Democrats Win US House, Hakeem Jeffries Poised to Become First Black Speaker

Democrats are projected to regain control of the US House of Representatives following Tuesday’s midterm elections, putting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on course to become the first Black speaker in American history and dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump. The projected victory would make Jeffries, a 56-year-old congressman from New York, the first African American to lead the House, provided he secures the necessary votes when the new Congress convenes in January.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. CNN, CNBC and election analysts projected a Democratic majority as the opposition party made gains across the country, while a string of closely contested Senate races raised the possibility of Republicans also losing control of the upper chamber. Jeffries, who has led House Democrats since January 2023, would succeed Republican Speaker Mike Johnson if elected by the new chamber. His elevation would mark a historic milestone in American politics, making him the first Black lawmaker to hold the speakership, one of the most powerful positions in the US government and second in the presidential line of succession after the vice president. The Democrats’ projected victory would give the party control over the House’s legislative agenda, committee leadership and investigative powers during the final two years of Trump’s presidency. It would also allow Democrats to block Republican legislation, scrutinize the administration’s policies and launch congressional investigations into government spending, immigration enforcement and other issues. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Brings Ukraine’s Energy Needs to Bundestag as €11.6B Aid Awaits Vote President Zelensky and Julia Klöckner discussed on Tuesday, Nov. 3, how Berlin could help protect Ukraine’s power grid from Russian missile and drone strikes amid increased attacks. Democrats score major Senate upsets Democrats also scored several significant victories in Senate races, including an unexpected win in traditionally Republican South Carolina. Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham, who had been appointed to the Senate following the death of her brother, longtime Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, in July. Graham had received Trump’s endorsement, but Andrews capitalized on voter concerns about rising living costs, healthcare and the administration’s handling of the economy. The victory marked the first time a Democrat had won a US Senate election in South Carolina since 1998. In North Carolina, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper defeated a Trump-backed Republican candidate, flipping another Senate seat previously held by Republicans. Democrats also retained key seats in Georgia and New Hampshire, where Senator Jon Ossoff won reelection and Representative Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. Republicans entered election day with a 53-47 advantage in the chamber, meaning Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to secure a majority. The outcome of several remaining races continued to determine whether Republicans would retain control of the Senate. Trump faces divided Washington after midterm losses The midterm elections amounted to a nationwide test of Trump’s second presidency, with voters casting ballots amid persistent concerns over affordability, tariffs and the economic consequences of the US war against Iran. The conflict has contributed to higher fuel prices, adding pressure on American households already struggling with the rising cost of essential goods. Trump’s approval ratings had fallen sharply ahead of the election, with dissatisfaction over the economy emerging as a major challenge for Republican candidates. Democrats campaigned heavily on healthcare costs, housing affordability and the impact of tariffs, while promising greater oversight of the administration. The shift in House control would significantly constrain Trump’s ability to advance his domestic agenda without negotiating with Democratic lawmakers. Although Republicans could still pursue legislation through the Senate, any bill requiring House approval would need to pass a chamber controlled by the opposition. Democrats would also gain the authority to convene hearings and issue subpoenas through House committees, opening the possibility of investigations into the Trump administration during the remainder of his term. What the results could mean for Ukraine The change in congressional control could also affect Washington’s approach to foreign policy, including military assistance to Ukraine and efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion. A Democratic-controlled House would have greater influence over defense spending, foreign assistance legislation and oversight of the administration’s handling of relations with Kyiv and Moscow. However, any new assistance package would still require approval through the legislative process, including the Senate, and could face opposition from the White House. The midterm results come as Washington continues diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, with another round of US-brokered talks scheduled for Nov. 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. For the remainder of Trump’s presidency, control of Congress will play an important role in determining how much freedom the administration has to pursue its domestic and foreign policy priorities. The final composition of the Senate remains consequential, with Democrats seeking to build on their early victories as remaining votes are counted. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.