Former President Barack Obama has hailed Democrats’ performance in the US midterm elections held on Tuesday. He urged them to keep using their political influence to push for change and prevent further damage.
“While this administration has another two years in office, our job now is to roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future,” Mr Obama said on Wednesday.
Noting that the American voters had sent a clear message, the former president stressed the need for a politics that brings people together rather than divides them.
“Tonight, the American people sent a clear message—they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face,” he stated.
Mr Obama further noted that Democrats were “united by shared values, a belief in public service and a commitment to putting the people of their districts and states first”.
The former president thanked thousands of election officials and volunteers from both the Democratic and Republican parties, noting they played an essential role in ensuring the elections ran smoothly.
Mr Obama’s remarks came after Democrats performed well in the elections by winning more seats in the Senate and House of Representatives and taking control of Congress for the remaining two years of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Democrats won Senate seats in Republican strongholds, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Iowa and Kansas.
Based on the votes counted so far, Democrats have won seven additional seats, while Republicans have lost seven. Democrats now have 53 seats in the Senate, while Republicans’ seats dropped to 41.
In the House of Representatives elections, Democrats have won 219 seats, while Republicans are far behind with 126 seats.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump has conceded defeat, hailing the Democrats for doing a good job.