Democrates take back Congress in midterm election

The historic midterm election results that flip the balance of power. Democrats have taken control of the House and Senate in Washington. Here in Pennsylvania, Democrats have achieved the so-called trifecta, taking control of the Senate, House and the governor's mansion for the first time since 1993. Action News reporter John Paul is live in Harrisburg where a Democratic rally just got underway. Good afternoon, John. Yeah, Tam, good afternoon to you. Sarah, good afternoon. I'm right here on the steps of the Capitol building in Harrisburg, and I want to show you what we're seeing right now. We're going to pan over, and you can see the House and the Senate Democratic caucuses. We've been watching them hug. We've heard cheers. We've actually heard some honking of horns. They're all gathered here on the steps celebrating that trifecta, controlling the House, the Senate, the governor's office, the first time in more than 30 years. So I want to look at some of the numbers from last night. The Democrats flipped control of the Senate last night. They had a net gain of three seats, so that's a 26-seat majority. There are 50 seats in the Senate, so they have that. Let's switch over to the House, because Democrats already had a slim majority in the House. But that really grew last night, gaining at least seven seats, now a firm majority, at least 111 seats in the House. And we know Governor Shapiro won. That is your trifecta. Divided government, that is what we have been seeing now for years. Very few bills got passed, and there have been fights over things like transit funding, the minimum wage. Now with the trifecta, Democrats really have nothing standing in their way of their agenda. So I just talked with the House Speaker, Joanna McClinton, just in the last minute or two, and I wanted to know what we can expect to see when they take control of both chambers in January. Here's what she had to say. First of all, we had so many things that failed because of the Senate Republicans refusing to compromise. So we look forward to finally closing the loop on raising the minimum wage, funding our transit system, fairly funding our education, getting ahead of the data center influx. So those are just some of the legislative priorities for the next legislative session, the 2027 session. And they're about to have this rally here on the steps. And it's going to be a busy day, Tam and Sarah, because right after this at one o'clock, they're heading over to the governor's residence not too far from here. Governor Shapiro will be talking there with Lieutenant Governor. We're going to have more to say about this trifecta. I'm going to stay here in Harrisburg. We'll have it all covered for you starting today. At 4 o'clock, for now, live on the steps of the Capitol, John Paul, Channel 6 Action News. Tam, Sarah? Yeah, important place to be on a historic day. John, thank you. Democrats flipped four Republicans' seats held in the U.S. House they were targeting in Pennsylvania. Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvey won his race against five-term incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick for the first district House seat. In the 7th Congressional District, Bob Brooks defeated incumbent Ryan McKenzie, who served just one term. We'll have much more on the Democrats' takeover of the House coming up at 12.30. As well, Democrats flipped another House seat in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. Cape May Mayor Zach Mullock claimed victory over Republican Congressman incumbent Jeff Andrew, who was seeking a fifth term. Andrew conceded last night, saying that he wishes Mullock the best. In Mullock's acceptance speech, he underscored that his win does make a statement, since his district often votes Republican. This is a district that we weren't supposed to win. You know, a lot of people felt like their voices were being unheard. And believe me, tonight, your voices are being heard. I have fought hard for South Jersey, for New Jersey, and for the United States of America. In the interim, I'm going to organize my thoughts and my ideas and decide what's next. Mullick attributed his win to public frustration with the Trump administration and says he will focus now on affordability issues. Van Drew, who was first elected to Congress as a Democrat, says he will remain politically active, but he does not have future plans to run for office. Now for more on the blue wave that has swept the nation. The results across the country, including in our area, are a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump and Republican leadership. Action News reporter Catherine Scott has more on the historic nationwide shift for the Democratic Party. With this blue wave, Democrats take unified control of Congress. Democrats have said on day one they'll focus on health care and driving down prices. Multiple investigations into the Trump administration are also expected. The blue wave rolled in overnight, the results of the midterm election delivering a major blow to President Trump and Republicans in Washington. In a politics dominated by billionaires and special interest groups and insiders in Washington, D.C., that we will not bow down. Democrats clinch the Senate. James Tallarico projected to be the first Democratic senator in Texas in more than 30 years. Adam Hamilton projected to become the first Democratic senator in Kansas since 1932. I work for you. I'm going to represent you. More Senate wins for Democrats, among them Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio. In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson defeated longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins. In a race drawing national attention, progressive Abdul El-Sayed was projected to win in Michigan. We want our taxes spent here, for schools here and health care here and infrastructure here. We don't want our money sent to do apartheid or genocide or war. Democrats also took the House. Hakeem Jeffries now set to make history as the nation's first black speaker. We're going to fight to make sure that we make this country affordable for every single American. 36 states elected governors, including Pennsylvania, and in seven of those states, there were historic firsts, including Democrat Gina Hinojosa as the first Hispanic governor of Texas and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms as the first black female governor in any state. So far this morning, President Trump has been relatively quiet on social media, but last night in an interview with Fox News, he said he did not consider this a personal defeat. And that the voters simply did not like the candidates. From the Satellite Center, Catherine Scott, Channel 6 Action News. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro cruised to a second term with a massive statewide victory, taking 60% of the vote. He defeated Republican challenger Stacey Garrity, the state treasurer, who lagged behind in fundraising and in polling. You declared that you could not be more ready for an end of this ruthless chaos and cruelty. And? This rampant corruption, yeah, absolutely has a lot of name recognition, a lot of campaign cash, and you know, it's it's a difficult climate right now and a lot of things out of my control. This is the first time Democrats will control the state Senate since 1993, giving Governor Shapiro an advantage in Harrisburg as he tries to push through his agenda. Some of the items include raising the minimum wage, money for education and the fuller funding of transit. Check election results in our area and across the nation with the 6ABC app. You can also hear from candidates in their victory and concession speeches.