Obama applauds Democratic sweep

Former President Obama applauded Democratic candidates for a sweeping victory in the midterm elections, with Democrats winning competitive races and taking control of the House and Senate.

“Tonight, the American people sent a clear message — they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face,” Obama said in a post on the social platform X early Wednesday.

With big wins in Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan and Maine, the Democrats won a Senate majority and are on track to win 54 to 56 seats. The party also seized control of the House and is projected to win around 255 seats, according to Decision Desk HQ.

The Democratic wave in Texas was brought by the historic wins of candidates James Talarico and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D), who defeated their Republican opponents Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, respectively, in the state’s Senate and gubernatorial races .

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers, making history as the first Muslim American elected to the upper chamber. Democrat Adam Hamilton also flipped a Senate seat in Kansas and is going to be the first Democratic senator from the Sunflower State since 1939.

“These results were only possible because outstanding candidates stepped forward in every region of the country — including in areas once considered long shots,” Obama said in his post.

“They came from different backgrounds and represented a range of political perspectives, but were united by shared values, a belief in public service, and a commitment to putting the people of their districts and states first,” he added.

The midterm victory puts House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in line to be the country’s first Black Speaker. The Speakership vote will take place on the House floor on Jan. 3.

In his message, the former president thanked election officials and volunteers who helped with running things smoothly on Tuesday. In the end, he set the tone for the next two years, saying, “Our job now is to roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future.”