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'Hopefully things get done': Americans react to historic political shift

BBC News •
November 04, 2026 • 10:34 PM
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The BBC spoke to voters from different states for their reaction to Democrats taking control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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The BBC spoke to voters from across the US about Democrats taking control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Reactions ranged from "absolute happiness" to disappointment. Their responses reflected a range of views and what it could mean for the country and the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency.

Read more about the US midterms here .

The BBC's Clive Myrie found voters in the state were asking themselves whether they were better off than two years ago.

The BBC asked voters from across the United States what voting means to them and whether they think it matters in the midterm elections.

The BBC's Ione Wells looks at what Pike says in her statement about surviving two lethal injection attempts.

The BBC's Lucy Woodham explains why a blue donkey and a red elephant are used in US politics.

Anthony Zurcher explains how the results of the midterm elections could reshape the rest of Trump's presidency.

The renowned British actor died after "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, his spokesperson says.

Admirers of the Star Trek actor gathered at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in Los Angeles to pay tribute to his life and acting career.

The actor was a familiar face across the BBC over the years, appearing on programmes like The Graham Norton Show and HARDTalk.

As part of our Voter Voices series, the BBC asked Americans across the country what issue will influence how they vote.

The BBC's Ione Wells looks at whether the defeated right-wing presidential candidate travelled to the US to avoid an ongoing criminal investigation.

The BBC's Ione Wells unpacks Bolsonaro's journey to Miami after losing Brazil's presidential election and facing a passport surrender order.

The defeated Brazilian presidential candidate arrived in the US by private jet on Tuesday morning with his wife and two daughters.

The BBC's Ione Wells explains recent developments after the US said it would issue visas to the defeated right-wing presidential candidate and his family.

Cuban delegates reacted in response to claims from US ambassador Mike Waltz that the Havana government has profited off the forced labor of its citizens.

Maya Turner was recently named one of the University of Manitoba's seven captains, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the school's history.

The BBC's Sarah Smith followed the current and former presidents as both parties hope their biggest names can drive midterm turnout.

The BBC's Sarah Smith asks Democrat Abdul El-Sayed why polls suggest his contest against Republican Mike Rogers is so close.

President Zelensky says limits to the technology continue to affect Ukrainian forces, while US officials and Elon Musk offer conflicting accounts of who controls it.

The BBC's Madeline Halpert spoke to city tourists, residents and horse carriage workers about the industry and their opinion on the ban.

Videos from the Arizona capital show people sheltering inside a car as hail smashes the windscreen, while intense downpours covered neighbourhoods in ice.

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1d ago
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Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed says Americans “temporarily” put their trust and hope in Democrats. But he adds that if his party doesn’t act boldly when its takes control of Congress, Democrats may lose that trust. El-Sayed is the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Senate. The 42-year-old from Michigan is now calling for new Senate leadership and urging President Trump to meet and discuss how they can “figure out what we can work on and get done.”El-Sayed, a former Detroit public health official, even floated the idea of naming major healthcare legislation after Trump.“Put his name on it,” El-Sayed said. “He'll probably pass it. I'm not above doing that. I don't care what it's called.”In this episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, El-Sayed sat down with NPR host Leila Fadel to talk about a divisive campaign season, the future of the Democratic Party and how Congress should legislate during the final two years of Trump’s term in the White House.Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available — any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app.Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.

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