Supporters turned out at watch parties across the nation after heated races that saw Democrats overturn Republicans’ majorities in the Senate and the House.
By Max Butterworth and Roisín Savage
Joy and despair punctuated election watch parties overnight after a blue tsunami swept the country’s midterm elections.
In Detroit, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed celebrated his victory over Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history. He was cheered on by a crowd of supporters — some wearing hijabs, others cowboy hats.
There were contrasting scenes of disappointment at a Detroit watch party for Rogers who lost in the hostile race.
In Austin, Texas, James Talarico supporters greeted the beaming Democrat at a burger joint after he flipped a Senate seat that had been held by Republicans for decades.
Not all Republican gatherings were forlorn. Trump ally Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly to become Florida’s next governor.
In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff cruised to Senate re-election as he defeated Republican Mike Collins.
Democrat Roy Cooper bested former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley to win the Senate election in North Carolina, gaining a crucial seat for his party in the race to control the chamber.
Democrat Jocelyn Benson succeeded Gretchen Whitmer to become the next governor of Michigan, extending the party’s control for four more years.
Max Butterworth
Roisín Savage
