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Tears, celebrations and selfies: US midterms in pictures

AFP via Getty Images Supporters of Democrat senatorial candidate James Talarico react to early election results during a midterm election night watch party at Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas on November 3, 2026.AFP via Getty Images

Hugs, cheers and smiles broke out as the Democrats picked up a string of victories in Republican strongholds, delivering them the Senate and the House.

The win gives them control of Congress for the rest of Donald Trump's presidency.

Meanwhile, it was a challenging night for Republican supporters, after a succession of losses in reliably Republican states.

Getty Images Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appears onstage during her election night watch party at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on November 03, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. She's wearing a pink suit. Supporters hold up their phones to film her.Getty Images
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson, a billionaire businessman endorsed by President Trump.
Getty Images Supporters of Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms hold up signs and cheer ahead of her speaking on November 3, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Bottoms defeated Republican candidate Rick Jackson to become the nation's first Black woman governor. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)Getty Images
Bottoms becomes the first black woman elected to be governor of Georgia.
Getty Images Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (2nd R) appears onstage during her election night watch party at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on November 03, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. She is wearing a pink suit.Getty Images
The state has not had a Democratic governor in more than 20 years.
Bloomberg via Getty Images Senator Jon Husted, a Republican from Ohio, joined by his family, speaks during an election night event with Ohio Republicans in Columbus, Ohio, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.Bloomberg via Getty Images
Republican Senator Jon Husted shed a tear whilst surrounded by his family after losing his Ohio seat to Democrat Sherrod Brown.
Reuters US senator Jon Ossoff speaks at a podium during an election night rally after winning re-election in the US midterm elections, in Atlanta, Georgia, US, November 3, 2026. Reuters
Another Democrat victory was seen in Georgia where Senator Jon Ossoff was re-elected, giving him a second term.
Bloomberg via Getty Images Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia, greets attendees during an election night event in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.Bloomberg via Getty Images
Speculation surrounds Ossoff, considered a potential leading contender to run for the Democrats in the next presidential election in 2028.
X/Reuters Texas Senator-elect James Talarico and Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa cheer with drinks while being surrounded by supporters at Whataburger in Austin, Texas, US, in this picture released November 4, 2026.X/Reuters
James Talarico, the new US senator in Texas, and Gina Hinojosa, the state's new governor, toasted their successes.
Getty Images Supporters react to news that Democratic US Senate candidate Troy Jackson has won the election at an election-night watch party at the Holiday Inn Portland - By The Bay on November 03, 2026 in Portland, Maine. US Senator Susan Collins called Jackson to concede the race, according to published reports, ending her bid for a sixth term.Getty Images
In Portland, Maine, supporters reacted to the news that Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson won his seat. He beat Republican veteran Susan Collins who has been in the Senate for nearly 30 years.
Bloomberg via Getty Images Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, looks at election results during an election night event in Bangor, Maine, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.Bloomberg via Getty Images
Susan Collins was pictured looking at election results coming in on a laptop.
Getty Images Attendees watch a TV screen during a midterm election night watch party with Iowa Republicans at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown on November 04, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.Getty Images
The mood was different for Republican supporters at a midterm election night watch party in Des Moines, Iowa. Republican Ashley Hinson lost her Senate seat to Democrat Josh Turek.
Bloomberg via Getty Images Representative Chris Pappas, a Democrat from New Hampshire and US Senate candidate, speaks during an election night event in Manchester, New Hampshire, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. He is wearing a dark suit and stands at a podium.Bloomberg via Getty Images
Democrat Chris Pappas made history as the first openly gay man elected to the Senate, beating his rival Republican Senator John Sununu.
Reuters Democratic US Senate candidate and US Representative Chris Pappas, accompanied by his husband Vann Bentley, celebrates after Republican US Senate candidate and former US Senator John E. Sununu conceded the race, at his election night rally during the US midterm elections in Manchester, New Hampshire, US, November 3, 2026.Reuters
Pappas celebrated his New Hampshire win on stage with his husband.
Getty Images Attendees clean up after a watch party for Maine Republican Senate candidate Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who conceded to her opponent at the Hilton Garden Inn on November 04, 2026, in Bangor, Maine. Getty Images
Attendees paused for thought after a watch party for Maine Republican Senate candidate Susan Collins, following her defeat by Democrat Troy Jackson.
Bloomberg via Getty Images Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina and Democratic US Senate candidate for North Carolina, during an election night event in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Bloomberg via Getty Images
In North Carolina, the Democrats secured the night's first flip of a Senate seat.
Reuters Supporters of Democratic US Senate candidate and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper celebrate his victory at his election night rally during the US midterm elections, in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, November 3, 2026. They are holding up placards saying 'Roy'.Reuters
The state's former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, won against Republican candidate Michael Whatley.
Getty Images The Democratic Party hosts an election night watch party to celebrate Democratic victories in Charlotte, North Carolina, US, on November 03, 2026. A woman in a white top holds a drink in one hand and raises her right fist.Getty Images
A supporter raised a jubilant fist to celebrate the North Carolina win.
AFP via Getty Images Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his wife, Dr Sarah Jukaku, take the stage after he declares victory during a midterm election night party at the Department at Hudson's in Detroit, Michigan, early on November 4, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed will become the first Muslim US senator. He told voters: "You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates."
Getty Images A supporter wearing a Make America Great Again hat watches results on a screen during a midterm election-night watch party for Republican Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at The Westin Galleria on November 3, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.Getty Images
The mood was subdued amongst Republican supporters, after a string of defeats in reliably Republican strongholds.