The Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of Congress in a midterm election that exceeded expectations for the party and many pollsters, political analyst Michael Werz said. The result will significantly change the political landscape in the United States, he told NDR Info.
Werz said Democrats appeared to have gained seven seats in the Senate and more than 18 in the House of Representatives. He described the vote as a rejection of President Donald Trump, whose presence had helped bring together the Democrats’ broad and diverse coalition.
The party now faces the task of holding those gains together, Werz said, while also challenging the administration. He expected Democrats to scrutinize what they regard as corruption and unlawful conduct within government agencies. Legislative action, however, could be limited: although Congress can pass bills, the president can veto them, and overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
Werz also pointed to the debt ceiling as a potential source of leverage for the Democratic-controlled House, since raising it requires the chamber’s approval. He said the issue could become important when the limit comes up for consideration.
Looking ahead to 2028, Werz said it was too early to identify a Democratic presidential candidate. He speculated that a governor might ultimately emerge, while stressing that the party first needs a period of consolidation. Candidates could begin positioning themselves after the summer break in 2027, he said.
Werz said the Republican Party was unlikely to return to a traditional form of conservatism, arguing that it had been strongly shaped by authoritarian and Christian-nationalist influences. He added that the midterm losses could prompt potential Republican presidential candidates to begin positioning themselves sooner than expected.
Sources: Tagesschau.