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The midterm power shift in Washington was headlined by major upsets for Republicans and big wins for Democrats. The elections also witnessed a series of historic firsts across America, with several candidates breaking barriers in state and national politics.To begin with, 41-year-old Indian-origin billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy lost to Amy Acton in the Ohio governor's race. Ramaswamy enjoyed the staunch backing of US President Donald Trump. Acton managed to pull through despite being targeted by an advertisement that brought up her childhood trauma.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/britain-s-doomsday-warning-ai-hackers-could-knock-out-uk-power-water-by-2028-cyber-agency-warns-gravitas-1793728275592">Britain's doomsday warning: AI hackers could knock out UK power, water by 2028, cyber agency warns | Gravitas</a><h2>Texas, South Carolina deliver major setbacks for Republicans</h2>In another stunning upset, three-term Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott lost the election, ending his party's three-decade hold on the governor's office. Democrat Gina Hinojosa created history as the first Hispanic elected to lead the state.In another embarrassment for Trump, Republicans failed to retain the seat left vacant by the demise of his close aide, Lindsey Graham, in South Carolina. Although Graham's sister, Darline Graham, was contesting the election, she was defeated by Democratic Party candidate Annie Andrews.In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Rick Jackson. Bottoms, who served in the Biden administration, is projected to become the first Black woman elected governor in US history. She will also be the state's first female governor.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/cocaine-king-creates-a-narco-state-in-africa-gravitas-1793814912142">Cocaine king creates a narco state in Africa | Gravitas</a><h2>Senate races produce historic firsts</h2>In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas secured a crucial Democratic-held seat. He is set to become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.Florida is also set for a historic milestone, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to become the state's first Black governor. A strong Trump ally, Donalds campaigned on tax reforms, data centre regulation and advancing the president's agenda.Meanwhile, Aber Kawas won a New York state Senate seat, becoming the first Palestinian American and hijab-wearing woman elected to the state legislature. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed created history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.All eyes were on this contest after Trump personally attacked El-Sayed on the campaign trail, mocked his name and even called him a "jihadist".The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed campaigned on healthcare access, economic affordability and political reform.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-2026-democrat-abdul-el-sayed-creates-history-1793811552659/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-2026-democrat-abdul-el-sayed-creates-history-1793811552659/embed</a><h2>Abdul El-Sayed's victory brings an unexpected India connection</h2>El-Sayed's victory has also brought an unexpected India connection into the spotlight. His wife, Dr Sarah Jukaku, belongs to a family with deep ancestral roots in Karnataka's coastal town of Bhatkal. She is the daughter of neurologist Dr Tayeb Jukaku, who moved to the US in the 1980s.According to reports, Sarah Jukaku and El-Sayed have a particular fondness for traditional Bhatkali cuisine. Her last visit to Bhatkal was around seven years ago.On the campaign trail, El-Sayed also spoke about his association with South Indian family traditions, reflecting the cultural influence of his wife's background.&nbsp;

US midterm elections witness major political upsets and historic firsts, with Democrats making gains in key races. From Abdul El-Sayed's Senate victory to Aber Kawas entering the New York state legislature, historic firsts you must know.

The midterm power shift in Washington was headlined by major upsets for Republicans and big wins for Democrats. The elections also witnessed a series of historic firsts across America, with several candidates breaking barriers in state and national politics. To begin with, 41-year-old Indian-origin billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy lost to Amy Acton in the Ohio governor's race. Ramaswamy enjoyed the staunch backing of US President Donald Trump. Acton managed to pull through despite being targeted by an advertisement that brought up her childhood trauma. Also read | Britain's doomsday warning: AI hackers could knock out UK power, water by 2028, cyber agency warns | Gravitas Texas, South Carolina deliver major setbacks for Republicans In another stunning upset, three-term Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott lost the election, ending his party's three-decade hold on the governor's office. Democrat Gina Hinojosa created history as the first Hispanic elected to lead the state. In another embarrassment for Trump, Republicans failed to retain the seat left vacant by the demise of his close aide, Lindsey Graham, in South Carolina. Although Graham's sister, Darline Graham, was contesting the election, she was defeated by Democratic Party candidate Annie Andrews. In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Rick Jackson. Bottoms, who served in the Biden administration, is projected to become the first Black woman elected governor in US history. She will also be the state's first female governor. Also read | Cocaine king creates a narco state in Africa | Gravitas Senate races produce historic firsts In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas secured a crucial Democratic-held seat. He is set to become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate. Florida is also set for a historic milestone, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to become the state's first Black governor. A strong Trump ally, Donalds campaigned on tax reforms, data centre regulation and advancing the president's agenda. Meanwhile, Aber Kawas won a New York state Senate seat, becoming the first Palestinian American and hijab-wearing woman elected to the state legislature. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed created history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. All eyes were on this contest after Trump personally attacked El-Sayed on the campaign trail, mocked his name and even called him a "jihadist". The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed campaigned on healthcare access, economic affordability and political reform.

US midterm elections witness major political upsets and historic firsts, with Democrats making gains in key races. From Abdul El-Sayed's Senate victory to Aber Kawas entering the New York state legislature, historic firsts you must know.

US midterm elections: Major Republican upsets, historic firsts and an unexpected India connection | Gravitas

Democrats' victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has opened a new front in President Donald Trump's battle over the Iran war. With the party set to take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the White House will face greater scrutiny over its military campaign, spending and legal justification for continued hostilities.While the change will not take effect until the new Congress convenes in January 2027, even then, does a Democratic majority mean Trump can simply be ordered to pull US forces out of Iran? Here's all you need to know.<h2>The legal battle: Who has the final say on war?</h2>The US Constitution divides war-related powers between Congress and the president. Article I gives Congress the authority to declare war and control federal spending, while Article II makes the president commander-in-chief of the armed forces.The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing US forces into hostilities. It generally requires military involvement to end within 60 days unless Congress authorises it, with a possible 30-day extension for the safe withdrawal of troops.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-s-culture-wars-go-to-the-ballot-who-won-the-battles-over-abortion-trans-rights-and-voter-id-us-midterms-2026-1793808263700">America's culture wars go to the ballot: Who won the battles over abortion, trans rights and voter ID? | US Midterms 2026</a><h2>Trump admin's stand on the War Powers Resolution of 1973</h2>Trump's administration has disputed the application of the law. On May 1, 2026, as the 60-day deadline approached, the White House said hostilities that began on February 28 had been terminated by the April ceasefire. However, US operations, including a maritime blockade, continue to day.The administration has also maintained that the president can use his constitutional powers to order military action. The legal argument, however, remains contested.<h2>Can a Democrat hold of the Senate and House finally end the war that has dragged on for over eight months?</h2><h3>Scenario 1: Democrats use funding to put pressure on Trump</h3>One of the biggest sources of leverage for the Democrats will be Congress's power over federal spending. With control of both chambers, Democrats will be able to chair key appropriations committees and shape defence spending legislation. They could seek to restrict funding for military operations against Iran or attach conditions to future defence budgets.However, this would not necessarily bring an immediate halt to the campaign. The Pentagon may continue using funds already allocated for military operations. Any new funding restrictions would also have to pass through the legislative process and survive a presidential veto.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/habibi-there-s-a-delicious-irony-what-the-word-abdul-el-sayed-used-on-jd-vance-actually-means-us-midterms-2026-1793789771271">'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026</a><h3>Scenario 2: War powers resolutions return to Congress</h3>Democrats could revive efforts to invoke the War Powers Resolution and require the withdrawal of US forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorises the campaign.Notably, previous attempts to limit Trump's military actions faced resistance. A concurrent resolution passed by both chambers in June 2026 was dismissed by the White House as non-binding. Such resolutions do not carry the force of law in the same way as legislation presented to the president.A binding measure would face another hurdle: Trump could veto it. Democrats would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override that veto, a threshold they are not expected to command.<h3>Scenario 3: Investigations and hearings intensify</h3>Democratic control would also allow lawmakers to launch investigations into the administration's conduct of the war.Committees could demand Pentagon documents, question military officials and examine the cost of the campaign, its legal basis and the administration's handling of the ceasefire. Public hearings could increase pressure on the White House and put the war's consequences under greater scrutiny.<h3>Scenario 4: Trump continues the campaign despite congressional opposition</h3>Despite the shift in Congress, Trump would retain significant authority as commander-in-chief. He could continue directing military operations while challenging congressional attempts to restrict his powers.The president could also veto legislation passed by Democrats. Without enough Republican support to override him, many legislative efforts to force a change in Iran policy could stall.The most likely immediate consequence of the Democratic takeover, therefore, is not an automatic end to the war but a sharper confrontation between the White House and Congress. Funding disputes, investigations and renewed war powers votes could make it harder for Trump to sustain the campaign without facing mounting political and legal challenges.

Democrats' takeover of Congress opens a new battle over Trump's Iran war. From defence funding and War Powers Resolution votes to investigations and public hearings, here are the ways lawmakers could challenge the president, and the limits they face.

Democrats' victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has opened a new front in President Donald Trump's battle over the Iran war. With the party set to take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the White House will face greater scrutiny over its military campaign, spending and legal justification for continued hostilities. While the change will not take effect until the new Congress convenes in January 2027, even then, does a Democratic majority mean Trump can simply be ordered to pull US forces out of Iran? Here's all you need to know. The legal battle: Who has the final say on war? The US Constitution divides war-related powers between Congress and the president. Article I gives Congress the authority to declare war and control federal spending, while Article II makes the president commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing US forces into hostilities. It generally requires military involvement to end within 60 days unless Congress authorises it, with a possible 30-day extension for the safe withdrawal of troops. Also read | America's culture wars go to the ballot: Who won the battles over abortion, trans rights and voter ID? | US Midterms 2026 Trump admin's stand on the War Powers Resolution of 1973 Trump's administration has disputed the application of the law. On May 1, 2026, as the 60-day deadline approached, the White House said hostilities that began on February 28 had been terminated by the April ceasefire. However, US operations, including a maritime blockade, continue to day. The administration has also maintained that the president can use his constitutional powers to order military action. The legal argument, however, remains contested. Can a Democrat hold of the Senate and House finally end the war that has dragged on for over eight months? Scenario 1: Democrats use funding to put pressure on Trump One of the biggest sources of leverage for the Democrats will be Congress's power over federal spending. With control of both chambers, Democrats will be able to chair key appropriations committees and shape defence spending legislation. They could seek to restrict funding for military operations against Iran or attach conditions to future defence budgets. However, this would not necessarily bring an immediate halt to the campaign. The Pentagon may continue using funds already allocated for military operations. Any new funding restrictions would also have to pass through the legislative process and survive a presidential veto. Also read | 'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026 Scenario 2: War powers resolutions return to Congress Democrats could revive efforts to invoke the War Powers Resolution and require the withdrawal of US forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorises the campaign. Notably, previous attempts to limit Trump's military actions faced resistance. A concurrent resolution passed by both chambers in June 2026 was dismissed by the White House as non-binding. Such resolutions do not carry the force of law in the same way as legislation presented to the president. A binding measure would face another hurdle: Trump could veto it. Democrats would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override that veto, a threshold they are not expected to command. Scenario 3: Investigations and hearings intensify Democratic control would also allow lawmakers to launch investigations into the administration's conduct of the war. Committees could demand Pentagon documents, question military officials and examine the cost of the campaign, its legal basis and the administration's handling of the ceasefire. Public hearings could increase pressure on the White House and put the war's consequences under greater scrutiny. Scenario 4: Trump continues the campaign despite congressional opposition Despite the shift in Congress, Trump would retain significant authority as commander-in-chief. He could continue directing military operations while challenging congressional attempts to restrict his powers. The president could also veto legislation passed by Democrats. Without enough Republican support to override him, many legislative efforts to force a change in Iran policy could stall. The most likely immediate consequence of the Democratic takeover, therefore, is not an automatic end to the war but a sharper confrontation between the White House and Congress. Funding disputes, investigations and renewed war powers votes could make it harder for Trump to sustain the campaign without facing mounting political and legal challenges.

Democrats' takeover of Congress opens a new battle over Trump's Iran war. From defence funding and War Powers Resolution votes to investigations and public hearings, here are the ways lawmakers could challenge the president, and the limits they face.

US Midterms: After Senate, House win, can Democrats force Trump to stop Iran war? Answer may surprise you

New Delhi: Sri Lanka has opened its first "Atal" Tinkering Lab, bringing a hands-on model of Indian STEM education to a leading Colombo school in a partnership that both countries describe as a step toward a shared innovation ecosystem.The lab, housed in the Centenary Building at Nalanda College, was inaugurated this week by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, alongside Hemas Holdings Group CEO Ashish Chandra and former Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena, an alumnus of the school. The facility was developed by Atlas Axillia, the education arm of Hemas Holdings, with technical support from India’s Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog and facilitation by the Indian High Commission.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-expresses-appreciation-after-indian-navy-and-air-force-rescue-iranian-crew-from-somali-pirates-1793690677267">Iran expresses appreciation after Indian Navy and Air Force rescue Iranian crew from Somali pirates</a>Speaking at the opening, High Commissioner Jha highlighted the scale of the programme in India. “Today there are more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across India, in big cities and small villages. Students have built products like automated irrigation systems and smart canes for the visually impaired. That is the real magic of Atal Tinkering Labs. It teaches a child that a problem is not a wall, it is an invitation. Today that invitation arrives in Sri Lanka.”Ashish Chandra described the Nalanda lab as distinctive. “It is one of its kind in the world. We have visited multiple tinkering labs in India. This tinkering lab has a class of its own. It will be a model, a reference.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-nsa-ajit-doval-holds-key-defence-and-security-talks-in-hanoi-with-vietnamese-leadership-1793612014263">India’s NSA Ajit Doval holds key defence and security talks in Hanoi with Vietnamese leadership</a>The lab is designed to give secondary students space to experiment with robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics and design thinking, combining scientific principles with creative problem-solving. Organisers say the aim is to move beyond textbook learning by encouraging students to build practical solutions to everyday challenges.India’s Atal Tinkering Labs, launched under the Atal Innovation Mission, have become a cornerstone of efforts to cultivate scientific curiosity among schoolchildren.By replicating the model in Sri Lanka, officials from both sides hope to foster similar skills while creating pathways for future collaboration. The launch is also expected to be followed by the inauguration of a broader India-Sri Lanka innovation forum.

Sri Lanka's first Atal Tinkering Lab has opened at Nalanda College in Colombo, backed by India's Atal Innovation Mission. Students will work on robotics, AI and design thinking. Read what India's High Commissioner said at the launch.

New Delhi: Sri Lanka has opened its first "Atal" Tinkering Lab, bringing a hands-on model of Indian STEM education to a leading Colombo school in a partnership that both countries describe as a step toward a shared innovation ecosystem. The lab, housed in the Centenary Building at Nalanda College, was inaugurated this week by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, alongside Hemas Holdings Group CEO Ashish Chandra and former Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena, an alumnus of the school. The facility was developed by Atlas Axillia, the education arm of Hemas Holdings, with technical support from India’s Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog and facilitation by the Indian High Commission. Also read | Iran expresses appreciation after Indian Navy and Air Force rescue Iranian crew from Somali pirates Speaking at the opening, High Commissioner Jha highlighted the scale of the programme in India. “Today there are more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across India, in big cities and small villages. Students have built products like automated irrigation systems and smart canes for the visually impaired. That is the real magic of Atal Tinkering Labs. It teaches a child that a problem is not a wall, it is an invitation. Today that invitation arrives in Sri Lanka.” Ashish Chandra described the Nalanda lab as distinctive. “It is one of its kind in the world. We have visited multiple tinkering labs in India. This tinkering lab has a class of its own. It will be a model, a reference.” Also read | India’s NSA Ajit Doval holds key defence and security talks in Hanoi with Vietnamese leadership The lab is designed to give secondary students space to experiment with robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics and design thinking, combining scientific principles with creative problem-solving. Organisers say the aim is to move beyond textbook learning by encouraging students to build practical solutions to everyday challenges. India’s Atal Tinkering Labs, launched under the Atal Innovation Mission, have become a cornerstone of efforts to cultivate scientific curiosity among schoolchildren. By replicating the model in Sri Lanka, officials from both sides hope to foster similar skills while creating pathways for future collaboration. The launch is also expected to be followed by the inauguration of a broader India-Sri Lanka innovation forum.

Sri Lanka's first Atal Tinkering Lab has opened at Nalanda College in Colombo, backed by India's Atal Innovation Mission. Students will work on robotics, AI and design thinking. Read what India's High Commissioner said at the launch.

India’s 'Atal' Tinkering Labs reach Sri Lanka as first facility opens in the country

The White House on Wednesday (November 4) shared a post on social media platform X with a photograph of US President Donald Trump: “PSA: Trump is still your president." The post came after the Democratic Party made dramatic gains in the 2026 US midterm elections, flipping over two dozen seats in the House of Representatives and at least seven Senate seats. The post ended with the line, “Thank you for your attention to this matter." This phrase is something Trump often uses in his communications on the social media platform Truth Social. It has appeared against the backdrop of midterm results still coming in, results that will shape the makeup of Congress and could alter the political terrain for the remaining two years of Trump’s term.

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<h3>Trump reacts to election results</h3>Commenting on the outcome, Trump suggested that the conflict with Iran had contributed to Republican setbacks at the polls, though he maintained that his handling of Iran would ultimately be judged as more consequential than a single election night. He argued that preventing the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism from acquiring nuclear weapons mattered more in the long run than the night’s results. Trump also admitted the outcome had caught him off guard, and said, “I'm a little bit surprised. I thought they'd do better." On the November 3 elections, Trump stated that his party did tremendous rallies, nearly 30 of them. On the people who attended his rally said, “I thought that I could transfer those people onto candidates.” Meanwhile, after sweeping Democratic gains in the midterms, President Trump has left his schedule empty of public events. Democrats flipped Senate seats across several traditionally competitive or Republican-leaning states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, and Maine. Maine saw one of the most notable upsets, with Troy Jackson, a former logger, unseating longtime incumbent Senator Susan Collins. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton became the first Democrat elected to the Senate from that state since 1932. The wins helped Democrats secure majority control of the Senate for the final two years of Trump’s term, marking what’s being described as a stinging rebuke of his administration.

Trump suggested that the conflict with Iran had contributed to Republican setbacks at the polls, though he maintained that his handling of Iran would ultimately be judged as more consequential than a single election night. 

The White House on Wednesday (November 4) shared a post on social media platform X with a photograph of US President Donald Trump: “PSA: Trump is still your president." The post came after the Democratic Party made dramatic gains in the 2026 US midterm elections, flipping over two dozen seats in the House of Representatives and at least seven Senate seats. The post ended with the line, “Thank you for your attention to this matter." This phrase is something Trump often uses in his communications on the social media platform Truth Social. It has appeared against the backdrop of midterm results still coming in, results that will shape the makeup of Congress and could alter the political terrain for the remaining two years of Trump’s term.

Trump suggested that the conflict with Iran had contributed to Republican setbacks at the polls, though he maintained that his handling of Iran would ultimately be judged as more consequential than a single election night.&nbsp;

'Trump is still your president': White House post comes after democrats' midterm gains

US Vice-President JD Vance on Wednesday blamed the Iran war and Washington’s relationship with Israel for the Republican Party’s drubbing in the midterm elections and said many voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024 switched sides in protest against the administration’s policies.Vance wrote a lengthy post on X after Democrats swept both chambers of Congress in a historic midterm victory and said the Republicans did not suffer because their supporters stayed away from polling stations but because a significant number of people who voted for the Trump-Vance ticket in the 2024 presidential election turned against the party in the November 3 midterms.&nbsp;Pointing to the results of internal polling, Vance identified four major reasons behind the voter backlash: the Iran war, rising living costs, concerns over the administration’s commitment to its ‘America First’ agenda and dissatisfaction with Washington’s relationship with Israel.Vance wrote, “The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night,” in one of the clearest acknowledgements from within the Trump administration that the Iran conflict became a political liability for Republicans.&nbsp;<h2>Voters turned against us: VP</h2>&nbsp;Vance said Republican data analysts had spent considerable time studying the composition of the electorate to determine whether the voters turning out resembled those who supported Trump in 2024.Internal assessments suggested that Republican supporters were turning out in sufficient numbers, but Vance said that one data analyst he consulted warned him that strong turnout did not necessarily translate into votes for Republican candidates.Vance recalled the analyst telling him, “We might do better than the polls suggest. But the data is telling us that a lot of Trump/Vance 2024 voters are pissed and planning to vote for the other guys. Our voters are turning out, but they may not vote for us.”&nbsp;“The main problem is that many people who voted for Trump/Vance in 2024 voted for Democrats in 2026,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>War turned out to be the biggest liability: Vance</h2>&nbsp;Vance further said that one pollster had predicted that Republicans would lose the generic ballot by 13 percentage points. The generic ballot measures voters’ preferences for which party they want to control Congress.The pollster specifically questioned voters who supported Trump in 2024 but were planning to vote Democratic in the midterms, and they listed four issues that could persuade them to return to the Republican camp.The first was an end to the war. The second was greater focus on the cost of living and inflation. The third was a renewed commitment to the ‘America First’ agenda, and the last was a change in Washington’s relationship with Israel.

Pointing to the results of internal polling, JD Vance identified four major reasons behind the voter backlash: the Iran war, rising living costs, concerns over the administration’s commitment to its ‘America First’ agenda and dissatisfaction with Washington’s relationship with Israel.

US Vice-President JD Vance on Wednesday blamed the Iran war and Washington’s relationship with Israel for the Republican Party’s drubbing in the midterm elections and said many voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024 switched sides in protest against the administration’s policies. Vance wrote a lengthy post on X after Democrats swept both chambers of Congress in a historic midterm victory and said the Republicans did not suffer because their supporters stayed away from polling stations but because a significant number of people who voted for the Trump-Vance ticket in the 2024 presidential election turned against the party in the November 3 midterms. Pointing to the results of internal polling, Vance identified four major reasons behind the voter backlash: the Iran war, rising living costs, concerns over the administration’s commitment to its ‘America First’ agenda and dissatisfaction with Washington’s relationship with Israel. Vance wrote, “The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night,” in one of the clearest acknowledgements from within the Trump administration that the Iran conflict became a political liability for Republicans. Voters turned against us: VP Vance said Republican data analysts had spent considerable time studying the composition of the electorate to determine whether the voters turning out resembled those who supported Trump in 2024. Internal assessments suggested that Republican supporters were turning out in sufficient numbers, but Vance said that one data analyst he consulted warned him that strong turnout did not necessarily translate into votes for Republican candidates. Vance recalled the analyst telling him, “We might do better than the polls suggest. But the data is telling us that a lot of Trump/Vance 2024 voters are pissed and planning to vote for the other guys. Our voters are turning out, but they may not vote for us.” “The main problem is that many people who voted for Trump/Vance in 2024 voted for Democrats in 2026,” he said. War turned out to be the biggest liability: Vance Vance further said that one pollster had predicted that Republicans would lose the generic ballot by 13 percentage points. The generic ballot measures voters’ preferences for which party they want to control Congress. The pollster specifically questioned voters who supported Trump in 2024 but were planning to vote Democratic in the midterms, and they listed four issues that could persuade them to return to the Republican camp. The first was an end to the war. The second was greater focus on the cost of living and inflation. The third was a renewed commitment to the ‘America First’ agenda, and the last was a change in Washington’s relationship with Israel.

Pointing to the results of internal polling, JD Vance identified four major reasons behind the voter backlash: the Iran war, rising living costs, concerns over the administration’s commitment to its ‘America First’ agenda and dissatisfaction with Washington’s relationship with Israel.

VP JD Vance blames Iran war for Republicans’ crushing defeat in US midterms

Abortion rights, transgender policies and voting rules featured prominently in state-level ballot measures during the 2026 US midterm elections, with voters delivering a mixed verdict on some of the country's most contested social and political issues. From Missouri's attempt to reverse abortion protections to proposals restricting transgender students' participation in school sports, the measures had put questions of individual rights, healthcare and election procedures directly before voters.The results are far from uniform. While some states backed changes to existing laws, others rejected proposals, and several closely watched contests remained too early to call. Here's all you need to know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugs-on-the-ballot-did-american-voters-back-marijuana-legalisation-in-2026-us-midterms-idaho-massachusetts-cannabis-ballots-1793799694174">Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?</a><h2>Abortion rights: Did voters give the states a different answer?</h2>Missouri voters have decided to hold on to their abortion rights. They have rejected Amendment 3, a proposal that sought to repeal the abortion rights amendment approved in 2024 and introduce a new prohibition. The proposal had called for reinstating a near-total ban on abortion but included exceptions for medical emergencies and foetal anomalies, as well as cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. 55.5 per cent voted against the amendment, while 44.5 per cent supported it. The proposal also included restrictions on certain gender-transition procedures for minors.Idaho, meanwhile, rejected wider abortion rights. Voters have rejected Proposition 1, which sought to establish legal protections for reproductive healthcare decisions, and legalise abortion in the state up to foetal viability or in emergencies. The measure received 44 per cent support, against 56 per cent opposed.Nevada, meanwhile, approved Question 6, which sought to establish a constitutional right to abortion. The Yes vote stood at 63.3 per cent, against 36.7 per cent for No, with 85.3 per cent of expected votes counted.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/habibi-there-s-a-delicious-irony-what-the-word-abdul-el-sayed-used-on-jd-vance-actually-means-us-midterms-2026-1793789771271">'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026</a><h2>Transgender rights: Where are voters drawing the line?</h2>Arizona voters backed Proposition 318, which concerns school sports and access to school facilities based on sex recorded at birth. The measure received 58.9% support, against 41.1% opposed, according to the supplied figures.Two closely watched proposals in Colorado remained 'too early to call’ at the time this report was published. Proposition 134, concerning school sports participation based on biological sex, had 52.4 per cent voting ‘Yes’ and 47.6 per cent voting No, with 75.8 per cent of expected votes counted.Proposition 135, which sought to ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors, was also unresolved. The Yes vote stood at 51.9 per cent, against 48.1 per cent for No, with 75.9 per cent of expected votes counted.Washington's Measure 638, concerning school sports eligibility based on biological sex, was similarly ‘Too early to call’. The Yes side, as per NBC News figures, led with 56.8 per cent, while 43.2 per cent voted No. However, only 59.7 per cent of expected votes had been counted as of the time this report was published, leaving an estimated 1.3 million votes outstanding.Vermont's Question 4, which is not directly related to transgender rights but rather on establishing equal protection under the law, also passed. The proposal amends the Vermont State Constitution to prohibit denying equal treatment under the law based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. It received 79.1 per cent support, with 20.9 per cent voting against it.<h2>Voter ID: Are states moving towards stricter rules?</h2>Leading up to the US midterms, US President Donald Trump had stepped up his call for Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, even pointing to India's election system and voter identification requirements as an example. The SAVE America Act, as per the White House, is designed to ensure that only US citizens participate in federal elections.In similar lines, a series of ballot measures across America had sought to introduce or expand citizenship and voter identification requirements. Here's what the states chose.Measures requiring citizenship to vote passed in Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota and West Virginia. Support stood at 69.1 per cent in Arkansas, 63.7 per cent in Kansas, 61.5 per cent in South Dakota and 79.3 per cent in West Virginia. Alaska's Measure 3 also passed, receiving 69.6 per cent support.On voter ID being a requirement to vote, Ohio voters approved Question 1 with 65.3 per cent voting 'yes'. North Carolina's amendment passed with 59.6 per cent support, while Nevada's Question 7 received 62.3 per cent support.Meanwhile, Arizona's Proposition 144, which concerns voter ID and citizenship, remained ‘Too early to call’ when this report was published, with 53.2 per cent voting No. California's Proposition 39, seeking voter ID requirements, was also 'Too early to call', with 58.6 per cent voting No.Virginia voters have meanwhile approved Question 3, concerning voting rights for people convicted of felonies upon release, with 56.5 per cent voting Yes.&nbsp;

Abortion, transgender rights and voter ID requirements went straight to voters in the 2026 midterms as ballot measures, and the verdict was split. Missouri kept its abortion rights, Idaho said no, Nevada enshrined them. Read the full state-by-state results.

Abortion rights, transgender policies and voting rules featured prominently in state-level ballot measures during the 2026 US midterm elections, with voters delivering a mixed verdict on some of the country's most contested social and political issues. From Missouri's attempt to reverse abortion protections to proposals restricting transgender students' participation in school sports, the measures had put questions of individual rights, healthcare and election procedures directly before voters. The results are far from uniform. While some states backed changes to existing laws, others rejected proposals, and several closely watched contests remained too early to call. Here's all you need to know. Also read | Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms? Abortion rights: Did voters give the states a different answer? Missouri voters have decided to hold on to their abortion rights. They have rejected Amendment 3, a proposal that sought to repeal the abortion rights amendment approved in 2024 and introduce a new prohibition. The proposal had called for reinstating a near-total ban on abortion but included exceptions for medical emergencies and foetal anomalies, as well as cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. 55.5 per cent voted against the amendment, while 44.5 per cent supported it. The proposal also included restrictions on certain gender-transition procedures for minors. Idaho, meanwhile, rejected wider abortion rights. Voters have rejected Proposition 1, which sought to establish legal protections for reproductive healthcare decisions, and legalise abortion in the state up to foetal viability or in emergencies. The measure received 44 per cent support, against 56 per cent opposed. Nevada, meanwhile, approved Question 6, which sought to establish a constitutional right to abortion. The Yes vote stood at 63.3 per cent, against 36.7 per cent for No, with 85.3 per cent of expected votes counted. Also read | 'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026 Transgender rights: Where are voters drawing the line? Arizona voters backed Proposition 318, which concerns school sports and access to school facilities based on sex recorded at birth. The measure received 58.9% support, against 41.1% opposed, according to the supplied figures. Two closely watched proposals in Colorado remained 'too early to call’ at the time this report was published. Proposition 134, concerning school sports participation based on biological sex, had 52.4 per cent voting ‘Yes’ and 47.6 per cent voting No, with 75.8 per cent of expected votes counted. Proposition 135, which sought to ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors, was also unresolved. The Yes vote stood at 51.9 per cent, against 48.1 per cent for No, with 75.9 per cent of expected votes counted. Washington's Measure 638, concerning school sports eligibility based on biological sex, was similarly ‘Too early to call’. The Yes side, as per NBC News figures, led with 56.8 per cent, while 43.2 per cent voted No. However, only 59.7 per cent of expected votes had been counted as of the time this report was published, leaving an estimated 1.3 million votes outstanding. Vermont's Question 4, which is not directly related to transgender rights but rather on establishing equal protection under the law, also passed. The proposal amends the Vermont State Constitution to prohibit denying equal treatment under the law based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. It received 79.1 per cent support, with 20.9 per cent voting against it. Voter ID: Are states moving towards stricter rules? Leading up to the US midterms, US President Donald Trump had stepped up his call for Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, even pointing to India's election system and voter identification requirements as an example. The SAVE America Act, as per the White House, is designed to ensure that only US citizens participate in federal elections. In similar lines, a series of ballot measures across America had sought to introduce or expand citizenship and voter identification requirements. Here's what the states chose. Measures requiring citizenship to vote passed in Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota and West Virginia. Support stood at 69.1 per cent in Arkansas, 63.7 per cent in Kansas, 61.5 per cent in South Dakota and 79.3 per cent in West Virginia. Alaska's Measure 3 also passed, receiving 69.6 per cent support. On voter ID being a requirement to vote, Ohio voters approved Question 1 with 65.3 per cent voting 'yes'. North Carolina's amendment passed with 59.6 per cent support, while Nevada's Question 7 received 62.3 per cent support. Meanwhile, Arizona's Proposition 144, which concerns voter ID and citizenship, remained ‘Too early to call’ when this report was published, with 53.2 per cent voting No. California's Proposition 39, seeking voter ID requirements, was also 'Too early to call', with 58.6 per cent voting No. Virginia voters have meanwhile approved Question 3, concerning voting rights for people convicted of felonies upon release, with 56.5 per cent voting Yes.

Abortion, transgender rights and voter ID requirements went straight to voters in the 2026 midterms as ballot measures, and the verdict was split. Missouri kept its abortion rights, Idaho said no, Nevada enshrined them. Read the full state-by-state results.

America's culture wars go to the ballot: Who won the battles over abortion, trans rights and voter ID? | US Midterms 2026

Canada has proposed to buy Type 212CD submarines from Germany in two batches, with an assurance of eight boats and another four in future. The proposal was made last week in a series of meetings in Ottawa, which took place between federal officials. The meeting took place between the Defence Investment Agency of Canada and representatives of German submarine-maker TKMS and Norwegian defence giant Kongsberg. Citing sources, CBC News confirmed that since a round of meetings in Europe in September, the Canadian side has been talking for several weeks about the order. Officials in Germany are examining how a reduced order might affect the promised $86 billion in economic investment in Canada.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugs-on-the-ballot-did-american-voters-back-marijuana-legalisation-in-2026-us-midterms-idaho-massachusetts-cannabis-ballots-1793799694174">Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?</a><h3>Canada intends to buy ‘up to 12 submarines.’</h3>Meanwhile, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a major German naval shipbuilding and maritime defence company, is in discussions with its 400-strong supplier network about how a scaled-back order could ripple through their businesses. Last July, when Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that his government had picked TKMS’s bid over South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, he stated plainly that Canada intended to buy “up to 12 submarines.” According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity, federal officials want to keep the door open for future governments to adjust course as deliveries aren’t set to begin until the mid-2030s and could stretch on for more than a decade after that. They also point to an ongoing internal debate over whether crewed submarines might eventually give way to cheaper or more capable drone alternatives. Replacing the Navy’s ageing Victoria-class fleet with 12 new submarines is projected to cost somewhere between $20 billion and $24 billion upfront, with lifetime costs, covering operations, maintenance, and repairs, potentially exceeding $100 billion across two decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;A spokesperson for Stephen Fuhr, the secretary of state for defence procurement, said the federal government repeated that the prime minister's pledge was looking for "up to 12 modern submarines in order to protect Canadians by replacing the ageing Victoria-Class fleet."&nbsp;Sofiya Sapeha stated that the Defence Investment Agency is continuously negotiating with the supplier and is striving hard to secure a contract that ensures maximum benefits for Canadians across the country." Sapeha added: "Because the procurement process is currently active, we are unable to comment on the content and status of the negotiations."&nbsp;

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a major German naval shipbuilding and maritime defence company, is in discussions with its 400-strong supplier network about how a scaled-back order could ripple through their businesses.

Canada has proposed to buy Type 212CD submarines from Germany in two batches, with an assurance of eight boats and another four in future. The proposal was made last week in a series of meetings in Ottawa, which took place between federal officials. The meeting took place between the Defence Investment Agency of Canada and representatives of German submarine-maker TKMS and Norwegian defence giant Kongsberg. Citing sources, CBC News confirmed that since a round of meetings in Europe in September, the Canadian side has been talking for several weeks about the order. Officials in Germany are examining how a reduced order might affect the promised $86 billion in economic investment in Canada. Also read: Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms? Canada intends to buy ‘up to 12 submarines.’ Meanwhile, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a major German naval shipbuilding and maritime defence company, is in discussions with its 400-strong supplier network about how a scaled-back order could ripple through their businesses. Last July, when Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that his government had picked TKMS’s bid over South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, he stated plainly that Canada intended to buy “up to 12 submarines.” According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity, federal officials want to keep the door open for future governments to adjust course as deliveries aren’t set to begin until the mid-2030s and could stretch on for more than a decade after that. They also point to an ongoing internal debate over whether crewed submarines might eventually give way to cheaper or more capable drone alternatives. Replacing the Navy’s ageing Victoria-class fleet with 12 new submarines is projected to cost somewhere between $20 billion and $24 billion upfront, with lifetime costs, covering operations, maintenance, and repairs, potentially exceeding $100 billion across two decades. A spokesperson for Stephen Fuhr, the secretary of state for defence procurement, said the federal government repeated that the prime minister's pledge was looking for "up to 12 modern submarines in order to protect Canadians by replacing the ageing Victoria-Class fleet." Sofiya Sapeha stated that the Defence Investment Agency is continuously negotiating with the supplier and is striving hard to secure a contract that ensures maximum benefits for Canadians across the country." Sapeha added: "Because the procurement process is currently active, we are unable to comment on the content and status of the negotiations."

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a major German naval shipbuilding and maritime defence company, is in discussions with its 400-strong supplier network about how a scaled-back order could ripple through their businesses.

Canada plans to buy 8 submarines upfront and 4 later from Germany: Reports

The United States can still strike targets across Iran, but it has yet to turn that military advantage into a political settlement. That was retired US Army Colonel David B. Des Roches’ assessment on WION’s Defence Pulse after Democrats won both chambers of Congress. The Pentagon estimated the war had cost $47.1 billion as of October 16 and is seeking a separate $67 billion in war-related funding. Asked how far the fallout from a war can reach, Des Roches called the conflict a major factor in the midterms. The Pentagon’s late-October tally stood at 23 U.S. military deaths, including nonhostile deaths, and 865 wounded. Congressional researchers compiled reports of 81 aircraft and drones lost or damaged. For voters, Des Roches pointed to a different cost. Higher diesel prices made it more expensive to run farms, while tariff disputes narrowed their export markets.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/india-u-s-should-join-forces-to-build-underwater-drones-says-former-u-s-chief-of-naval-operations-1793199118278">India-US should jointly build underwater drones: Ex-US Chief of Naval Operations</a> Trump, he argued, alienated voters who wanted to avoid another Middle East war and frustrated those who expected a decisive outcome once it began. “The war is the main symptom of a bigger problem,” said Des Roches, a professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute and former deputy director for peacekeeping in the Office of the Secretary of Defence, pointing to Trump’s centralised decision-making. On election day, Trump also pledged to end roughly $4 billion in annual aid to Israel after 2026 while continuing arms sales.<h2>The Iranian threats U.S. commanders still face</h2>“Yeah, good question,” Des Roches said when asked what U.S. forces had achieved. He assessed that the strikes had broken Iran’s ability to mount a coordinated nationwide air-defence response. Yet Iran’s government remains in power and has reportedly resumed assembling ballistic missiles underground. Asked what Tehran could still do militarily, he pointed to the threat to U.S. bases, commercial shipping and Gulf energy infrastructure. “You can’t defend everything,” he said.

<h2>What would it take for Trump to declare the job done in Iran?</h2>Asked whether the opening strike offered Trump an off-ramp and what “finishing the job” would mean now, Des Roches said an outcome Washington could live with would require Iran to give up its nuclear programme, stop imposing conditions on international shipping and end support for proxies in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. Economic pressure, he argued, could matter more than further strikes in securing those terms. “That’s a brilliant question,” he added.&nbsp;

Retired US Army Colonel David B. Des Roches tells WION's Defence Pulse that Washington can still strike Iran but has not converted military gains into a political settlement, as the war's cost reaches $47.1 billion.



The United States can still strike targets across Iran, but it has yet to turn that military advantage into a political settlement. That was retired US Army Colonel David B. Des Roches’ assessment on WION’s Defence Pulse after Democrats won both chambers of Congress. The Pentagon estimated the war had cost $47.1 billion as of October 16 and is seeking a separate $67 billion in war-related funding. Asked how far the fallout from a war can reach, Des Roches called the conflict a major factor in the midterms. The Pentagon’s late-October tally stood at 23 U.S. military deaths, including nonhostile deaths, and 865 wounded. Congressional researchers compiled reports of 81 aircraft and drones lost or damaged. For voters, Des Roches pointed to a different cost. Higher diesel prices made it more expensive to run farms, while tariff disputes narrowed their export markets. Also read | India-US should jointly build underwater drones: Ex-US Chief of Naval Operations Trump, he argued, alienated voters who wanted to avoid another Middle East war and frustrated those who expected a decisive outcome once it began. “The war is the main symptom of a bigger problem,” said Des Roches, a professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute and former deputy director for peacekeeping in the Office of the Secretary of Defence, pointing to Trump’s centralised decision-making. On election day, Trump also pledged to end roughly $4 billion in annual aid to Israel after 2026 while continuing arms sales. The Iranian threats U.S. commanders still face “Yeah, good question,” Des Roches said when asked what U.S. forces had achieved. He assessed that the strikes had broken Iran’s ability to mount a coordinated nationwide air-defence response. Yet Iran’s government remains in power and has reportedly resumed assembling ballistic missiles underground. Asked what Tehran could still do militarily, he pointed to the threat to U.S. bases, commercial shipping and Gulf energy infrastructure. “You can’t defend everything,” he said.

Retired US Army Colonel David B. Des Roches tells WION's Defence Pulse that Washington can still strike Iran but has not converted military gains into a political settlement, as the war's cost reaches $47.1 billion.

Trump lost Congress, Tehran govt held on and the Pentagon wants $67 billion more for the Iran war

The blue wave in the US midterms has been hard to miss. On Tuesday (Nov 03), Democrats registered a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections that weakens President Donald Trump's final two years in the White House. While the Senate and House results are getting their due attention, ballot measures are somewhat missing from the conversation. One notable ballot measure that featured in battles across the United States during the November 3 midterm elections was the marijuana policy.This year's ballot battles had two cannabis-related measures posed to Americans. In Idaho, voters voted on a proposal that would have taken away their ability to initiate laws on marijuana and other psychoactive substances. In Massachusetts, they voted on an attempt to scrap the state's recreational marijuana sales system. But, what did the Americans choose? Here's all you need to know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hazardous-waste-to-mission-failed-iran-mocks-trump-as-democrats-sweep-the-2026-us-midterms-watch-1793791862253">'Hazardous waste' to ‘mission failed’: Iran mocks Trump as Democrats sweep the 2026 US midterms | WATCH</a><h2>Idaho voters and ballot move to restrict citizen-led drug law changes</h2>Idaho voters have rejected House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4), which sought to give the state legislature exclusive authority to legalise marijuana, narcotics and other psychoactive substances.The proposal also aimed to prevent citizens from using the ballot initiative process to introduce laws legalising or decriminalising these substances.According to the results reported by Ballotpedia, 67.19 per cent voted against the amendment, while 32.81 per cent supported it. The measure received 282,055 votes against and 137,756 in favour. The results were still unofficial, with 61 per cent of precincts reporting in the update cited.Marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use in Idaho. By rejecting HJR 4, voters retained their ability to pursue changes to drug laws through citizen-led initiatives in future elections.<h2>Massachusetts and the bid to end recreational marijuana sales</h2>In Massachusetts, voters rejected Question 8, an initiative that sought to repeal the legal framework governing recreational marijuana sales, regulation and taxation.The proposal would still have allowed adults aged 21 and above to possess up to one ounce without penalties, with civil penalties for possession of between one and two ounces. It also sought to end personal home cultivation and restrict the recreational cannabis market.The measure was defeated decisively. According to Ballotpedia election figures, 75.83 per cent voted against it, while 24.17 per cent supported it.Massachusetts voters had approved recreational marijuana legalisation in 2016. Rejecting Question 8 means the state's existing regulated retail market and associated tax system remain in place, subject to official certification.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/habibi-there-s-a-delicious-irony-what-the-word-abdul-el-sayed-used-on-jd-vance-actually-means-us-midterms-2026-1793789771271">'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026</a><h2>Other marijuana ballot efforts that did not make the cut</h2>Several other states saw attempts to change cannabis laws, but those proposals did not reach voters in the 2026 midterms.Arizona's campaign to roll back parts of its recreational marijuana law was abandoned in May. In Idaho, a medical cannabis proposal failed to qualify after falling short of the signature requirements, while a separate personal-use decriminalisation initiative did not submit signatures.Maine's proposed repeal of its recreational cannabis law missed the 2026 deadline, but its campaign can continue gathering signatures for a possible 2027 ballot. Nebraska's proposed marijuana legalisation measure also failed to secure enough valid signatures.In New Hampshire, a proposed constitutional amendment allowing adults aged 21 and older to possess a modest amount of cannabis failed to advance in the state legislature. Ohio's effort to challenge parts of Senate Bill 56 was suspended.&nbsp;

Marijuana policy was put to the test in the US midterms, but both cannabis-related ballot measures were defeated. From Idaho's fight over citizen-led initiatives to Massachusetts' bid to end recreational sales, here's how the votes went. 

The blue wave in the US midterms has been hard to miss. On Tuesday (Nov 03), Democrats registered a sweeping victory in the US midterm elections that weakens President Donald Trump's final two years in the White House. While the Senate and House results are getting their due attention, ballot measures are somewhat missing from the conversation. One notable ballot measure that featured in battles across the United States during the November 3 midterm elections was the marijuana policy. This year's ballot battles had two cannabis-related measures posed to Americans. In Idaho, voters voted on a proposal that would have taken away their ability to initiate laws on marijuana and other psychoactive substances. In Massachusetts, they voted on an attempt to scrap the state's recreational marijuana sales system. But, what did the Americans choose? Here's all you need to know. Also read | 'Hazardous waste' to ‘mission failed’: Iran mocks Trump as Democrats sweep the 2026 US midterms | WATCH Idaho voters and ballot move to restrict citizen-led drug law changes Idaho voters have rejected House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4), which sought to give the state legislature exclusive authority to legalise marijuana, narcotics and other psychoactive substances. The proposal also aimed to prevent citizens from using the ballot initiative process to introduce laws legalising or decriminalising these substances. According to the results reported by Ballotpedia, 67.19 per cent voted against the amendment, while 32.81 per cent supported it. The measure received 282,055 votes against and 137,756 in favour. The results were still unofficial, with 61 per cent of precincts reporting in the update cited. Marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use in Idaho. By rejecting HJR 4, voters retained their ability to pursue changes to drug laws through citizen-led initiatives in future elections. Massachusetts and the bid to end recreational marijuana sales In Massachusetts, voters rejected Question 8, an initiative that sought to repeal the legal framework governing recreational marijuana sales, regulation and taxation. The proposal would still have allowed adults aged 21 and above to possess up to one ounce without penalties, with civil penalties for possession of between one and two ounces. It also sought to end personal home cultivation and restrict the recreational cannabis market. The measure was defeated decisively. According to Ballotpedia election figures, 75.83 per cent voted against it, while 24.17 per cent supported it. Massachusetts voters had approved recreational marijuana legalisation in 2016. Rejecting Question 8 means the state's existing regulated retail market and associated tax system remain in place, subject to official certification. Also read | 'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026 Other marijuana ballot efforts that did not make the cut Several other states saw attempts to change cannabis laws, but those proposals did not reach voters in the 2026 midterms. Arizona's campaign to roll back parts of its recreational marijuana law was abandoned in May. In Idaho, a medical cannabis proposal failed to qualify after falling short of the signature requirements, while a separate personal-use decriminalisation initiative did not submit signatures. Maine's proposed repeal of its recreational cannabis law missed the 2026 deadline, but its campaign can continue gathering signatures for a possible 2027 ballot. Nebraska's proposed marijuana legalisation measure also failed to secure enough valid signatures. In New Hampshire, a proposed constitutional amendment allowing adults aged 21 and older to possess a modest amount of cannabis failed to advance in the state legislature. Ohio's effort to challenge parts of Senate Bill 56 was suspended.

Marijuana policy was put to the test in the US midterms, but both cannabis-related ballot measures were defeated. From Idaho's fight over citizen-led initiatives to Massachusetts' bid to end recreational sales, here's how the votes went.&nbsp;

Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?

For the first time in American history, three Black women will serve in the Senate simultaneously, including Juliana Stratton from Illinois, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. They are the three Black women who have reached the US Senate through parallel paths in Democratic state politics after winning the 2026 midterm elections. Stratton won after defeating Republican challenger Don Tracy to succeed retiring five-term Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, whose 30-year tenure in the chamber comes to an end. With her win, Stratton becomes the sixth Black woman ever elected to the US Senate, and only the second from Illinois, after Carol Moseley Braun made a groundbreaking victory in 1992. Notably, Illinois will also become the first state in US history to be represented by two women of colour in the Senate at the same time, as Stratton joins fellow Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is Asian American. A Chicago native, Stratton began her political career as Illinois’s lieutenant governor in 2019, serving as running mate to Governor JB Pritzker before launching her successful bid for the Senate.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-gina-hinojosa-democrat-who-ousted-greg-abbott-to-become-texas-s-first-latina-governor-1793793884602">Who is Gina Hinojosa? Democrat who ousted Greg Abbott to become Texas's first Latina governor</a><h3>Who is Juliana Stratton?</h3>Juliana Stratton has been Illinois’s lieutenant governor since 2019, elected twice alongside Governor JB Pritzker, and is the first African-American (and fourth woman) to hold that office. Before that, she served one term in the Illinois House (2017–2019). In 2025, she launched a Senate bid for Dick Durbin’s seat, won the crowded March 2026 Democratic primary over Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly and seven others, and is now senator-elect, set to take office in 2027.<h3>Who is Lisa Blunt Rochester?</h3>Lisa Blunt Rochester has represented Delaware in the Senate since 2025, after eight years (2017–2025) as the state’s sole U.S. House member, making her the first woman and first African American to represent Delaware in either chamber. Her political career began working for Senator, later Governor, Tom Carper, and she went on to hold state cabinet roles (deputy secretary of Health and Social Services in 1993, Labour secretary in 1998). She co-chaired Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, and when Carper retired from the Senate, she ran with his backing, clinching the Democratic nomination unopposed and winning the general election.<h3>Who is Angela Alsobrooks?</h3>Angela Alsobrooks, born in 1971 and a graduate of Duke University and the University of Maryland School of Law, has been Maryland’s junior senator since 2025. She built her career in Prince George’s County government as a domestic-violence prosecutor, state’s attorney (2011–2018), and county executive (2018–2024), becoming the county’s first female and first Black female executive. In 2024, she defeated former Republican Governor Larry Hogan for Durbin’s, sorry, for Maryland’s open Senate seat, becoming the state’s first African-American senator, the third Black woman ever elected to the Senate, and the second woman overall to represent Maryland there, after Barbara Mikulski. &nbsp;

 With her win, Stratton becomes the sixth Black woman ever elected to the US Senate, and only the second from Illinois, after Carol Moseley Braun made a groundbreaking victory in 1992.

For the first time in American history, three Black women will serve in the Senate simultaneously, including Juliana Stratton from Illinois, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. They are the three Black women who have reached the US Senate through parallel paths in Democratic state politics after winning the 2026 midterm elections. Stratton won after defeating Republican challenger Don Tracy to succeed retiring five-term Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, whose 30-year tenure in the chamber comes to an end. With her win, Stratton becomes the sixth Black woman ever elected to the US Senate, and only the second from Illinois, after Carol Moseley Braun made a groundbreaking victory in 1992. Notably, Illinois will also become the first state in US history to be represented by two women of colour in the Senate at the same time, as Stratton joins fellow Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is Asian American. A Chicago native, Stratton began her political career as Illinois’s lieutenant governor in 2019, serving as running mate to Governor JB Pritzker before launching her successful bid for the Senate. Also read: Who is Gina Hinojosa? Democrat who ousted Greg Abbott to become Texas's first Latina governor Who is Juliana Stratton? Juliana Stratton has been Illinois’s lieutenant governor since 2019, elected twice alongside Governor JB Pritzker, and is the first African-American (and fourth woman) to hold that office. Before that, she served one term in the Illinois House (2017–2019). In 2025, she launched a Senate bid for Dick Durbin’s seat, won the crowded March 2026 Democratic primary over Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly and seven others, and is now senator-elect, set to take office in 2027. Who is Lisa Blunt Rochester? Lisa Blunt Rochester has represented Delaware in the Senate since 2025, after eight years (2017–2025) as the state’s sole U.S. House member, making her the first woman and first African American to represent Delaware in either chamber. Her political career began working for Senator, later Governor, Tom Carper, and she went on to hold state cabinet roles (deputy secretary of Health and Social Services in 1993, Labour secretary in 1998). She co-chaired Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, and when Carper retired from the Senate, she ran with his backing, clinching the Democratic nomination unopposed and winning the general election. Who is Angela Alsobrooks? Angela Alsobrooks, born in 1971 and a graduate of Duke University and the University of Maryland School of Law, has been Maryland’s junior senator since 2025. She built her career in Prince George’s County government as a domestic-violence prosecutor, state’s attorney (2011–2018), and county executive (2018–2024), becoming the county’s first female and first Black female executive. In 2024, she defeated former Republican Governor Larry Hogan for Durbin’s, sorry, for Maryland’s open Senate seat, becoming the state’s first African-American senator, the third Black woman ever elected to the Senate, and the second woman overall to represent Maryland there, after Barbara Mikulski.

&nbsp;With her win, Stratton becomes the sixth Black woman ever elected to the US Senate, and only the second from Illinois, after Carol Moseley Braun made a groundbreaking victory in 1992.

US midterm elections: Three black women to serve together in senate for first time – Who are they?

The Iranian government has exempted merchant vessels from India from restrictions on using the Strait of Hormuz besides those from China, Iraq and Qatar. Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, vice-chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar are exempt from restrictions imposed on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and are free to navigate through the strategic waterway, and the US is not stopping them either.&nbsp;The announcement comes amid repeated attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, which prompted New Delhi to call for an end to attacks on commercial shipping.&nbsp;“We have currently exempted India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries pass freely, and the Americans do not intercept them either,” Hayat-Moghaddam said in an interview with the Iranian Students’ News Agency.&nbsp;Hayat-Moghaddam said India was granted the exemption to facilitate imports of medicines, while China’s exemption was linked to political support and economic ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hayat-Moghaddam said Iran collects transit fees from Indian and Chinese vessels and allows Qatari vessels to pass without charges but did not specify whether Iraqi vessels pay transit fees or not.&nbsp;<h2>Around 90% of India’s LPG imports transit through Hormuz</h2>&nbsp;India imports around 90% of its crude oil needs, and about 30% of these imports currently pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, the strait accounted for 70% of India’s crude imports, but the dependence has declined because New Delhi has diversified imports with purchases from Russia, the US, West Africa, and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since the start of the West Asia conflict.&nbsp;However, 90% of India’s LPG imports still transit the Strait of Hormuz, and more than 50% of its LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE also arrive through the waterway, which is also crucial for fertiliser imports.India has repeatedly called for the unimpeded movement of energy supplies and freedom of navigation in international waterways.&nbsp;According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), there were at least 70 attacks on merchant ships between the start of the conflict in February and August. These attacks resulted in the death of 19 seafarers. Fifteen seafarers are among the 24 Indians killed so far in the West Asia conflict.&nbsp;<h2>Iran’s leaders urge military to consider Qatari-brokered proposal</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, senior Iranian political leaders are urging the country’s military leadership to consider a Qatari-brokered proposal to prevent a renewed conflict with the United States, said an Al Arabiya report.&nbsp;Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have advised military leaders to engage constructively with the proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;The diplomatic push comes amid internal assessments in Iran that a resumption of direct conflict with the United States is the most likely scenario.&nbsp;

India has repeatedly called for the unimpeded movement of energy supplies and freedom of navigation in international waterways. According to the International Maritime Organization, there were at least 70 attacks on merchant ships during the conflict from February till August.

The Iranian government has exempted merchant vessels from India from restrictions on using the Strait of Hormuz besides those from China, Iraq and Qatar. Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, vice-chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar are exempt from restrictions imposed on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and are free to navigate through the strategic waterway, and the US is not stopping them either. The announcement comes amid repeated attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, which prompted New Delhi to call for an end to attacks on commercial shipping. “We have currently exempted India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries pass freely, and the Americans do not intercept them either,” Hayat-Moghaddam said in an interview with the Iranian Students’ News Agency. Hayat-Moghaddam said India was granted the exemption to facilitate imports of medicines, while China’s exemption was linked to political support and economic ties. Hayat-Moghaddam said Iran collects transit fees from Indian and Chinese vessels and allows Qatari vessels to pass without charges but did not specify whether Iraqi vessels pay transit fees or not. Around 90% of India’s LPG imports transit through Hormuz India imports around 90% of its crude oil needs, and about 30% of these imports currently pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, the strait accounted for 70% of India’s crude imports, but the dependence has declined because New Delhi has diversified imports with purchases from Russia, the US, West Africa, and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since the start of the West Asia conflict. However, 90% of India’s LPG imports still transit the Strait of Hormuz, and more than 50% of its LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE also arrive through the waterway, which is also crucial for fertiliser imports. India has repeatedly called for the unimpeded movement of energy supplies and freedom of navigation in international waterways. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), there were at least 70 attacks on merchant ships between the start of the conflict in February and August. These attacks resulted in the death of 19 seafarers. Fifteen seafarers are among the 24 Indians killed so far in the West Asia conflict. Iran’s leaders urge military to consider Qatari-brokered proposal Meanwhile, senior Iranian political leaders are urging the country’s military leadership to consider a Qatari-brokered proposal to prevent a renewed conflict with the United States, said an Al Arabiya report. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have advised military leaders to engage constructively with the proposal. The diplomatic push comes amid internal assessments in Iran that a resumption of direct conflict with the United States is the most likely scenario.

India has repeatedly called for the unimpeded movement of energy supplies and freedom of navigation in international waterways. According to the International Maritime Organization, there were at least 70 attacks on merchant ships during the conflict from February till August.

Iran exempts ships from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar from Strait of Hormuz restrictions

Democrats seized control of the US Congress on Tuesday (Nov 03), capturing both the Senate and the House in a stunning rejection of President Donald Trump's agenda. And Tehran, it seems, was watching with popcorn. Within hours of early results showing major Democratic gains, Iran's official channels on X were online, mocking the president with videos that spread fast across social media.<h2>A dumpster, a flushed cap, and a falling president</h2>The most viral clip, posted November 4 on Iran's consular channel in India, is a short AI video that shows a limp, tired-looking Trump being carried out of a White House-like building by suited men and dumped into a large dumpster labelled "Hazardous Waste". The video had accumulated over 1.7 million views and tens of thousands of likes at the time of this report being published.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The U.S. midterm elections 😄 https://t.co/KDm874Cb1f&mdash; Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) <a href="https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/2117852081189216309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Iran's Consulate General in Mumbai went simpler and blunter: a seven-second video of a red MAGA hat being flushed down a toilet, captioned “TRUMP'S TIME IS UP. FLUSHED!”. The symbolism targets the "Make America Great Again" slogan head-on.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pooja-sethi-makes-history-as-first-hindu-indian-american-woman-elected-to-texas-legislature-who-is-she-all-you-need-to-know-1793786964768">US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature</a>Not all the mockery came from Iran. A separate viral clip, posted November 3, shows Trump in a suit and red tie crouched on a tree branch over water, axing the very branch he's standing on until it snaps and he splashes down. Captioned "Trump all year heading into the midterms be like..", it leaned on the self-sabotage metaphor. It drew over 19,000 likes and 1.3 million views.

<h2>'Anyone who clings to slim hope': The leader's message</h2>In a statement, Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was quoted as saying by state-backed outlet IRNA, "Anyone who still clings to even a slim hope that the system of domination might change its behaviour or undergo party and factional shifts, or who believes that concessions to the US could turn it away from its hostility toward the Iranian nation, is deeply mistaken."Notably, Khamenei has not been seen in public since his appointment in late February, after US-Israeli strikes killed his father and predecessor.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-hit-it-very-nicely-trump-confirms-us-strike-on-iran-s-strategic-island-despite-midterm-pledge-of-no-attacks-1793723660915">‘We hit it very nicely’: Trump confirms US strike on Iran's strategic island despite midterm pledge of 'no attacks'</a><h2>Why it matters</h2>From a flushed MAGA hat to a dumpster drop, Iran's mockery was pointed and viral. The US-Israeli war in Iran became a defining issue of the campaign after regional violence this year spiked gas and diesel prices for millions of families worldwide, including in the US.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump all year heading into the midterms be like.. https://t.co/ptc4nYCq34&mdash; Igor Schatz (@Copernicus2013) <a href="https://x.com/Copernicus2013/status/2117620045811703975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚽 TRUMP’S TIME IS UP. FLUSHED! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/lEghOavgUL&mdash; Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) <a href="https://x.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2117933537689047408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">بخشی از پیام رهبر انقلاب در روز 13 آبان
«سیزدهم آبان امسال، ملّت ایران تکلیف خود را با امریکای جنایتکار روشن‌تر و شفّاف‌تر از هر سال دیگر می‌داند.»
«قدرت و سلطۀ رو به زوال امریکا در هر دو بُعد قدرت سخت نظامی و قدرت نرم بین‌المللی دچار سقوطی برگشت‌ناپذیر شده است.» https://t.co/S3NFu1ogZ8&mdash; IRANtotheHolySee (@IRANinVATICAN) <a href="https://x.com/IRANinVATICAN/status/2117934197570674859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/habibi-there-s-a-delicious-irony-what-the-word-abdul-el-sayed-used-on-jd-vance-actually-means-us-midterms-2026-1793789771271">'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026</a>In a separate X post, the Iran in India X account posted an image of a child wearing a t-shirt with the Iran flag on it, laughing and pointing mockingly at Trump with the words "wasted". Better luck next time, Mr. Trump" written in bold letters. The image declares "mission failed" on the 2026 US midterms, with Democrats gaining +12 seats and Republicans losing -12, tying Republican losses to Trump's agenda. The mocking imagery was posted alongside the caption: "You talked about regime change, but we made it happen." The post ironically flips US rhetoric on Iranian regime change by crediting Tehran for democratic gains that rebuked Trump and limited his final two years in office.

As Democrats swept the US midterms, Iran's official channels in India were quick to troll Trump, posting viral videos of a dumped president and a flushed MAGA hat. Behind the memes, the Supreme Leader warns Washington not to expect a softer line. Read the full story here.

Democrats seized control of the US Congress on Tuesday (Nov 03), capturing both the Senate and the House in a stunning rejection of President Donald Trump's agenda. And Tehran, it seems, was watching with popcorn. Within hours of early results showing major Democratic gains, Iran's official channels on X were online, mocking the president with videos that spread fast across social media. A dumpster, a flushed cap, and a falling president The most viral clip, posted November 4 on Iran's consular channel in India, is a short AI video that shows a limp, tired-looking Trump being carried out of a White House-like building by suited men and dumped into a large dumpster labelled "Hazardous Waste". The video had accumulated over 1.7 million views and tens of thousands of likes at the time of this report being published.

As Democrats swept the US midterms, Iran's official channels in India were quick to troll Trump, posting viral videos of a dumped president and a flushed MAGA hat. Behind the memes, the Supreme Leader warns Washington not to expect a softer line. Read the full story here.

'Hazardous waste' to ‘mission failed’: Iran mocks Trump as Democrats sweep the 2026 US midterms | WATCH

In a surprising twist, Democrat Gina Hinojosa won in Texas on Tuesday, ousting Republican incumbent Greg Abbott from the nation’s most populous red state. She will be the first Latina governor and the first Democratic governor of Texas in more than 30 years, and will hold the office since Ann Richards in the 1990s. Her victory validated a long-deferred dream among Democrats: that demographic shifts in Texas would eventually translate into political power. It also transformed Hinojosa, a 52-year-old state legislator who has represented a liberal Austin district since 2017, into a breakout star for the party, even though her campaign received little meaningful backing from national Democrats. Reports suggest she entered politics as an angry mom trying to save a neighbourhood school and later ended up a giant slayer, defeating Republican Greg Abbott, one of America’s longest-serving governors.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pooja-sethi-makes-history-as-first-hindu-indian-american-woman-elected-to-texas-legislature-who-is-she-all-you-need-to-know-1793786964768">US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature</a><h3>Who is Gina Hinojosa?</h3>Democrat Gina Hinojosa was born in McAllen, Texas. She is the daughter of Gilberto Hinojosa, a former chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, and Crisanta Guerra Lozano, a legal aid attorney. Of Mexican descent, she grew up in Brownsville and spent summers with her grandparents in Mission. After graduating from Homer Hanna High School in 1992, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honours and Government from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996, followed by a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in 1999. She also spent a semester at the University of Texas School of Law, where she met her future husband. Hinojosa began her career as a civil rights lawyer representing union members. In 2012, when her son’s elementary school, Pease Elementary, faced closure, she ran for the Austin ISD school board, won, and successfully fought to keep the campus open. She served on the board until 2016, when she was elected to represent Texas’s 49th House District, a seat she has held since 2017 as a Democrat. Before entering the legislature, Hinojosa worked for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the law firm Kator, Parks &amp; Weiser. In 2005, she joined the legal team that sued then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. She also worked part-time for Catholic Charities USA, Texas Rural Legal Aid, and the Equal Justice Centre.&nbsp;On October 15, 2025, Hinojosa launched her campaign for governor, winning the Democratic primary the following March. On November 3, 2026, she defeated incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, becoming Texas’s first Hispanic and first Latina governor. Alongside James Talarico, who won the US Senate race that same night, she helped Democrats secure their first statewide victories in Texas since 1994.

Reports suggest Gina Hinojosa entered politics as an angry mom trying to save a neighbourhood school and later ended up a giant slayer, defeating Republican Greg Abbott, one of America’s longest-serving governors.

In a surprising twist, Democrat Gina Hinojosa won in Texas on Tuesday, ousting Republican incumbent Greg Abbott from the nation’s most populous red state. She will be the first Latina governor and the first Democratic governor of Texas in more than 30 years, and will hold the office since Ann Richards in the 1990s. Her victory validated a long-deferred dream among Democrats: that demographic shifts in Texas would eventually translate into political power. It also transformed Hinojosa, a 52-year-old state legislator who has represented a liberal Austin district since 2017, into a breakout star for the party, even though her campaign received little meaningful backing from national Democrats. Reports suggest she entered politics as an angry mom trying to save a neighbourhood school and later ended up a giant slayer, defeating Republican Greg Abbott, one of America’s longest-serving governors. Also read: US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature Who is Gina Hinojosa? Democrat Gina Hinojosa was born in McAllen, Texas. She is the daughter of Gilberto Hinojosa, a former chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, and Crisanta Guerra Lozano, a legal aid attorney. Of Mexican descent, she grew up in Brownsville and spent summers with her grandparents in Mission. After graduating from Homer Hanna High School in 1992, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honours and Government from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996, followed by a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in 1999. She also spent a semester at the University of Texas School of Law, where she met her future husband. Hinojosa began her career as a civil rights lawyer representing union members. In 2012, when her son’s elementary school, Pease Elementary, faced closure, she ran for the Austin ISD school board, won, and successfully fought to keep the campus open. She served on the board until 2016, when she was elected to represent Texas’s 49th House District, a seat she has held since 2017 as a Democrat. Before entering the legislature, Hinojosa worked for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the law firm Kator, Parks & Weiser. In 2005, she joined the legal team that sued then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. She also worked part-time for Catholic Charities USA, Texas Rural Legal Aid, and the Equal Justice Centre. On October 15, 2025, Hinojosa launched her campaign for governor, winning the Democratic primary the following March. On November 3, 2026, she defeated incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, becoming Texas’s first Hispanic and first Latina governor. Alongside James Talarico, who won the US Senate race that same night, she helped Democrats secure their first statewide victories in Texas since 1994.

Reports suggest Gina Hinojosa entered politics as an angry mom trying to save a neighbourhood school and later ended up a giant slayer, defeating Republican Greg Abbott, one of America’s longest-serving governors.

Who is Gina Hinojosa? Democrat who ousted Greg Abbott to become Texas's first Latina governor

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign framed the US midterm elections as "the many versus the money". With results out, the many appear to have won. Elon Musk, the world's richest person, poured nearly half a billion dollars into Republican candidates and causes. Still, the Democrats took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 3.<h2>How much did Elon Musk spend on the 2026 midterms?</h2>Musk gave $445.6 million this cycle, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings up to 14 October. The figure includes money from United States of America Inc, a nonprofit he controls. Other tallies - like a New York Times report- put it at about $474 million, counting later donations and groups that do not file with the FEC. That makes Musk the largest individual donor in modern US election history, having spent nearly three times as much as the next-biggest donor.The wider Midterms cycle of 2026 was the costliest election on record. OpenSecrets projected total spending of nearly $12 billion, much of it from the wealthiest donors.<h2>Where did Musk's money go?&nbsp;</h2>Texas received the largest share. America PAC, the super PAC Musk founded, received $216 million. It ran Republican turnout and field operations, including a major ground campaign in Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, received $168 million. Filings showed $158 million of that went to Texas PAC, the biggest group backing Ken Paxton's Senate bid.The Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs House Republicans, received $30 million.Musk's trust gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, the main outside group supporting Paxton. In all, Musk spent more than $200 million only to help Paxton. He also gave $5 million to Governor Greg Abbott, and backed groups active in Kentucky and Alaska.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-preemptive-pardon-elon-musk-democrats-midterm-election-1793636060504">Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress</a><h2>The Texas play that didn't work</h2>Texas delivered the sharpest blow to Musk's money. Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, the state's attorney general, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He had specifically campaigned against billionaire influence in politics and named Musk directly. Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican governor Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/space-lasers-didn-t-work-musk-s-sarcastic-take-on-trump-s-midterm-setback-1793782908823">‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback</a><h2>How did Musk react?</h2>In the early hours of Wednesday, Musk posted on X, the platform he owns: "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time."He added: "Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now." This was a reference to Hinojosa, who had opposed data centre expansion in Texas.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed</a><h2>Trump's pardon pledge for Musk</h2>A day before the vote, President Donald Trump said he would "protect" Musk if a Democratic Congress investigated him. Asked on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast about talk of probes or asset seizures, Trump said: "It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them."Trump said he would consider pre-emptive pardons for Musk and other aides, including former staff of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led in the early months of Trump's second term, in 2025.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-elon-musk-s-political-spending-hits-445-million-as-republicans-battle-to-retain-senate-control-1792717980206">US midterms 2026: Elon Musk’s political spending hits $445 million as Republicans battle to retain Senate control</a><h2>What risks does Musk now face?</h2>Democrats have floated probes into possible conflicts of interest involving SpaceX, Tesla and Musk's DOGE role. His companies had won several federal contracts during Trump's second term, including a $5.9 billion SpaceX deal. Musk has warned he will fight any such investigation.Texas is home to SpaceX's Starbase launch site, Tesla's headquarters and Gigafactory in Austin, and The Boring Company in Bastrop. A Democratic governor sceptical of data centres could bring tougher scrutiny of Musk's expansion plans in the state.

By some estimates, Elon Musk spent a record $474 million to back Republicans in the US midterms. That failed to deliver. Democratic victories in Texas and Congress raise questions about his political influence, and can put his business interests at risk.

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign framed the US midterm elections as "the many versus the money". With results out, the many appear to have won. Elon Musk, the world's richest person, poured nearly half a billion dollars into Republican candidates and causes. Still, the Democrats took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 3. How much did Elon Musk spend on the 2026 midterms? Musk gave $445.6 million this cycle, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings up to 14 October. The figure includes money from United States of America Inc, a nonprofit he controls. Other tallies - like a New York Times report- put it at about $474 million, counting later donations and groups that do not file with the FEC. That makes Musk the largest individual donor in modern US election history, having spent nearly three times as much as the next-biggest donor. The wider Midterms cycle of 2026 was the costliest election on record. OpenSecrets projected total spending of nearly $12 billion, much of it from the wealthiest donors. Where did Musk's money go? Texas received the largest share. America PAC, the super PAC Musk founded, received $216 million. It ran Republican turnout and field operations, including a major ground campaign in Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, received $168 million. Filings showed $158 million of that went to Texas PAC, the biggest group backing Ken Paxton's Senate bid. The Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs House Republicans, received $30 million. Musk's trust gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, the main outside group supporting Paxton. In all, Musk spent more than $200 million only to help Paxton. He also gave $5 million to Governor Greg Abbott, and backed groups active in Kentucky and Alaska. Also read: Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress The Texas play that didn't work Texas delivered the sharpest blow to Musk's money. Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, the state's attorney general, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He had specifically campaigned against billionaire influence in politics and named Musk directly. Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican governor Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. Also read: ‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback How did Musk react? In the early hours of Wednesday, Musk posted on X, the platform he owns: "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time." He added: "Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now." This was a reference to Hinojosa, who had opposed data centre expansion in Texas. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed Trump's pardon pledge for Musk A day before the vote, President Donald Trump said he would "protect" Musk if a Democratic Congress investigated him. Asked on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast about talk of probes or asset seizures, Trump said: "It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them." Trump said he would consider pre-emptive pardons for Musk and other aides, including former staff of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led in the early months of Trump's second term, in 2025. Also read: US midterms 2026: Elon Musk’s political spending hits $445 million as Republicans battle to retain Senate control What risks does Musk now face? Democrats have floated probes into possible conflicts of interest involving SpaceX, Tesla and Musk's DOGE role. His companies had won several federal contracts during Trump's second term, including a $5.9 billion SpaceX deal. Musk has warned he will fight any such investigation. Texas is home to SpaceX's Starbase launch site, Tesla's headquarters and Gigafactory in Austin, and The Boring Company in Bastrop. A Democratic governor sceptical of data centres could bring tougher scrutiny of Musk's expansion plans in the state.

By some estimates, Elon Musk spent a record $474 million to back Republicans in the US midterms. That failed to deliver. Democratic victories in Texas and Congress raise questions about his political influence, and can put his business interests at risk.

US Midterms 2026: Elon Musk spent a record sum backing Republicans. Democrats still won House, Senate and Texas and he's in danger

On Tuesday (Nov 03) Abdul El-Sayed created history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress. In his victory speech, the Michigan Senator-elect took a playful dig at US Vice President JD Vance, saying "Habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in, in January."The word did the rounds instantly, with the clip of his message to JD Vance going viral. But what does "habibi" actually mean?Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-the-child-victims-of-donald-trump-new-york-psychologist-larissa-portnoff-accuses-potus-of-sexual-abuse-alleges-intimidation-in-viral-video-1793715741594">'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH</a><h2>What does Habibi mean?</h2>"Habibi" is an Arabic term of endearment that literally translates to "my dear" or "my beloved". It comes from the root "habib", meaning beloved, and the suffix "-i", meaning "my".It's one of the warmest, most common words in everyday Arabic speech and is used far beyond romance. Friends greet each other with it, shopkeepers use it with customers, and families say it constantly. In the Levant and across West Asia, it's a default term of closeness, roughly the equivalent of "dear", "buddy" or "mate" depending on the context.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-status="hidden">Abdul El-Sayed to JD Vance:

JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January. https://t.co/4XwZejXsm8&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2117870212427194728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Why it works here</h2>That warmth is exactly why the line landed. El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, took a term of affection and turned it into a pointed jab at the vice president, who, along with POTUS Donald Trump, in recent weeks had repeatedly mocked his Arabic name. The "delicious irony" he flagged is constitutional; Vance, as the US vice president, is duty-bound to swear in the senator-elect.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pooja-sethi-makes-history-as-first-hindu-indian-american-woman-elected-to-texas-legislature-who-is-she-all-you-need-to-know-1793786964768">US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature</a>el-Sayed did not spare Trump either; addressing the US president, he repeated his cheeky jibe from earlier and said, “I know you struggle with my name, so after JD swears me in, you can just go on and call me Senator.”<h2>What did Vance say about Abdul el-Sayed's name? The context</h2>The jab was the payoff of a broader fight. Vance and President Donald Trump in the lead up to the US midterms have repeatedly emphasised El-Sayed's middle name, "Mohamed," in what critics and the Michigan senator-elect's campaign called Islamophobic attacks. El-Sayed had earlier flipped the mockery into a joke, explaining that Abdul means "servant", El-Sayed means "leader" and Mohamed means "the praised one", suggesting the administration had inadvertently upgraded him.In one word, El-Sayed managed to be warm, cutting and historically aware all at once. "Habibi" may be a term of affection, but on election night, it carried the weight of a victory speech.<h2>Netizens laud el-Sayed's choice of words</h2>On Tuesday, el-Sayed clocked victory not only in elections but also on the internet. His choice of words instantly earned him the internet's seal of approval, with netizens lauding his choice of words.As the video of his clever jab gained traction, one X user remarked, "'Habibi' means 'my dear', which is generous. would’ve gone with 'see you at work, motha*****'"."Blud's teasing level is on another planet. Went through an entire English speech and casually dropped an Arabic word, 'HABIBI', just to end irony of JD," commented another user. "That was the politest disrespect I've ever seen," added a third.

<h2>Other Arabic words el-Sayed used to celebrate victory</h2>Habibi was just one of the Arabic words people took a note of from el-Sayed's victory speech. One phrase that has similarly gone viral was the dramatic 'Inshallah to Alhamdulillah’ comment. Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the Senate, told Michigan, "Tonight, we can turn that 'inshallah' into an 'alhamdulillah.' “ Then, taking a pointed dig at the ”right-wing ops”, who in recent days have tried to brand him a jihadist, he clarified, "That just means ‘praise be to God."’

US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed greeted JD Vance with "habibi" in his victory speech, and the word went viral. But what does it actually mean? From "my beloved" to a pointed political jab, here's the story behind the term. WION Decodes.

On Tuesday (Nov 03) Abdul El-Sayed created history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress. In his victory speech, the Michigan Senator-elect took a playful dig at US Vice President JD Vance, saying "Habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in, in January." The word did the rounds instantly, with the clip of his message to JD Vance going viral. But what does "habibi" actually mean? Also read | 'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH What does Habibi mean? "Habibi" is an Arabic term of endearment that literally translates to "my dear" or "my beloved". It comes from the root "habib", meaning beloved, and the suffix "-i", meaning "my". It's one of the warmest, most common words in everyday Arabic speech and is used far beyond romance. Friends greet each other with it, shopkeepers use it with customers, and families say it constantly. In the Levant and across West Asia, it's a default term of closeness, roughly the equivalent of "dear", "buddy" or "mate" depending on the context.

US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed greeted JD Vance with "habibi" in his victory speech, and the word went viral. But what does it actually mean? From "my beloved" to a pointed political jab, here's the story behind the term. WION Decodes.

'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday (November 4) said that US citizens voted against policies promoting "hatred, sexism, climate change denial and against the privileges of the elites" in Tuesday's US elections. He further argued that the far-right political wave is losing momentum. Sanchez's statement came in a post on the social media platform X, saying the election results reflected opposition to policies that "impoverish" people and favour privileged elites. "Yesterday, American society voted against policies that only impoverish. Against hatred. Against sexism. Against climate change denial and against the privileges of the elites," he wrote. Comparing it to similar political developments in Brazil, Sanchez predicted that a similar shift would take place in Spain, referring to the November 29 election to be held in the country. "It happened in Brazil. It has just happened in the US. And it will happen soon in Spain," he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-blue-wave-democrats-wrest-full-control-of-congress-mr-veto-trump-goes-into-lame-duck-presidency-1793777172693">Blue wave: Democrats wrest full control of Congress, 'Mr Veto' Trump goes into lame-duck presidency</a><h3>The far-right wave is crumbling</h3>Sanchez also referenced opposition leaders Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the People’s Party and Vox’s Santiago Abascal, suggesting that the political momentum they had hoped to capitalise on was fading. He further noted that the far-right wave that Feijoo and Abascal are attempting to jump on is not growing further: it is crumbling. His comments followed a day after Americans cast their votes in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, covering congressional races and various other offices nationwide. US media projected that Democrats would hold 53 Senate seats against Republicans’ 42, with several races still being tallied. The party was also on track to claim at least 218 seats in the 435-member House — the number required for majority control.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez predicted that a similar shift would take place in Spain, referring to the November 29 election to be held in the country. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday (November 4) said that US citizens voted against policies promoting "hatred, sexism, climate change denial and against the privileges of the elites" in Tuesday's US elections. He further argued that the far-right political wave is losing momentum. Sanchez's statement came in a post on the social media platform X, saying the election results reflected opposition to policies that "impoverish" people and favour privileged elites. "Yesterday, American society voted against policies that only impoverish. Against hatred. Against sexism. Against climate change denial and against the privileges of the elites," he wrote. Comparing it to similar political developments in Brazil, Sanchez predicted that a similar shift would take place in Spain, referring to the November 29 election to be held in the country. "It happened in Brazil. It has just happened in the US. And it will happen soon in Spain," he said. Also read: Blue wave: Democrats wrest full control of Congress, 'Mr Veto' Trump goes into lame-duck presidency The far-right wave is crumbling Sanchez also referenced opposition leaders Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the People’s Party and Vox’s Santiago Abascal, suggesting that the political momentum they had hoped to capitalise on was fading. He further noted that the far-right wave that Feijoo and Abascal are attempting to jump on is not growing further: it is crumbling. His comments followed a day after Americans cast their votes in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, covering congressional races and various other offices nationwide. US media projected that Democrats would hold 53 Senate seats against Republicans’ 42, with several races still being tallied. The party was also on track to claim at least 218 seats in the 435-member House — the number required for majority control.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez predicted that a similar shift would take place in Spain, referring to the November 29 election to be held in the country.&nbsp;

US voters rejected ‘hatred, sexism & privileges of elites’ in midterm elections, says Spain PM Sanchez

Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American democratic socialist, is seeking to become the first Palestinian American and first Muslim woman in the New York State Legislature, after winning the Democratic primary for State Senate District 12 in Queens with about 74% of the vote. She recived roughly 47,300 votes to Republican-line candidate Han-Khon To's roughly 16,200. Kawas defeated Assembly member Steven Raga in the open-seat race in the June 23 primary. The seat opened when Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris announced he would not seek reelection. &nbsp;&nbsp;"We made history," Kawas wrote in a short post on X.<h2>Who is Aber Kawas?</h2> Kawas, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Palestinian parents, ran on a platform of democratic socialism and affordability. She also called for defunding Israel's war in Gaza and won the endorsement of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. She is the child of Palestinian refugees who immigrated to the United States from Jordan.&nbsp;“Fund dignity, fight destruction” was the slogan of her campaign. Fund dignity signifies her position on healthcare for all, efficient public transportation and affordable housing, fight destruction refers to opposing climate change, protecting immigrants and defunding war.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juliana-stratton-first-three-black-women-us-senate-1793782305162">Juliana Stratton makes history as 3 Black women enter US Senate for first time</a> Her candidacy has drawn criticism from conservative outlets, which have highlighted remarks she made about 9/11 on a 2017 podcast. Supporters, including the Democratic Socialists of America, describe her as a voice for working-class and marginalised communities.&nbsp;She was part of a coalition of activists looking to work at a local level of government to disrupt funding that supports the Israeli state and its military occupation of Palestine. Zohran Mamdani, then an assembly member, helped to draft it.This is refreshing, as according to the data aggregator AIPAC tracker, 521 out of 533 sitting members of the US Congress had taken funding from the Israel lobby, which is roughly 95%. In fact in the 2026 Mideterms, 491 out of 982 general-election candidates had pro-Israel PAC financial involvement behind or against their campaigns. This means 50% of the of all major congressional candidates on the ballot across 475 federal races had links to Israel lobby. This link is bipartisan, with major name including Republican Michigan nominee Mike Rogers and Democratic North Carolina Senator Roy Cooper. Kawas told Democracy Now she believes she would be the first Palestinian American in the state Senate and in the entire state Legislature. Her claim covers New York only. Other Palestinian Americans have held elected office elsewhere in the country.

Palestinian American democratic socialist Aber Kawas wins the New York Senate Democratic primary, seeking to become the state's first Palestinian American and Muslim woman senator.

Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American democratic socialist, is seeking to become the first Palestinian American and first Muslim woman in the New York State Legislature, after winning the Democratic primary for State Senate District 12 in Queens with about 74% of the vote. She recived roughly 47,300 votes to Republican-line candidate Han-Khon To's roughly 16,200. Kawas defeated Assembly member Steven Raga in the open-seat race in the June 23 primary. The seat opened when Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris announced he would not seek reelection. "We made history," Kawas wrote in a short post on X. Who is Aber Kawas? Kawas, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Palestinian parents, ran on a platform of democratic socialism and affordability. She also called for defunding Israel's war in Gaza and won the endorsement of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. She is the child of Palestinian refugees who immigrated to the United States from Jordan. “Fund dignity, fight destruction” was the slogan of her campaign. Fund dignity signifies her position on healthcare for all, efficient public transportation and affordable housing, fight destruction refers to opposing climate change, protecting immigrants and defunding war. Also Read: Juliana Stratton makes history as 3 Black women enter US Senate for first time Her candidacy has drawn criticism from conservative outlets, which have highlighted remarks she made about 9/11 on a 2017 podcast. Supporters, including the Democratic Socialists of America, describe her as a voice for working-class and marginalised communities. She was part of a coalition of activists looking to work at a local level of government to disrupt funding that supports the Israeli state and its military occupation of Palestine. Zohran Mamdani, then an assembly member, helped to draft it. This is refreshing, as according to the data aggregator AIPAC tracker, 521 out of 533 sitting members of the US Congress had taken funding from the Israel lobby, which is roughly 95%. In fact in the 2026 Mideterms, 491 out of 982 general-election candidates had pro-Israel PAC financial involvement behind or against their campaigns. This means 50% of the of all major congressional candidates on the ballot across 475 federal races had links to Israel lobby. This link is bipartisan, with major name including Republican Michigan nominee Mike Rogers and Democratic North Carolina Senator Roy Cooper. Kawas told Democracy Now she believes she would be the first Palestinian American in the state Senate and in the entire state Legislature. Her claim covers New York only. Other Palestinian Americans have held elected office elsewhere in the country.

Palestinian American democratic socialist Aber Kawas wins the New York Senate Democratic primary, seeking to become the state's first Palestinian American and Muslim woman senator.

Aber Kawas makes history as first Palestinian American, Muslim woman in New York Senate

Democratic candidate Pooja Sethi has won her race for Texas House District 47, making history as the first Indian-American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature. She defeated Republican Jennifer Mushtaler in the open seat."Thank you, HD 47! Together, we made history! I am honoured to become the first Indian American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature," Sethi wrote on X. "But making history is an honour. Making a difference is the responsibility."<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261104/image-1793787001541.png"></figure>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-the-child-victims-of-donald-trump-new-york-psychologist-larissa-portnoff-accuses-potus-of-sexual-abuse-alleges-intimidation-in-viral-video-1793715741594">'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH</a><h2>Who is Pooja Sethi?</h2>Sethi has been serving as the chief of staff to Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin and chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, with nearly four years of legislative experience. Before her Capitol role, she worked as an immigration attorney with Catholic Charities, representing families navigating the immigration system.In the Legislature, she has helped pass laws on preventing child drownings, protecting domestic violence survivors and expanding affordable housing. Her priorities include strengthening democracy, fully funding public education and enacting common sense gun reform.<h2>Sethi on why she's running for Congress</h2>Sethi's campaign was deeply personal. "I'm running for Texas House District 47 because I'm a mom — and I cannot keep raising my child in a state that turns its back on kids," she said. She described standing beside a father who lost his child in the Uvalde shooting and watching lawmakers refuse to act on gun safety and public school funding.One of the key reforms she's backing includes raising the minimum age to purchase certain high-powered firearms from 18 to 21. The reform, as per the PoojaforTexas website, aims to reduce gun violence and keep communities safe.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-in-strange-tiktok-video-asks-voters-to-vote-for-ohio-senator-john-husted-gushes-about-his-powerful-a-watch-1793423091753">Trump in strange TikTok video asks voters to vote for Ohio Senator John Husted, gushes about his 'powerful a**' | Watch</a><h2>A race marked by controversy and anti-Indian hate speech</h2>Her final push was framed around a dispute over bigoted remarks. On the eve of the election, Sethi challenged Republican US Senate nominee Ken Paxton to condemn comments by his party colleague Bo French targeting Indian Americans, accusing Paxton of seeking community support while staying silent.The controversy began September 13, when French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted an image of the University of Texas students, many of South Asian origin, with a comment that drew widespread criticism. Calling the students a "problem", he wrote, "Like body-cams exposed criminals, social media is exposing how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners." The post accumulated more than 54 million views on X.Paxton responded without naming French, condemning racism "in all its forms" while attacking his Democratic opponent, James Talarico. Sethi had also faced the issue head-on in her closing message: “Hate has no home in Texas.”

Pooja Sethi has made history as the first Indian-American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature, defeating Republican Jennifer Mushtaler. Her win caps a race marked by a dispute over bigoted remarks. Read the full story here.

Democratic candidate Pooja Sethi has won her race for Texas House District 47, making history as the first Indian-American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature. She defeated Republican Jennifer Mushtaler in the open seat. "Thank you, HD 47! Together, we made history! I am honoured to become the first Indian American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature," Sethi wrote on X. "But making history is an honour. Making a difference is the responsibility." Also read | 'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH Who is Pooja Sethi? Sethi has been serving as the chief of staff to Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin and chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, with nearly four years of legislative experience. Before her Capitol role, she worked as an immigration attorney with Catholic Charities, representing families navigating the immigration system. In the Legislature, she has helped pass laws on preventing child drownings, protecting domestic violence survivors and expanding affordable housing. Her priorities include strengthening democracy, fully funding public education and enacting common sense gun reform. Sethi on why she's running for Congress Sethi's campaign was deeply personal. "I'm running for Texas House District 47 because I'm a mom — and I cannot keep raising my child in a state that turns its back on kids," she said. She described standing beside a father who lost his child in the Uvalde shooting and watching lawmakers refuse to act on gun safety and public school funding. One of the key reforms she's backing includes raising the minimum age to purchase certain high-powered firearms from 18 to 21. The reform, as per the PoojaforTexas website, aims to reduce gun violence and keep communities safe. Also read | Trump in strange TikTok video asks voters to vote for Ohio Senator John Husted, gushes about his 'powerful a**' | Watch A race marked by controversy and anti-Indian hate speech Her final push was framed around a dispute over bigoted remarks. On the eve of the election, Sethi challenged Republican US Senate nominee Ken Paxton to condemn comments by his party colleague Bo French targeting Indian Americans, accusing Paxton of seeking community support while staying silent. The controversy began September 13, when French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted an image of the University of Texas students, many of South Asian origin, with a comment that drew widespread criticism. Calling the students a "problem", he wrote, "Like body-cams exposed criminals, social media is exposing how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners." The post accumulated more than 54 million views on X. Paxton responded without naming French, condemning racism "in all its forms" while attacking his Democratic opponent, James Talarico. Sethi had also faced the issue head-on in her closing message: “Hate has no home in Texas.”

Pooja Sethi has made history as the first Indian-American woman and the first Asian American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature, defeating Republican Jennifer Mushtaler. Her win caps a race marked by a dispute over bigoted remarks. Read the full story here.

US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race on Nov 3. His wife, Sarah Jukaku has gone viral on social media because of her Indian connection. Jukaku, a practicing psychiatrist by profession, was born in Michigan to Indian immigrant parents and grew up in the US. Her family traces its ancestry to Bhatkal, a coastal town in Karnataka. In a remark that went viral during the campaign, Jukaku claimed that El-Sayed takes orders exclusively from him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-election-results-2026-abdul-el-sayed-wins-michigan-senate-race-becomes-first-muslim-american-to-be-elected-to-us-senate-1793773305294">US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan race, becomes first Muslim American to be elected to US Senate</a>&nbsp;The couple first met while studying at the University of Michigan, where both were members of the university’s Muslim Students’ Association.El-Sayed proposed to Sarah when she was in her first year at university. They married in May 2006, when she was 19. The couple have two daughters, Emmalee and Serene.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BEHIND EVERY STRONG CAMPAIGN IS AN EQUALLY STRONG PARTNER!

A beautiful moment between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and his wife, Dr. Sarah Jukaku, a Psychiatrist, at their final campaign rally!

Huge respect to Dr. Sarah for standing beside her husband like a rock throughout this exhausting campaign.

Through the racist and Islamophobic attacks, political pressure, and relentless negativity, her presence has been a powerful symbol of love, strength, and solidarity.

Political campaigns may be fought on stage, but some of the greatest strength comes from the person standing beside you when the cameras are off.

Kudos to Dr. Sarah! ❤️👏&mdash; Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) <a href="https://x.com/AhmadRehanKhan/status/2117435410481631744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Abdul El-Sayed 's wife Sarah Jukaku's Indian connection</h2>As El-Sayed heads to become the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate, a cheerful and emotional Sarah Jukaku hugged and kissed him on the stage in Detroit. El-Sayed then began his speech by saying: “Michigan, we did it! We turned that 'inshallah' into an ‘alhamdulillah’.” Miles away, Jukaku’s Indian links are in the spotlight.&nbsp;Sarah Jukaku's father is Dr Tayeb Jukaku, a nephrologist who hails from Bhatkal, Karnataka. Her grandfather, JH Shamsuddin Jukaku, was a prominent lawyer who also served as deputy finance minister in the erstwhile Mysore State government under Chief Minister BD Jatti. According to reports, Jukaku family belongs to the Nawayath community, an ancient Muslim merchant community with historical ties to Arab, Yemeni, and Persian traders who settled along the south-western coast of India centuries ago. In 1980s, Sarah Jukaku’s family immigrated to the United States, shortly after her father completed his medical training in India. In the US, Sarah’s father has been associated with Muslim community organisations and is a board member of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). He has served on the founders’ committee of the Islamic Society of North America.<h2>What we know about Sarah Jukaku?</h2>Sarah was later born and raised in Michigan. Sarah pursued dual degrees in sociology and Near Eastern studies at the University of Michigan. She also has a master’s degree from the University of Oxford. She studied medicine at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She worked at University of Michigan Health, where she held a senior position in psychiatry, before setting up her private practice, Mind Work Psychiatry, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-bad-guys-lost-abdul-el-sayed-slams-trump-vance-in-first-reaction-after-historic-win-in-us-midterm-election-1793774375980">'Bad guys lost': Abdul El-Sayed's first reaction after historic Michigan win</a><h2>‘I Am More Indian Than Arab’</h2>In one interview, El Sayed described himself as “more Indian than Arab.” "Listen, I’ve been married in a South Indian family for 20 years, like… I am well inducted now; I… you know, I might be more Indian than I am Arab," he had said. He spoke about the influence of his wife and daughters, saying: “I’m like surrounded by desi women my whole life, like I have two desi daughters and a desi wife." His wife also said in a campaign rally: “Nobody tells him what to do, except me!”<h2>Trump trolled Sarah Jukaku</h2>US President Donald Trump had made the US Midterm elections campaign about Abdul El-Sayed. He did not only target El-Sayed but in took the campaign rivalry to social media in August, posting a photograph of himself with First Lady Melania Trump alongside an image of El-Sayed and his wife Jukaku and captioning it as: “Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s [sic]."

Following Abdul El-Sayed's historic Michigan Senate victory, his wife Dr. Sarah Jukaku made headlines for her Indian roots in Bhatkal, Karnataka. Raised in Michigan, the psychiatrist faced Trump's social media attacks

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race on Nov 3. His wife, Sarah Jukaku has gone viral on social media because of her Indian connection. Jukaku, a practicing psychiatrist by profession, was born in Michigan to Indian immigrant parents and grew up in the US. Her family traces its ancestry to Bhatkal, a coastal town in Karnataka. In a remark that went viral during the campaign, Jukaku claimed that El-Sayed takes orders exclusively from him. Also Read: US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan race, becomes first Muslim American to be elected to US Senate The couple first met while studying at the University of Michigan, where both were members of the university’s Muslim Students’ Association. El-Sayed proposed to Sarah when she was in her first year at university. They married in May 2006, when she was 19. The couple have two daughters, Emmalee and Serene.

Following Abdul El-Sayed's historic Michigan Senate victory, his wife Dr. Sarah Jukaku made headlines for her Indian roots in Bhatkal, Karnataka. Raised in Michigan, the psychiatrist faced Trump's social media attacks

Who is Abdul El-Sayed’s wife Sarah Jukaku and what is her Indian connection?

Bangladesh has agreed to raise the minimum wage for garment workers following five days of protests and clashes over demands for better pay. Workers are expected to receive their first salaries under the revised pay structure in January, according to the country's minimum wage board.&nbsp;Syed Azad Subhani, chairman of the board, announced the decision on Wednesday. However, the board has not yet specified the size of the increase.<h3>Workers demand 140% increase in minimum wage</h3>Thousands of garment workers have been protesting since Saturday, demanding higher salaries as rising food, housing, transport and healthcare costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Inflation in the country stands at around 8 per cent.&nbsp;Workers are seeking a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($240), a 140 per cent increase from the current 12,500 taka.&nbsp;The government formed a six-member wage board on November 1, bringing together representatives of employers and workers to negotiate a revised pay structure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dei-is-back-ro-khanna-s-first-reaction-to-democrats-midterm-victory-1793777167088">'DEI is back': Ro Khanna's first reaction to Democrats' midterm victory</a><h3>Protests turn violent, dozens injured</h3>The demonstrations have spread across major industrial centres, including Gazipur, Mirpur, Narayanganj and Savar. Protesters have thrown bricks, erected barricades and damaged property, while police have used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds.&nbsp;Police have filed cases against thousands of unidentified protesters over the burning of police vehicles and damage to public property. Police spokesperson Kamarum Munira said 58 officers had been injured since the demonstrations began. Workers also reported injuries among dozens of protesters.&nbsp;Narayanganj Industrial Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Mahmud accused demonstrators of vandalising factories and mobilising more workers to join the strike. Amjad Hossain, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, described the situation as tense.&nbsp;The garment industry employs more than four million people and accounts for around four-fifths of Bangladesh's export earnings, generating up to $38 billion annually. The country is the world's second-largest garment exporter after China.&nbsp;Its factories supply international brands, including Fruit of the Loom, Levi Strauss and VF Corp, whose labels include Vans, Timberland and The North Face. The United States is Bangladesh's biggest individual market, while the European Union is its largest trading bloc.&nbsp;However, the industry has long faced disputes over wages, working conditions and labour rights.

Bangladesh has agreed to raise minimum wages for garment workers after days of protests that left dozens injured and prompted police to file cases against thousands of unidentified demonstrators.

Bangladesh has agreed to raise the minimum wage for garment workers following five days of protests and clashes over demands for better pay. Workers are expected to receive their first salaries under the revised pay structure in January, according to the country's minimum wage board. Syed Azad Subhani, chairman of the board, announced the decision on Wednesday. However, the board has not yet specified the size of the increase. Workers demand 140% increase in minimum wage Thousands of garment workers have been protesting since Saturday, demanding higher salaries as rising food, housing, transport and healthcare costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Inflation in the country stands at around 8 per cent. Workers are seeking a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($240), a 140 per cent increase from the current 12,500 taka. The government formed a six-member wage board on November 1, bringing together representatives of employers and workers to negotiate a revised pay structure. Also Read: 'DEI is back': Ro Khanna's first reaction to Democrats' midterm victory Protests turn violent, dozens injured The demonstrations have spread across major industrial centres, including Gazipur, Mirpur, Narayanganj and Savar. Protesters have thrown bricks, erected barricades and damaged property, while police have used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Police have filed cases against thousands of unidentified protesters over the burning of police vehicles and damage to public property. Police spokesperson Kamarum Munira said 58 officers had been injured since the demonstrations began. Workers also reported injuries among dozens of protesters. Narayanganj Industrial Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Mahmud accused demonstrators of vandalising factories and mobilising more workers to join the strike. Amjad Hossain, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, described the situation as tense. The garment industry employs more than four million people and accounts for around four-fifths of Bangladesh's export earnings, generating up to $38 billion annually. The country is the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. Its factories supply international brands, including Fruit of the Loom, Levi Strauss and VF Corp, whose labels include Vans, Timberland and The North Face. The United States is Bangladesh's biggest individual market, while the European Union is its largest trading bloc. However, the industry has long faced disputes over wages, working conditions and labour rights.

Bangladesh has agreed to raise minimum wages for garment workers after days of protests that left dozens injured and prompted police to file cases against thousands of unidentified demonstrators.

Bangladesh agrees to hike garment workers' wages after violent protests and clashes

Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, leaving Donald Trump high and dry. He blamed the loss on not being on the ballot, while admitting that the Iran War went against him. On the night of voting day, Trump talked about how he holds the power with the right to veto, which he will use if the Democrats win. Later, as the evening progressed and results started becoming clear, bent heavily in favour of the Dems, he showed willingness to work with them. Trump even congratulated the opposition.&nbsp;With his defeat, Trump has entered the “lame duck” presidency phase. What does this mean? The term is used for presidents who are only biding their time in office following a defeat, when they choose not to run again or upon reaching the term limit. The transitional phase to the next elections leaves him with weakened political authority.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-did-a-good-job-trump-changes-tone-after-us-midterm-election-results-offers-rare-praise-for-democrats-1793780007783">'They did a good job': Trump changes tone after US Midterm Election Results, offers rare praise for Democrats</a><h2>The presidential limit</h2>Trump has been at the White House twice, and under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, a second-term president cannot run for reelection. In formal political terms, second-term presidents are considered lame ducks by definition for their remaining years after midterms, since they are sure to leave office.&nbsp;With the midterm loss, Trump has also turned into a "lame duck" president since his practical authority and legislative momentum have fizzled. Losing control of one or both houses of Congress in the midterm elections severely restricts a president's power.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-blue-wave-democrats-wrest-full-control-of-congress-mr-veto-trump-goes-into-lame-duck-presidency-1793777172693">Blue wave: Democrats wrest full control of Congress, 'Mr Veto' Trump goes into lame-duck presidency</a>&nbsp;With the Dems in control of Congress, the president's legislative agenda gets stuck and major bills require bipartisan compromise. In this situation, presidents rely on executive orders and vetoes, something Trump has already threatened to do.&nbsp;Neither the opposition nor the president's own party members feel obligated to take his agenda forward because he is near the end of his term. Both sides rather concentrate on the next presidential elections. The primary focus during this transition shifts towards winding down operations and preserving executive branch records.&nbsp;

US midterm elections: With Democrats gaining control of Congress in the midterms, Donald Trump has entered his “lame duck” presidency era. He does not hold as much power now and is also not eligible to run again. 

Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, leaving Donald Trump high and dry. He blamed the loss on not being on the ballot, while admitting that the Iran War went against him. On the night of voting day, Trump talked about how he holds the power with the right to veto, which he will use if the Democrats win. Later, as the evening progressed and results started becoming clear, bent heavily in favour of the Dems, he showed willingness to work with them. Trump even congratulated the opposition. With his defeat, Trump has entered the “lame duck” presidency phase. What does this mean? The term is used for presidents who are only biding their time in office following a defeat, when they choose not to run again or upon reaching the term limit. The transitional phase to the next elections leaves him with weakened political authority. Also Read: 'They did a good job': Trump changes tone after US Midterm Election Results, offers rare praise for Democrats The presidential limit Trump has been at the White House twice, and under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, a second-term president cannot run for reelection. In formal political terms, second-term presidents are considered lame ducks by definition for their remaining years after midterms, since they are sure to leave office. With the midterm loss, Trump has also turned into a "lame duck" president since his practical authority and legislative momentum have fizzled. Losing control of one or both houses of Congress in the midterm elections severely restricts a president's power. Also Read: Blue wave: Democrats wrest full control of Congress, 'Mr Veto' Trump goes into lame-duck presidency With the Dems in control of Congress, the president's legislative agenda gets stuck and major bills require bipartisan compromise. In this situation, presidents rely on executive orders and vetoes, something Trump has already threatened to do. Neither the opposition nor the president's own party members feel obligated to take his agenda forward because he is near the end of his term. Both sides rather concentrate on the next presidential elections. The primary focus during this transition shifts towards winding down operations and preserving executive branch records.

US midterm elections: With Democrats gaining control of Congress in the midterms, Donald Trump has entered his “lame duck” presidency era. He does not hold as much power now and is also not eligible to run again.&nbsp;

US midterm elections: Donald Trump enters 'lame-duck presidency' era. What does it mean?

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, a Democrat, made history after winning the open US Senate seat from Illinois. This is the first time in the history of the US Senate that there will be three black women in the upper chamber: Juliana from Illinois, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. Illinois' other senator, Tammy Duckworth, is Asian American. That would make Illinois the first state with two women of colour in the Senate at the same time.Stratton won by defeating Republican challenger Don Tracy to succeed retiring five-term Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, whose 30-year tenure ends in January 2026. Stratton also recalled a recent conversation with Durbin, who told her the seat she was running for was the same one Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated for.“Those debates boiled down to one issue: slavery,” Stratton said. “And now, the seat where the future of slavery was once debated will be held by a descendant of someone who was enslaved.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ghalibaf-no-to-war-trump-iran-war-midterm-results-1793767237475">‘Americans said NO TO WAR’: Iran's Ghalibaf reacts as Trump admits war hurt GOP</a>Stratton would be the sixth Black woman to serve in the US Senate and the second from the state. She has vowed to raise the federal hourly minimum wage to $25, to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and expand Medicare to all Americans to replace private health insurance. Tracy is a former Illinois GOP chair who called her the "most extreme far-left" Senate candidate in state history. Illinois last elected a Republican to the Senate in 2010.&nbsp;Juliana Stratton is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She began her political career as the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 2019. She was a gubernatorial running mate for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker has often floated the idea of a potential Democratic contender for higher office, including the US presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Illinois Democrat Juliana Stratton defeats Republican Don Tracy, making history as three Black women prepare to serve together in the US Senate.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, a Democrat, made history after winning the open US Senate seat from Illinois. This is the first time in the history of the US Senate that there will be three black women in the upper chamber: Juliana from Illinois, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. Illinois' other senator, Tammy Duckworth, is Asian American. That would make Illinois the first state with two women of colour in the Senate at the same time. Stratton won by defeating Republican challenger Don Tracy to succeed retiring five-term Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, whose 30-year tenure ends in January 2026. Stratton also recalled a recent conversation with Durbin, who told her the seat she was running for was the same one Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated for. “Those debates boiled down to one issue: slavery,” Stratton said. “And now, the seat where the future of slavery was once debated will be held by a descendant of someone who was enslaved.” Also Read: ‘Americans said NO TO WAR’: Iran's Ghalibaf reacts as Trump admits war hurt GOP Stratton would be the sixth Black woman to serve in the US Senate and the second from the state. She has vowed to raise the federal hourly minimum wage to $25, to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and expand Medicare to all Americans to replace private health insurance. Tracy is a former Illinois GOP chair who called her the "most extreme far-left" Senate candidate in state history. Illinois last elected a Republican to the Senate in 2010. Juliana Stratton is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She began her political career as the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 2019. She was a gubernatorial running mate for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker has often floated the idea of a potential Democratic contender for higher office, including the US presidency.

Illinois Democrat Juliana Stratton defeats Republican Don Tracy, making history as three Black women prepare to serve together in the US Senate.

Juliana Stratton makes history as 3 Black women enter US Senate for first time

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday (Nov 04) appeared to poke fun at conspiracy theories about election interference, making a sarcastic remark about his supposed role after Democrats scored a major victory in the US midterm elections.&nbsp;“Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time,” Musk wrote on X, adding a shrug emoji.&nbsp;The remark came as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Musk had spent nearly half a billion dollars backing Republican political efforts during the election cycle.&nbsp;In another post, Musk also appeared to make a sarcastic reference to the Democratic victory in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa, an opponent of data centre expansion, secured a surprise win.&nbsp;“Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote on X, seemingly hinting at his plans for data centres and other infrastructure projects in Texas.<h2>Musk's donations fail to prevent Republican rout</h2>Musk contributed nearly half a billion dollars to Republican political efforts, making him the largest individual contributor in a federal election cycle since unlimited election spending was allowed in 2010, according to campaign finance tracker OpenSecrets.&nbsp;Most of his donations went to the Republican-leaning America PAC and the Republican Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC.&nbsp;In September, the SLF used $158 million in donations from Musk to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas. However, Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, a close Trump ally, becoming the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994.&nbsp;Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Austin, Talarico took aim at Musk and other powerful figures he said his campaign had challenged.&nbsp;“In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths. The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world and the entire Washington, DC establishment,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-willing-to-continue-working-with-us-after-trump-s-midterm-setback-1793780833237">China says 'willing to continue working' with US after Trump's midterm setback</a><h2>Democrats take control of both houses</h2>Democrats secured control of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of both chambers.&nbsp;The party flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. CBS News projected that Democrats had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate.&nbsp;In the House, Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark. Associated Press projections put the party at 225 seats, compared with 139 for Republicans, at the time of filing.&nbsp;The shift will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January.

Elon Musk made a sarcastic remark about election interference after Republicans suffered a midterm defeat, despite his nearly half-a-billion-dollar funding for the party.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday (Nov 04) appeared to poke fun at conspiracy theories about election interference, making a sarcastic remark about his supposed role after Democrats scored a major victory in the US midterm elections. “Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time,” Musk wrote on X, adding a shrug emoji. The remark came as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Musk had spent nearly half a billion dollars backing Republican political efforts during the election cycle. In another post, Musk also appeared to make a sarcastic reference to the Democratic victory in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa, an opponent of data centre expansion, secured a surprise win. “Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote on X, seemingly hinting at his plans for data centres and other infrastructure projects in Texas. Musk's donations fail to prevent Republican rout Musk contributed nearly half a billion dollars to Republican political efforts, making him the largest individual contributor in a federal election cycle since unlimited election spending was allowed in 2010, according to campaign finance tracker OpenSecrets. Most of his donations went to the Republican-leaning America PAC and the Republican Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC. In September, the SLF used $158 million in donations from Musk to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas. However, Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, a close Trump ally, becoming the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994. Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Austin, Talarico took aim at Musk and other powerful figures he said his campaign had challenged. “In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths. The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world and the entire Washington, DC establishment,” he said. Also Read: China says 'willing to continue working' with US after Trump's midterm setback Democrats take control of both houses Democrats secured control of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of both chambers. The party flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. CBS News projected that Democrats had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate. In the House, Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark. Associated Press projections put the party at 225 seats, compared with 139 for Republicans, at the time of filing. The shift will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January.

Elon Musk made a sarcastic remark about election interference after Republicans suffered a midterm defeat, despite his nearly half-a-billion-dollar funding for the party.

‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback

Bo French lost the Texas Railroad Commissioner race to Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the US Midterms on November 3, following the controversy over his social media posts targeting Indian and South Asian American students at the University of Texas at Austin. Rosenthal became the first Democrat to hold a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission since 1990. The three-member commission regulates the state's oil and gas industry, making it an important institution in one of America's largest energy-producing states. Though it was essentially a local official election, the race gained prominence due to French's posts. Upon victory, Rosenthal said the result sent a message that "the politics of hate no longer work".In a separate major upset, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott also lost his re-election bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. The defeat ended more than three decades of Republican control of the governor's office. Abbott had been seeking a fourth term and was an ally of President Donald Trump.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-americans-fellow-republicans-react-sharply-to-bo-french-s-post-targeting-foreigner-students-in-texas-1789369347097">Indian Americans, fellow Republicans react sharply to Bo French’s post targeting 'foreigner' students in Texas</a><h2>Bo French's controversial post targeting Indian and South Asian students</h2>In September, French posted a photo of Indian and South Asian American students celebrating a University of Texas Longhorns football victory over Ohio State. The Longhorns had secured a dramatic home win against the then top-ranked Ohio State team. Along with the photo on X, French wrote: "I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn't believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined."In another post in the same thread, he argued that the university was prioritising foreigners over Texans, claiming that American families were being denied admission opportunities. His remarks triggered widespread criticism, including from prominent Republicans in Texas.French had previously made similar controversial remarks about immigration and the alleged displacement of Americans by foreigners. His posts frequently targeted diversity at American institutions and questioned the presence of foreign students and workers.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-battle-for-congressional-chambers-begins-in-high-stakes-midterms-1793720642671/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-battle-for-congressional-chambers-begins-in-high-stakes-midterms-1793720642671/embed</a><h2>Indian-American students, fellow Republicans criticised Bo French</h2>Some of the students in the photo were actually American citizens. One of them was Dhairya Gupta, a University of Texas computer science student and a naturalised US citizen. He described French's remarks as deeply offensive.&nbsp;US Senator John Cornyn publicly condemned French's remarks, calling them intolerant and racist and urging other Republican leaders to speak out. Republican Texas House members, including Lacey Hull and Jared Patterson, criticised the posts and called on French to delete them.The controversy also brought attention to the university's admission policies. Under Texas law, 90 per cent of University of Texas freshmen must be Texas residents, and the rest can be both out-of-state and international students. This contradicts the implied claims by French that the university was overwhelmingly prioritising foreign applicants.The backlash brought national attention to the Texas Railroad Commissioner race, gaining visibility to Rosenthal's campaign. His victory marked a significant political breakthrough for Texas Democrats and ended decades of Republican dominance on the commission.

Bo French loses the Texas Railroad Commission race to Jon Rosenthal, two months after his social media posts targeting Indian and South Asian students at the University of Texas sparked controversy. What was essentially a race for a local official post gained national and global prominence

Bo French lost the Texas Railroad Commissioner race to Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the US Midterms on November 3, following the controversy over his social media posts targeting Indian and South Asian American students at the University of Texas at Austin. Rosenthal became the first Democrat to hold a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission since 1990. The three-member commission regulates the state's oil and gas industry, making it an important institution in one of America's largest energy-producing states. Though it was essentially a local official election, the race gained prominence due to French's posts. Upon victory, Rosenthal said the result sent a message that "the politics of hate no longer work". In a separate major upset, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott also lost his re-election bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. The defeat ended more than three decades of Republican control of the governor's office. Abbott had been seeking a fourth term and was an ally of President Donald Trump. Also read: Indian Americans, fellow Republicans react sharply to Bo French’s post targeting 'foreigner' students in Texas Bo French's controversial post targeting Indian and South Asian students In September, French posted a photo of Indian and South Asian American students celebrating a University of Texas Longhorns football victory over Ohio State. The Longhorns had secured a dramatic home win against the then top-ranked Ohio State team. Along with the photo on X, French wrote: "I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn't believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined." In another post in the same thread, he argued that the university was prioritising foreigners over Texans, claiming that American families were being denied admission opportunities. His remarks triggered widespread criticism, including from prominent Republicans in Texas. French had previously made similar controversial remarks about immigration and the alleged displacement of Americans by foreigners. His posts frequently targeted diversity at American institutions and questioned the presence of foreign students and workers. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-battle-for-congressional-chambers-begins-in-high-stakes-midterms-1793720642671/embed Indian-American students, fellow Republicans criticised Bo French Some of the students in the photo were actually American citizens. One of them was Dhairya Gupta, a University of Texas computer science student and a naturalised US citizen. He described French's remarks as deeply offensive. US Senator John Cornyn publicly condemned French's remarks, calling them intolerant and racist and urging other Republican leaders to speak out. Republican Texas House members, including Lacey Hull and Jared Patterson, criticised the posts and called on French to delete them. The controversy also brought attention to the university's admission policies. Under Texas law, 90 per cent of University of Texas freshmen must be Texas residents, and the rest can be both out-of-state and international students. This contradicts the implied claims by French that the university was overwhelmingly prioritising foreign applicants. The backlash brought national attention to the Texas Railroad Commissioner race, gaining visibility to Rosenthal's campaign. His victory marked a significant political breakthrough for Texas Democrats and ended decades of Republican dominance on the commission.

Bo French loses the Texas Railroad Commission race to Jon Rosenthal, two months after his social media posts targeting Indian and South Asian students at the University of Texas sparked controversy. What was essentially a race for a local official post gained national and global prominence

US Midterms 2026: Bo French, who targeted Indian and South Asian students of University of Texas, loses Texas Railroad Commission race

China on Wednesday said it was ready to continue working with the United States after President Donald Trump's Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the elections were an internal matter of the US but stressed Beijing's willingness to maintain cooperation with Washington.&nbsp;"The midterm elections are an internal affair of the United States. China is willing to continue working with the US to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen communication, properly manage differences, expand cooperation, and build a constructive, strategically stable China-US relationship based on the principles of respect, fairness, and reciprocity," Mao said.&nbsp;Mao's remarks signalled Beijing's intention to maintain dialogue with Washington despite the political shift following the midterm elections. She called for stronger communication, better management of differences and greater cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dei-is-back-ro-khanna-s-first-reaction-to-democrats-midterm-victory-1793777167088">'DEI is back': Ro Khanna's first reaction to Democrats' midterm victory</a><h3>Democrats take control of Congress</h3>The Chinese statement came after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of the Senate and House.&nbsp;Democrats flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. At the time of writing, CBS News projected that the party had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate.&nbsp;Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark in the House, with CBS projecting that they would regain control of the chamber after four years. The final seat count was still being determined.&nbsp;The change in congressional control will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January.&nbsp;<h3>Germany to continue working with US</h3>Congratulating US Democrats on their "historic victory" in Congress, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin would continue working with Washington despite the change in control of the legislature.&nbsp;"The US administration will remain the same, and we will continue to cooperate with it trustfully," Pistorius said while speaking at the Berlin Security Conference on Wednesday.&nbsp;He added that he did not know what US President Donald Trump's plans for the near future looked like but stressed that Berlin would reach out to both Democrats and Republicans.

China has expressed its willingness to maintain cooperation and strengthen communication with the US after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

China on Wednesday said it was ready to continue working with the United States after President Donald Trump's Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the elections were an internal matter of the US but stressed Beijing's willingness to maintain cooperation with Washington. "The midterm elections are an internal affair of the United States. China is willing to continue working with the US to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen communication, properly manage differences, expand cooperation, and build a constructive, strategically stable China-US relationship based on the principles of respect, fairness, and reciprocity," Mao said. Mao's remarks signalled Beijing's intention to maintain dialogue with Washington despite the political shift following the midterm elections. She called for stronger communication, better management of differences and greater cooperation between the two countries. Also Read: 'DEI is back': Ro Khanna's first reaction to Democrats' midterm victory Democrats take control of Congress The Chinese statement came after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of the Senate and House. Democrats flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. At the time of writing, CBS News projected that the party had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate. Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark in the House, with CBS projecting that they would regain control of the chamber after four years. The final seat count was still being determined. The change in congressional control will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January. Germany to continue working with US Congratulating US Democrats on their "historic victory" in Congress, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin would continue working with Washington despite the change in control of the legislature. "The US administration will remain the same, and we will continue to cooperate with it trustfully," Pistorius said while speaking at the Berlin Security Conference on Wednesday. He added that he did not know what US President Donald Trump's plans for the near future looked like but stressed that Berlin would reach out to both Democrats and Republicans.

China has expressed its willingness to maintain cooperation and strengthen communication with the US after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

China says 'willing to continue working' with US after Trump's midterm setback

United States President Donald Trump issued a rare praise for rival Democrats Tuesday after their stunning US midterm elections victory and admitted the Iran war may have played a part in the defeat of his Republican Party. But the 80-year-old president refused to take any personal responsibility for the result even as the midterm election was touted as a referendum for his presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-bad-guys-lost-abdul-el-sayed-slams-trump-vance-in-first-reaction-after-historic-win-in-us-midterm-election-1793774375980">'Bad guys lost': Abdul El-Sayed's first reaction after historic Michigan win</a>&nbsp;"Well, I say this: congratulations to the Democrats. They did a good job," Trump said in a telephone interview with FOX News Democracy 26. "They've been looking for this one for 11 years, and they finally got it. But I don't view it as a hit on me." Trump also reiterated that, unlike his 2020 presidential election loss, he accepted the vote results and was ready to work with Democrats now that they will control Congress. "I can work with them on many things," he said. At the same time, Trump warned he was ready to use his executive power to veto any Democratic legislation he felt like."They can send over, you know, 50 different great bills that they're all excited about, and I send them back with a nice stamp -- 'veto.'"&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-allow-trump-ilhan-omar-wins-fifth-term-to-us-house-in-minnesota-s-5th-congressional-district-1793777600089">'Will not allow Trump...': Ilhan Omar wins fifth term to US House</a>&nbsp;The complimentary comments were highly unusual for Trump, who spent much of the midterms campaign branding Democrats as everything from communists to Islamists. Just after the polls, Trump had said that he is ready "to veto Democratic legislation if necessary, and welcomed the moniker ‘Mr Veto.’ In another interview with The New York Times, Trump said that he is "absolutely willing to accept those results,” referring to a win for the Democrats. Trump blamed Republican losses on his not being on the ballot. Speaking to NYT shortly before 10:30 pm on Tuesday while watching the results from the White House, Trump said: “We’ll work with the Democrats, and we’ll, you know, look forward to working with them. We’ll probably work something out.”

Following the Democrats' 2026 midterm sweep, Donald Trump offered rare praise, conceding the Iran war influenced the GOP loss. Refusing personal blame, Trump pledged to work with the new Democratic Congress while warning he stands ready to use his veto power. 

United States President Donald Trump issued a rare praise for rival Democrats Tuesday after their stunning US midterm elections victory and admitted the Iran war may have played a part in the defeat of his Republican Party. But the 80-year-old president refused to take any personal responsibility for the result even as the midterm election was touted as a referendum for his presidency. Also Read: 'Bad guys lost': Abdul El-Sayed's first reaction after historic Michigan win "Well, I say this: congratulations to the Democrats. They did a good job," Trump said in a telephone interview with FOX News Democracy 26. "They've been looking for this one for 11 years, and they finally got it. But I don't view it as a hit on me." Trump also reiterated that, unlike his 2020 presidential election loss, he accepted the vote results and was ready to work with Democrats now that they will control Congress. "I can work with them on many things," he said. At the same time, Trump warned he was ready to use his executive power to veto any Democratic legislation he felt like. "They can send over, you know, 50 different great bills that they're all excited about, and I send them back with a nice stamp -- 'veto.'" Also Read: 'Will not allow Trump...': Ilhan Omar wins fifth term to US House The complimentary comments were highly unusual for Trump, who spent much of the midterms campaign branding Democrats as everything from communists to Islamists. Just after the polls, Trump had said that he is ready "to veto Democratic legislation if necessary, and welcomed the moniker ‘Mr Veto.’ In another interview with The New York Times, Trump said that he is "absolutely willing to accept those results,” referring to a win for the Democrats. Trump blamed Republican losses on his not being on the ballot. Speaking to NYT shortly before 10:30 pm on Tuesday while watching the results from the White House, Trump said: “We’ll work with the Democrats, and we’ll, you know, look forward to working with them. We’ll probably work something out.”

Following the Democrats' 2026 midterm sweep, Donald Trump offered rare praise, conceding the Iran war influenced the GOP loss. Refusing personal blame, Trump pledged to work with the new Democratic Congress while warning he stands ready to use his veto power.&nbsp;

'They did a good job': Trump changes tone after US Midterm Election Results, offers rare praise for Democrats

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