslide if he had been.

The Democratic takeover of Congress will have far-reaching implications. With control over both chambers, the Trump administration will now face increased scrutiny and possible investigations. The election results could also impact the composition of the Supreme Court, the 2028 presidential race, and the future of Trump's legislative agenda.

However, the new Democratic majority will also thrust the nation into an intense clash with Trump, as they seek to hold his administration accountable and implement their policy priorities.