FORMER United States President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other prominent Democratic leaders have welcomed the party’s victory in the November 3 midterm elections, following its takeover of both chambers of Congress.
Democrats won control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending the Republican Party’s control of Congress and giving them a majority in both chambers for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s current and final term.
Obama, in a post on social media, said the election results showed that Americans wanted a political system that brought people together rather than divided 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 said.
The former president urged Democrats to use the remaining two years of Trump’s administration to organise, pursue changes where they have political power, and prepare for the future.
“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,” Obama added.
Former House Speaker Pelosi also congratulated Democrats, describing the party’s victory in the House as a restoration of a constitutional check on the Presidency.
In a statement published on her official website, Pelosi said voters had demanded lower living costs, better healthcare and a government that prioritised working families.
She also congratulated House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House when the new Congress takes office in January 2027.
Pelosi said Jeffries would make history as the first Black person to occupy the position.
She urged Democrats to use their new majority to lower costs, defend Social Security and Medicare, protect freedoms and hold the Trump administration accountable.
Schumer, Jeffries promise action
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the party’s victory in the Senate as a major achievement, saying voters had rejected high living costs, political instability and corruption in Washington.
In a joint statement with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Schumer said the party had overcome difficult electoral odds to secure the Senate majority.
“Today is a great day for America. The American people have spoken and made clear that they want to see an end to the high costs, endless chaos, and constant corruption from Republicans in Washington,” the statement said.
Schumer and Gillibrand said the party’s candidates had expanded the electoral map by contesting and winning seats in states that had supported Trump in the 2024 presidential poll.
They added that Senate Democrats were ready to begin work with their new majority.
Jeffries also celebrated the results, saying voters had rejected what he described as extremism and corruption.
Speaking at the Democrats’ election-night gathering in Washington, Jeffries said the party would focus on addressing the cost of living and delivering policies that improve the lives of Americans.
“We will fight hard to lower the high cost of housing and groceries and gas,” he said.
He also pledged to work towards reversing cuts to Medicaid and ensuring Americans could afford healthcare.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M