Democrats have won control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, giving them control of Congress for the remainder of Donald Trump’s presidency. With some results still being finalised, the midterm night has also brought historic firsts and celebrations across several states.

Democrats made gains in states Trump won comfortably two years ago, including Texas, Kansas, Ohio and South Carolina. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who could become speaker if his colleagues keep him as their party’s leader, told supporters: “Today begins the great American comeback.”

Trump said Democrats had done a “good job” and said he would accept the results and work with the opposition. He also noted that, as president, he could veto legislation passed by Democrats. Trump distanced himself from some Republican candidates, saying that some were not popular with voters and others were not his friends.

In North Carolina, former Democratic governor Roy Cooper won the state’s Senate race against Republican Michael Whatley, marking the night’s first Democratic flip of a Senate seat. Cooper told supporters that when “everyday people come together, we can make change.” The party had not won a Senate race in the state since 2008.

Georgia Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta’s former mayor, was projected to win the governor’s race, making her the state’s first Black governor and its first woman elected to the office. She defeated Republican businessman and healthcare executive Rick Jackson, who was endorsed by Trump and outgoing Governor Brian Kemp. Georgia had not had a Democratic governor in more than 20 years.

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff was also projected to win re-election in Georgia. Addressing supporters, he said that for those who had doubted whether the republic would survive the past two years, “the first light of dawn is on the horizon.” His victory is expected to intensify speculation about whether he might seek the presidency in 2028.

In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas was projected to defeat former Republican Senator John Sununu. Pappas, who represented the state in the House from 2019, becomes the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. He celebrated with his husband and thanked Sununu for his public service.

Sources: BBC News World.