Democrats projected to win Senate and Congress control after Tuesday midterm elections

Democrats were projected to win control of the US Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, and are also expected to take the House, which would give them both chambers of Congress. The Associated Press projected Democratic wins in South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Iowa and Kansas. Decision Desk HQ called the Senate just after 11 p.m. EST. As of 6 a.m. Eastern, Democrats were set to hold 54 seats and Republicans 44, with Alaska and Mississippi undecided. Counting continued in Minnesota, Michigan and Maine, where Democrats are trying again to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said relief is on the way. Control of the chamber would let Democrats block President Trump's legislation and his nominees, including to the Supreme Court. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola faces Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. A federal judge on Sunday dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to block certification if Sullivan finishes behind her.

Left-leaning outlets frame the night as a Democratic victory. The Guardian US reports a rout, a rejection of Trump's agenda and new leverage over him, and leads with Schumer's quote and the list of flipped states. CBS News leads with Peltola in Alaska, her criticism of Sullivan's Iran war votes, the dismissed lawsuit and the New York Times report on an alleged plan involving a second Dan Sullivan, which she denies. Right-leaning outlets are more concise. The Daily Signal gives the seat count, the Decision Desk HQ call and the undecided races. The Blaze says Democratic hopes came to fruition after Republicans lost the House early, and quotes a view that Trump promoted candidates better than they promoted themselves. All agree on the outcome. Alternative outlet Axios adds that Trump made himself the face of the GOP campaign and is now distancing himself from the result.