Incoming US House Democratic leader vows crackdown on corruption

Democrats have gained full control of both chambers of the US Congress after capturing several Republican seats in the Senate and House, and winning key gubernatorial races in a sweeping 'blue wave' that dealt an electoral blow to the Republican Party and President Donald Trump.

According to NBC News projections, the Democratic Party has regained control of the US House of Representatives, potentially achieving its largest majority in nearly two decades. The results reflect a significant decline in popularity for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, as well as voter rejection of the current administration's policies.

NBC News estimates Democrats will win about 248 seats, with the final number possibly fluctuating by a few seats, but still far exceeding the 218 needed for a majority.

Democrats needed to flip just three additional seats to secure a House majority, but they managed to win a larger number of Republican-held seats, many in districts that Trump had carried in the 2024 presidential election.

Preliminary results also show Democrats winning a majority in the US Senate after capturing Republican seats in North Carolina, South Carolina, Iowa, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio.

On Wednesday, leading Democrats in the House pledged to use their expected majority to fight corruption, as allegations of illicit enrichment by President Donald Trump emerged as a key issue for voters in the election.

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become Speaker in the new Congress, told supporters, "We will hold accountable those who have dragged this country to unprecedented levels of corruption."

He added, "When officials in high positions are preoccupied with enriching themselves, their families, friends, or donors, they are not concerned with improving the lives of the American people."