Democrats retained control of the US Senate. It’s a stunning achievement that falls short of predictions of a Republican victory in both houses of Congress.
By-elections traditionally lead to the rejection of the ruling party. With inflation skyrocketing and Biden’s popularity waning, Republicans expected to face a powerful “red wave” and capture the Senate and House of Representatives.
But the tide never grew, and American television stations announced the key Senate race in Nevada in favor of Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto. This success gave the party the 50 seats needed for an effective majority.
The victory solidifies Democratic control of the Senate, as Vice President Kamala Harris could cast the deciding vote if the upper house splits evenly 50-50.
Georgia’s Senate race, scheduled for December, remains on hold, AFP reported.
The result in the House of Representatives is also in the balance, and although Republicans are slight favorites to take control. This will be done by a much smaller majority than initially anticipated.
Biden is in a stronger position to meet with Xi Jinping
US President Joe Biden said he felt good and in a stronger position after it became clear Democrats retained control of the US Congress Senate, world agencies reported.
“I’m feeling good and looking forward to the next two years,” Biden said in Phnom Penh, where he was attending the ASEAN summit.
He told reporters he would arrive in Bali for his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, buoyed by the Democrats’ success in the midterm elections.
Biden will have a meeting with Xi on the island of Bali. “I know Yes, he knows me too” Biden said, adding he expects his conversations with him to be frank.
The president added that he will try to draw red lines in tense US-China relations during his meeting with Xi tomorrow, AFP added.
Today in Phnom Penh, Biden will also have a meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea to jointly coordinate their response to North Korea’s actions. But they will also discuss their cooperation in the face of China’s growing influence and aggressive behavior in the Pacific region, notes the Associated Press.
